Differences between 08 and 09 Passion

[Celt88]

So the car I ordered is getting close to delivery and everytime I call the dealer i get a little pressure to take an orphan that is close to the car I ordered. When I talked to them on Monday they told me there is a price difference between the 08 and 09 models.

So I'm trying to find out what the differences are between the two and if it its worth it to save a few dollars and go with the 08.

I ordered black/black and the only extra I got was the alarm so I didn't order any of the new colors or go overboard on options.

[spdickey]

Asked and answered here Are There Differences Between '08 and '09?

[Celt88]

Oops sorry about that

[2smartArizona]

Unless they are willing to make you a smokin deal, the price difference is only 400 bucks and I would not take last years car from anyone to only save 400 bucks. I would wait for your 09, or buy an 09 already at the dealership. Myself, I decided to take one at the dealership rather than wait...but bought an 09 at the 08 price.
The differences in the car are not that significant to me, but I would always go for the newer one if you can. Let someone else off the street buy that 08.

[JPaul]

Actually the $400 price increase applied to all cars after last January 1st., independently of the year model. It didn't matter if it was 08 or 09. The price of all vehicles arriving at the Dealer on or after January 1st went up.

[Bill Marshall]

I'm seeing a lot of cars on dealership lots. I was at a New York dealership on Maonday & they had 20 smarts on the lot. (They had about the same number of Mini Coopers next door.) I've seen the same thing elsewhere. I don't know how much longer dealerships are going to be able to stay with this "no discount" pricing.

They may have4 a policy of raising the pricing of '08's to the same levels as '09's, but no one is going to buy the '08's for that price & everyone knows that the dealer didn't pay the same for the '08 that he paid for the '09.

A couple of months ago when I was shopping dealerships, I also found dealers that were charging new prices for used fortwo's. Low mileage to be sure, but still 5 or 6 thousand miles. That may have worked when gas prices wre high & availability was limited. But used fortwo's are no longer holding their value & dealers have carrying charges on these cars. In this economy, prices will come down - unless someone repeals the law of supply & demand.

[Macaw]

Maybe they figure if they hoard them until gas goes back up to $4 gallon they'll make a killing... LOL

[Padawan]

I'm not really patient when it comes to things like this, so if my dealer had an orphan that met my original specs, I'd probably go with that. The only "real" difference worth mentioning is the transmission program, but that will be available soon as a warranty upgrade for all 2008 models. Other than that, I prefer the old solid plastic pockets over the mesh, and as you said, the black is still black. I'd personally rather put the $400+ (factoring in tax) savings toward some accessories, and you will likely be able to get the dealer to throw in some floor mats or other item as well.

I don't envision there being an appreciable difference in resale value depending upon when/if you decide to sell, and you'll get to enjoy your car sooner.

Just my opinion, of course. Others like to have the newest/latest possible, and to each, his own.

[Smartfor2guy]

Unless they drop the price by $1500.00 wait for the 09 - depreciation

[spikey01]

09 is definitely worth the $400 - Rides, shifts, accelerates better. Much better car.