Don't buy this STUPID (SMART) car

[gvoeller]

The car is stock. Radio is factory. The day it died I got in it in the morning, it started right up and I drove it two miles to one of my hospitals. I went in and saw 2 patients and 15 minutes later went out to leave and it was dead. The lights came on etc and the wrecker tried to jump it but no go. The dealer swears it is the battery but makes no sense to me since I had lights etc. I wish I had some addresses to get a letter to SMART. I called 1-800 SMART tonite to try to get that info and they were TOTALLY unhelpful. They told me it is my problem and I would have to work through it with the dealer and not SMART. Thanks to everyone for all of the responses. It helps to have someone to ***** to!!

[Two Butts]

I'm very sorry to hear your frustrations with your car. It can be extreemly frustrating having the transportation you rely on broken down and in the shop. You have a right to be frustrated, but I hope that you can put this issue behind you and let the car grow on you over time.

I've had my Passion Coupe since February, have just under 3,000 miles on the Odometer, and I have not had any issues or failures with the car. It has been nothing but reliable and I'm very happy with it's quality. I also have to say that I am very happy with my dealership too; although I have only had to use them to install an option and conduct the car's first oil change.

With respect to the OEM battery, and all OEM batteries for that matter, I personally make it a point to replace them for a Optima Gel-Cel battery right after they die once and for all.

I wish you the best of luck with your car.

[CruzinSusan]

Hi, gvoeller,

I thorouighly agree with the advice to write letters. Always go to the top. I've had lots of luck with the following tactic (feel free to use, if you like

Dear Mr/Ms President/General Manager:

My attorney is aware of the following facts:

1. Purchased my smart car on .....
2. I drive my car X miles per day.
3. I am a normal driver, and do not abuse my car.
4. After X miles, the battery died.
5. Car was transported to dealer for battery replacement.
6. After X days, I still don't have my car.
7. Telephone calls have been useless in solving this problem.
8. I need my car to make a living, and am incurring rental car expenses for a problem not of my making.
9. I am increasingly frustrated at the lack of customer care from Name of Dealership.
10. I am running out of options.

If you fail to resolve this immediately, I will be forced to take action. I would much rather be enjoying my new smart car, but the Name of Dealership does not seem to care about me as a customer by finding a solution to this relatively small problem. I can't believe that is actually the case.

I have tried to be patient, but I'm sure you understand why I am just about fed up. If you care about your customers, and about my satisfaction with your service, please attend to this matter right now, so I can relate the resolution to my attorney.

If I do not hear from you within one (1) day of receipt of this letter, I have no choice but to make a decision. I can be reached at this number: 555-555-5555.

I am looking forward to your prompt response, and a quick reslution to my battery problem.

Sincerely,

Or something like that. I'd cc a copy to Penske Headquarters as well.

Good luck, and try to have some Happy Holidays.

[xviper]

Originally Posted by MIPOD

Sounds like there maybe a loose nut behind the wheel...I suspect if the car troubles you so and causes so much anx., try letting it go for $12,000 and you will live a little longer....

Perhaps you're just being funny, but are you suggesting that he sells his car at a depreciation rate of in excess of 35% in just 8 months? If so, then this is just pouring salt on the wounds he's already suffered at the hands of his dealership. With this kind of depreciation, I wouldn't touch such a car with a 10 foot pole.
The OP is most likely not a "car guy". To him, he bought a product that he expects to serve him each and every time he needs it. He doesn't care that it's just a battery. It could just as well be a blown engine. In either case, his 8 month old car does not function to serve his needs. If it doesn't work, what good is it? If the dealer won't fix it in a timely manner, what good it it?

On a side note...... I see anytime someone posts that they are somehow unhappy with the car they bought due to a problem, people begin to post how they've put on 1000 miles, 2000 miles, 3000 miles without any problems. Even at 20,000 miles without any problems should not be something noteworthy. For most car marques, 20,000 miles is nothing. That's just the beginning of life. It's not very reasonable to use such low mileage as a testamonial of a car's good reliability. Most Hondas and Toyotas go many 10's of thousands of miles before anything breaks. And a Smart is a Benz, isn't it?

[redbluff]

Call 248 648 2450 and tell Dave Schembri about your trouble. i am on my third Smart and only have had one minor problem. also tell the dealer to go to a VW dealer to get the battery. It is the same one used in a couple VW models.

[nprsmart]

Originally Posted by redbluff

Call 248 648 2450 and tell Dave Schembri about your trouble.

Mr. Schembri is the man who can get to the bottom of the problem.

[jediknight36]

Originally Posted by 2smartArizona

I'd show up with my own battery and tell them to give me my car back. I cannot believe that a dealership would make anyone wait weeks for a battery. A ten minute job at worst. If they cannot get a Daimler battery there in a timely manner, they should offer you an alternative.

Personally I would throw an Optima in it from Costco and send some nastygrams to Penske concerning their inabilty to get a battery in a timely manner.

Appreciate having the knowledge of your experience, though, and I will just hope I don't have the same problem.

Here here!

Groveler, remember when you complain here: more details! You have a legetimate issue. And the dealer isnt much help here. 2smartAZ has the right idea, as do many people. Keep us updated.

[Kermit]

Hi Groveler - seems like you have a lot of support from fellow Smart members. I know, a lot of good that does besides a shoulder to cry on.

Some VERY good responses so far. Dave's phone #, a nice letter for you to literally cut & paste and mail and lots of great options, if you feel like keeping your car for an extended amount of time (buying an Optima battery and retrofitting - ie, longer negative cable). All some super answers along with some amateur comedians trying to be funny at your expense which I can understand isn't funny in your frustrated state.

When this is over and done I have a feeling you may actually like/love your car even more. Why? If you would of bought a GM or even a **cringe** Toyota or Honda and had been unfortunate enough to be the small percentage to get a defective part I don't think the fellow owner support would of been as great. Three cheers to everyone who has given support and positive helpful feedback so far.

KEEP US UPDATED! We really want to know how this plays out AND make sure you use the dealer's name/location a few more times so hopefully it'll come up in a search if the dealer has someone that may search every so often to see what is being said about their business. That is always a motivator for the dealer to step up their customer satisfaction attempts. I know I'm not too happy with my closest dealer, but they haven't done enough wrong to get me writing bad about them. In this case, your dealer has.

If anything, they should "borrow" a battery out of a tester to get you on the road. That would be motivation them to expedite the whole process of getting a new battery plus it would get you on the road.

[chieftmc]

Sorry to hear about your troubles.

smartUSA's address is on page 24 of your owners manual

[EinsteinsMommy]

Originally Posted by gvoeller

I have had it since April and you will soon find out what I have found.

I've had mine since April 10th and love it like no other. IF I ever have a problem with this car I will have it fixed because I can't picture myself driving anything else. I love him and wouldn't trade him for all the "normal" cars in the world!

Be safe and have a Merry Christmas!