Expensive Orphans

[Greensnbeans]

Calling the San Diego Smart dealer revealed there were several orphans available on the lot. Since my delivery date recently changed to Jan-Mar 09, I naturally hurried to check out these vehicles. I learned that Capitalism is alive and well in San Diego. There were indeed several orphans, and at least 20 other smarts on the lot in unspecified states of ownership. What a disappointment it was to learn the orphans are not sold as ordered. Instead they are retrofitted with $2,000 custom seats, $800 Teflon coatings, up-scaled audios and other dealer add-ons so that the orphaned units accquired from $3,000 to more than $7,000 of added costs. I left the lot Smart-less resigned to wait another six months. But on the way home I thought about how the US automakers have missed a tremendous market opportunity; and that disappointment hurt.

[JPaul]

Don't give up yet: some dealerships do sell their orphans without add-ons. I don't know of the specific location, but it may pay to look around?

[jefferios]

Bloomington, MN only adds on floormats and CD holders roughly $100 more for stuff that is useful. Plus everyone is super friendly! (They have even attended our rally's)

[SunDiego]

Dealers are hurting to make money and this is what they are doing to make it. Personally, the extra money was worth it and not have to wait ~22 months.

San Diego did have an orphan last week without any add ons. If you end up buying one with the add ons, talk to Ricardo and he'll cut the price for you.

[mmmeat]

Originally Posted by Greensnbeans

Calling the San Diego Smart dealer revealed there were several orphans available on the lot. Since my delivery date recently changed to Jan-Mar 09, I naturally hurried to check out these vehicles. I learned that Capitalism is alive and well in San Diego. There were indeed several orphans, and at least 20 other smarts on the lot in unspecified states of ownership. What a disappointment it was to learn the orphans are not sold as ordered. Instead they are retrofitted with $2,000 custom seats, $800 Teflon coatings, up-scaled audios and other dealer add-ons so that the orphaned units accquired from $3,000 to more than $7,000 of added costs. I left the lot Smart-less resigned to wait another six months. But on the way home I thought about how the US automakers have missed a tremendous market opportunity; and that disappointment hurt.

Shoot up to Smart Laguna Niguel in Orange County and talk to Dean about getting on the orphan list and tell him exactly what you want and he'll set you up.

I may be the easiest one on the list: I just want the black Tridion cell; I can change the color of the car to whatever I want, and all the cars seem to come with the comfort package.

Your pal,
Meat.