Celt. You didn't tell us much about the car you have on order so it's hard to comment on your choices. But, if you ordered your new car without AC, you might consider choosing again.
Non AC Smarts take a hit at resale time and are very hard to sell. (not to mention miserable to drive in the summer) A2Jack
09 is definitely worth the $400 - Rides, shifts, accelerates better. Much better car.
If it rides better, where are the part numbers for the new improved springs and dampers? The engine specs are unchanged, and the transmission program will be availabe to everyone for free. Mesh door pockets and a loose gas cap light hardly qualify the '09 as a "much better car".
If it rides better, where are the part numbers for the new improved springs and dampers? The engine specs are unchanged, and the transmission program will be availabe to everyone for free. Mesh door pockets and a loose gas cap light hardly qualify the '09 as a "much better car".
I'm shocked this dealer still has 2008s. Didn't the 2009 start shipping back in September? He hasn't been able to move a Smart in 5 months? And if it's been there that long, why is he just now offering you an orphan? You could have gotten a car half a year ago!
Smart has not confirmed in writing to anyone on this board about transmission program upgrade. I was told it could not be done for an 08. Get the 09 because the transmission does make it a much better car.
Smart has not confirmed in writing to anyone on this board about transmission program upgrade. I was told it could not be done for an 08. Get the 09 because the transmission does make it a much better car.
The SmartUSA rep I spoke with, as well as the managed of my smart center (who confirmed with his regional contact) have both indicated it will be out soon as a warranty item. There are quite of few '08 "testers" already out there with the '09 program. It just has yet to be fully rolled out nationwide.
Celt. You didn't tell us much about the car you have on order so it's hard to comment on your choices. But, if you ordered your new car without AC, you might consider choosing again.
Non AC Smarts take a hit at resale time and are very hard to sell. (not to mention miserable to drive in the summer) A2Jack
It's a black Passion has the ac and an alarm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by epbrown
I'm shocked this dealer still has 2008s. Didn't the 2009 start shipping back in September? He hasn't been able to move a Smart in 5 months? And if it's been there that long, why is he just now offering you an orphan? You could have gotten a car half a year ago!
They have offered me orphans before now, but they were loaded with options I didn't want, or colors I didn't like.
They have offered me orphans before now, but they were loaded with options I didn't want, or colors I didn't like.
Ah, that makes sense. It does look like dealers are no longer dumping aftermarket "upgrades" on every car they get their hands on, which is nice. I wanted black but I wasn't fussed about the color since you can just swap the panels.
If it rides better, where are the part numbers for the new improved springs and dampers? The engine specs are unchanged, and the transmission program will be availabe to everyone for free. Mesh door pockets and a loose gas cap light hardly qualify the '09 as a "much better car".
Egads, if the '09 "rides better" I'd hate to be in an '08. That's the one thing I hate about our little '09 guy... it's like riding a rickshaw cart over cobblestones.
From what I can tell the '09s:
- don't come in yellow
- have no cupholder insert
- have mesh door pockets
- shift smoother
- can paddle shift in and out of D
That last thing is the best, IMO. I love being able to simply click a paddle to up- or downshift, and then hold the "up" paddle to go back to "D". I've never had the floor shifter in +/- mode, and I couldn't imagine doing so 'cause if the stick was to the left it would be pressing my fat right thigh. (BTW, another reason for power windows: no driver's side knob digging into your fat left knee, LOL.)
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