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I got a call from my local smart center yesterday where they gave me 2 options.
1. I could come down and get a 2009 model off the lot with a $500 rebate.
2. Since my smartie is coming up to be built, they need a $500 deposit to get the build started since Smart will not start building it without a "sign of commitment" from me.
I asked the guy since I wanted to get a 2010 model, could I reconfigure to get the Kenwood unit before it is built (since when I configured the options have changed). He told me that is a dealer installed option. I know that the dealer CAN install it but if they have not built mine yet, why not have it factory installed.
So, I guess my question is this.
If my smart will not be built until I pay $500, can't my options be changed to select the newer offerings?
Sorry if this has already been discussed but I could not find it if it has.
What is up with this and which smart center is involved? Your $99 reservation fee is the only thing needed "upfront" - your car will be built based on your configuration specs. smart USA does not require any additional $$$ to "get the build started" so I'd question the dealership on that one.
As I understand it, the Kenwood stereo/nav units will be installed at the dealer by a Kenwood installer. They are a smart USA option and not available at Hambach for factory installs.
Heckle, IF it is an option in your area, find another smart center. Your's is trying to take you for a ride. You need to get ahold of Dave Shembri and let him know what your local center is trying to pull. I don't think he would take very kindly to it....
Until you actually purchase your smart, you do not owe smart anything more than $99.
Heckle, IF it is an option in your area, find another smart center. Your's is trying to take you for a ride. You need to get ahold of Dave Shembri and let him know what your local center is trying to pull. I don't think he would take very kindly to it....
Until you actually purchase your smart, you do not owe smart anything more than $99.
My smart center got my car from a dealer who lost their right to sell smarts because they were requiring a deposit to hold a smart from the time it hit port till it hit the dealer.
Maybe you can tell them about these replies and ask what the add'l $500 is for. It's clearly something that they themselves came up with -- not a Smart company idea. So maybe it's bc they've lost lots of potential buyers and don't want to get stuck with some weirdly configured orphan ("I want it in white, with all the trimmings, and it has to be bulletproof!"). If their motives seem pure, I'd understand and wouldn't mind the $500 outlay. But if you're only configuring a pretty normal vehicle, I'd say stick to your guns (no $500 deposit) or find another dealership if possible. Either way, you should notify Smart about this d'ship.
Thanks for all the replies. The center in question is the SmartCenter in Hartford CT. They had lots of Smarts in a back lot about a year ago but I was going to wait for mine. The guy has called me a couple of times trying to get me in to purchase one from the lot and I have told him I am waiting for mine. Last time he called and told me they needed $500, I asked him what for. He told me that Smart wanted it before they would build my car. He also told me that it was in the reservation agreement. When I originally reserved, I printed it off. It is at work in my desk and I will be reading it through tomorrow.
Perhaps I will wait for the guy to call me back (he said he would in 2 weeks) since I told him I needed to check into this first, and if it smells like a cow pasture, I will contact Dave about the situation.
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