Don't buy this stupid (smart) car is back - mr. Schembri called
I thought I was thru and the moderator closed out the thread but I had to let you'all know about my call from Mr. Schembri today. I had called him prior to Christmas to let him know of my problems and he was out for the holiday as would be expected. First thing this morning I get a call from him, THE boss which in and of itself is impressive to say the least. This is in keeping with all of the good things we have heard about him to this point. I told him of my experience in waiting 45min on two occasions for someone to answer 1-800-Smart during my recent problems, the fact that the people at 1-800-Smart said everything was a dealer problem and not Smart's responsibility and were not helpful at all, the 2 hour wait for a tow, the fact that I was told no battery was available for 2-3 weeks and the cost of a rental car for that long etc. I also explained how the general manager in Jackson solved the problem after the service dept. could not. I told him I truly enjoyed the car but I felt these problems certainly needed to be addressed. He could not have been more gracious and understanding. He said they are seeing more issues with the battery failing on the 2008. We had a very nice conversation and all I can say is that SMART USA is in good hands!!
I told him I truly enjoyed the car but I felt these problems certainly needed to be addressed. He could not have been more gracious and understanding. He said they are seeing more issues with the battery failing on the 2008. We had a very nice conversation and all I can say is that SMART USA is in good hands!!
When I read your previous thread and posts I didn't see that you liked the car at all. You told anyone who liked it that "We had our heads in the sand" and "We can't handle the truth".
I thought I was thru and the moderator closed out the thread but I had to let you'all know about my call from Mr. Schembri today. I had called him prior to Christmas to let him know of my problems and he was out for the holiday as would be expected. First thing this morning I get a call from him, THE boss which in and of itself is impressive to say the least. This is in keeping with all of the good things we have heard about him to this point. I told him of my experience in waiting 45min on two occasions for someone to answer 1-800-Smart during my recent problems, the fact that the people at 1-800-Smart said everything was a dealer problem and not Smart's responsibility and were not helpful at all, the 2 hour wait for a tow, the fact that I was told no battery was available for 2-3 weeks and the cost of a rental car for that long etc. I also explained how the general manager in Jackson solved the problem after the service dept. could not. I told him I truly enjoyed the car but I felt these problems certainly needed to be addressed. He could not have been more gracious and understanding. He said they are seeing more issues with the battery failing on the 2008. We had a very nice conversation and all I can say is that SMART USA is in good hands!!
So he "sweet talked you", BUT what did he actually DO to make you whole from the horrible dealer / service experience?
So what's the lesson here? Did Schembri give you a 10 year free supply of Xmas fruit cake. Did you get you rental car money back, out of this? I can't believe, you called Schembri over a battery. You bad mouth this car company, over a battery. I want to sell it, its a piece off junk. It was the dealers issue all time. Bad mouth the dealer!, NOT the company. If I was Schembri. I'd would kick you butt by saying, don't buy this stupid Smart. Your hurting his livelihood. I hope a head light bulb never burns out on your car.
Maybe Schembri gave the OP a new '09 MHD smart in exchange for his silence on the specifics of the settlement? It's called "hush money" around here. And Dave probably threw in some 'coon stew and deep fried frog legs to sweeten the deal. Who could say no to that?
There are inherent risks in buying any car that doesn't have a large, well established dealer network. It sounds like most Smart buyers understand this. It's best to solicit info. on a given dealer's reputation before buying; some are good, others aren't. It seems the car's not the problem, just certain dealers. But this should be SOP in buying any car, not just a Smart.
So what's the lesson here? Did Schembri give you a 10 year free supply of Xmas fruit cake. Did you get you rental car money back, out of this? I can't believe, you called Schembri over a battery. You bad mouth this car company, over a battery. I want to sell it, its a piece off junk. It was the dealers issue all time. Bad mouth the dealer!, NOT the company. If I was Schembri. I'd would kick you butt by saying, don't buy this stupid Smart. Your hurting his livelihood. I hope a head light bulb never burns out on your car.
Sorry, but Schembri should be GRATEFUL that he was informed of the long hold times and as for the dealer who else are you to call. The head of the company NEEDS to know about poor dealer service. HIS CAR WAS INOPERABLE DUE TO A BATTERY!!! He had every right to call the head man to inform him. And if I had been told by a manufacturer that a KNOWN bad battery problem was not their responsibility but the dealers I would have given them more than a piece of my mind. And before you go off on me as of today we are a smart only family 1 '08 pure and 1 '09 cabrio. So get off your attitude and try to understand if YOUR only means of transport was down for a freakin' BATTERY! I don't care how new the company is or the 2-hours I am from a dealer I expect and get 5-star treatment from MY dealership as any new car purchaser should get!
I bet Dave was grateful, which is why Grovelr (spelling, on my BB and can't see how too spell it) had a good experience. It was ridiculous he had to go through that over a battery but it was also rude to come here to seemingly bash the car for a battery. But, the abuse needs to stop. The issue is resolved and all is well. No more OP bashing.
Sorry, but Schembri should be GRATEFUL that he was informed of the long hold times and as for the dealer who else are you to call. The head of the company NEEDS to know about poor dealer service. HIS CAR WAS INOPERABLE DUE TO A BATTERY!!! He had every right to call the head man to inform him. And if I had been told by a manufacturer that a KNOWN bad battery problem was not their responsibility but the dealers I would have given them more than a piece of my mind. And before you go off on me as of today we are a smart only family 1 '08 pure and 1 '09 cabrio. So get off your attitude and try to understand if YOUR only means of transport was down for a freakin' BATTERY! I don't care how new the company is or the 2-hours I am from a dealer I expect and get 5-star treatment from MY dealership as any new car purchaser should get!
Its the was dealer issues all along. They had other batteries on the car lot. Why didn't he stand up and say something that day at the dealership. He bad mouth the Smart company, on the most powerful source there is today.
The internet!!!!!! A new person coming to this site would think the cars a piece of junk. The way he title the tread, not once but twice!!! I love my car.
I don't need someone bad mouthing the car company. So who freaky side are you on mister 2 car. He called both your cars a piece of junk too.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Big Red
R2-D2 42
Today
Linear Mode
