I checked autotrader.com for smarts a few minutes ago. There were 34 new smarts available, all from the dealers who own smart dealerships, including one of Penske's own. No pictures, but they do list VINs. The prices seem to be at MSRP. Does this suggest cracks in the reservation system? An advertising ploy on the part of the dealers, or perhaps a different way to move the orphans? Whatever it is, I found it disturbing.
I checked autotrader.com for smarts a few minutes ago. There were 34 new smarts available, all from the dealers who own smart dealerships, including one of Penske's own. No pictures, but they do list VINs. The prices seem to be at MSRP. Does this suggest cracks in the reservation system? An advertising ploy on the part of the dealers, or perhaps a different way to move the orphans? Whatever it is, I found it disturbing.
My 2 cents: I think its all a bunch of crap either way you look at it. I think before anyone is allowed to configure a car they need to put down a bigger deposit that is non-refundable this way people who are just toying with the notion of buying the car are weeded out and the serious buyers take true precedence. I don't think people should be able to order a car only to simply drop out when the time comes for them to hold up to their part of the deal. You either want one or you don't. If you don't get out of the way so others can move up the line. It seems like there are a lot of people out there who just want to simply say "I'm on the list", but don't plan to follow through.
I agree the deposit should be increased at configuration to at least $500 non-refundable.
The good news with this system is that you can reserve a car for just $99 and have it made just the way you want. If I could I would have fun configuring a private jet for $99. Probably wouldn't buy it, but I would really enjoy the test drive when it arrived at the dealer. There's going to be some serious dead wood on the reservations list with only a $99 refundable deposit, and thus the opportunity to go orphan hunting is very good.
I agree the deposit should be increased at configuration to at least $500 non-refundable.
The good news with this system is that you can reserve a car for just $99 and have it made just the way you want. If I could I would have fun configuring a private jet for $99. Probably wouldn't buy it, but I would really enjoy the test drive when it arrived at the dealer. There's going to be some serious dead wood on the reservations list with only a $99 refundable deposit, and thus the opportunity to go orphan hunting is very good.
Can I test fly your jet when it comes in? LOL I was thinking about this too. I was going to start the process of selling my car as soon as I configured an order, but am now wondering if I should start now???? Anyone want a 2007 Dodge Nitro? It's a looker thats for sure.
My 2 cents: I think its all a bunch of crap either way you look at it. I think before anyone is allowed to configure a car they need to put down a bigger deposit that is non-refundable this way people who are just toying with the notion of buying the car are weeded out and the serious buyers take true precedence. I don't think people should be able to order a car only to simply drop out when the time comes for them to hold up to their part of the deal. You either want one or you don't. If you don't get out of the way so others can move up the line. It seems like there are a lot of people out there who just want to simply say "I'm on the list", but don't plan to follow through.
A couple looking to go out to eat dinner for their anniversary or some other event make reservations at 5 different restaurants.full well knowing they will only go to one of them....That's the inconsiderate world we live in today, I guess....
Can I test fly your jet when it comes in? LOL I was thinking about this too. I was going to start the process of selling my car as soon as I configured an order, but am now wondering if I should start now???? Anyone want a 2007 Dodge Nitro? It's a looker thats for sure.
All we need are a few flying lessons first ;)......I think the configuration e-mail is going to start the clock on when your car really does arrive. There is some uncertainty on the time it takes between first reservation and configuration. Best guesses and information from salespeople and the rumor mill is that they are shooting for 90 day delivery from your configuration. If you want a car sooner you can probably snag an orphan.
I checked autotrader.com for smarts a few minutes ago. There were 34 new smarts available, all from the dealers who own smart dealerships, including one of Penske's own. No pictures, but they do list VINs. The prices seem to be at MSRP. Does this suggest cracks in the reservation system? An advertising ploy on the part of the dealers, or perhaps a different way to move the orphans? Whatever it is, I found it disturbing.
unfortunately this is standard procedure for all new car dealers who also list their new inventory on autotrader.com. i ran into this same scenario when i ws trying to locate my new S5 last November. apparently all of their new cars are automatically loaded into the autotrader system no matter if they are sold or not. i ended up calling over 50 dealers when i was looking for the S5 and all had the car "available" on autotrader but none actually available when you contact the dealer. even completely custom ordered cars from Germany are loaded and shown as "available" on the site even though they are complete custom and presold before they ever leave the factory. yet another shady practice from the car dealer network. stupid. dumb.
I think before anyone is allowed to configure a car they need to put down a bigger deposit that is non-refundable this way people who are just toying with the notion of buying the car are weeded out and the serious buyers take true precedence.
I think the reservation system that we were all sold in the beginning is now broken. Reservations don't seem to mean much to anyone any more. Even if you have a reservation the confirmation process seems to have bogged down. We don't get any information from smartUSA. We are all left to fend for our selves. SmartUSA did provide us a wonderful list of dealers that we can spend our spare time every week contacting to see if the have an orphan that fits what we want. If you wait to confirm your reservation you run the risk of getting your car in 2009. This isn't the way is was suppose to be.
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I was thinking about this too. I was going to start the process of selling my car as soon as I configured an order, but am now wondering if I should start now???? Anyone want a 2007 Dodge Nitro? It's a looker thats for sure. 
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