I have whistled this tune often while logging over 2,500 miles since I picked up my blue/black/black passion from smart center LaVista (Omaha, NE) on April 18. I have owned many “fun” vehicles – ’68 Hemi Charger, ’75 Kawasaki Z1 – but none as pleasing as my smart. I can’t hardly go a day without driving it, and like many of you, I find excuses to just go somewhere. It’s a blast. If you find yourself checking on your “baby” sitting in the garage at night, this is normal “parental” behavior. Don’t worry. Be happy.
I have waited almost three years for a smart car. I placed a $1000 deposit with ZAP on August 24, 2005. After waiting eight months, ZAP called and said cars were now available. I called the nearest dealer (800 miles away) and they had six cars available for $28K each. I told the dealer he was crazy. I could by a Yaris and ten years worth of gas for $28K. I requested a refund from ZAP, which I received on June 6, 2006. For those that purchased a car from ZAP, Steve Schneider thanks you. I decided to wait for Daimler to sell them here. Don’t worry. Be happy.
My smart timeline:
4/2/07 Reserved, #1187
11/9/07 Configured
2/08 Manufactured (Tag inside driver door)
2/27/08 Intro email from T.J. Maher at smart center LaVista
3/6/08 BOOKED (Cargo tracking info)
3/11/08 RECEIVED AT TERMINAL (Bremerhaven)
3/11/08 LOADED ON VESSEL (Taronga)
3/27/08 DISCHARGED (Baltimore, MD)
3/31/08 "Delivery Date Estimator" email from smartUSA
4/7/08 Arrived at smart center LaVista
4/18/08 Picked up at smart center LaVista
For those complaining about the DDE, it is only a best case/worst case 90-day “window of opportunity” based on too many variables to list here that you can’t do anything about. I don’t even care what mine was. This car is worth the wait. In fact, I think I’ll wait for a second one. Don’t worry. Be happy.
I want to thank the staff at smart center LaVista for my best dealer experience ever. Product Specialists T.J. Maher and Andrea Halter did a phenomenal job coordinating the sale. Parts Manager Neil Gustafson took care of the accessories and was a pleasure to work with. Thanks to the detail crew for making the car look awesome even on a rainy day. Don’t worry. Be happy.
My smart configuration:
passion coupe $13,590.00
Blue metallic paint 225.00
Fog lamps 110.00
Tach & clock 120.00
Premium sound system 350.00
Comfort package 850.00
Destination charge 645.00
Total MSRP $15,890.00
Reservation -99.00
Dealer handling fee 279.00
Powdercoat wheels 450.00
Taxes 812.05
Title & Registration 139.00
Total "out the door" $17,372.05
For those upset about the dealer doc fees, you only paid MSRP. Buy an Escape hybrid in Texas. Don’t worry. Be happy.
I wanted my wheels powdercoated black. I contacted a local paint shop that quoted $70 per wheel and wanted one week lead time, plus another shop needed to dismount, mount, and balance the tires. The car would have to set on jack stands in my garage for at least a week. Andrea found a paint shop in Omaha that would do the work in one day. T.J. originally quoted $450 to do all that, but the paint shop misquoted the job, increasing the total cost to $499. T.J. only charged me the original quoted price. Neil ordered an extra set of wheels to powdercoat so the car wouldn’t set in a service bay for a couple days. My original wheels will be powdercoated for display in the showroom. I waited an extra week to pick up my car, but it was worth it. Don’t worry. Be happy.
The MANUAL transmission may be quirky for some, but I find it to be a technological wonder with no clutch pedal. Since most of my miles are on the highway at 60 to 70 mph, I mostly drive in “D” and rarely use the paddles. Gentle acceleration provides the smoothest shifts and saves gas. Though, sometimes I miss my Hemi Charger. Nothin’ like fillin’ the trunk with smoke. Don’t worry. Be happy.
Since I drive 500 to 600 miles a week, I bought my smart to save money on gas, and not because it is cute. My wife called it “butt ugly” one day. I know who will be driving the smart every day. I gave her my gas-guzzling PT Cruiser since she only drives less than a mile to work. I fill up every two or three days and she fills up once a month. Glad I waited for my smart. Don’t worry. Be happy.
A smart car is not for every one, especially those that can’t wait or need more than two seats. I can’t fit in a Yaris, and wanted the most mpg for the buck. Hybrids may be more fuel efficient, but take years to pay back the cost difference of a comparable non-hybrid model. You are not saving money with a hybrid. A Ford dealer in Texas is buying Escape hybrids off the lots of Midwest dealers at MSRP and selling them in Texas for $10K over MSRP. A fool and his money are soon parted. Don’t worry. Be happy.
I’m done ramblin’ now. Gotta go check on my “baby.” Don’t worry. Be happy. Drive smart.
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