I Orphaned My Little Smartie Today

[rwcmick]

I tell you, this is almost as bad as when I had to finally put down my first dog. He was arthritic and really couldn't see anymore. I'm not so sure that he didn't have a little dementia as well. Anyways, I have asked for the return of my deposit on my red/silver cabrio w/ red interior.

Several things lead to this decision. Firstly, when I reserved the car back in March, we had one child. Later on in the year, we found out that my wife was pregnant with our second child. Next, the economy started to worry me a bit. Thirdly, I was a little cranky about the 2/24 warranty, especially on an as equipped, $18,695 car. Given all those things, strapping on a third car loan just didn’t seem like the responsible thing to do right now.

I have waited for the smart ever since it was introduced in Europe. I love that little car. Whenever we were traveling, I’d drag my family all over creation to check out smart dealers. I’ve bought smart press kits on eBay, I’ve got smart t-shirts, and I’m thinking about framing my original reservation confirmation.

I’m not giving up hope. Once I’ve paid off the van and the wagon, I’ll once again be seriously considering the smart. I just love that little car sooooo much! Hopefully we’ll either see the micro-hybrid or the diesel model in a couple of year’s time.

I’ll still be here on the boards, just as much as ever. I just have to live vicariously through your experiences for now. This really is a sad day for me.

I don’t know what San Jose’s policy is on orphan cars, but you might want to give them a call. My cabrio was red/silver w/ red interior, alarm, fog lights, power steering, gauges, and heated seats. They probably have a wait list, but as we’ve seen on this board every dealer is handling orphans differently at this point in time. smart center San Jose’s phone number is 408-247-9034

[CruzinSusan]

Your sad tale made me cry.

But - through my tears, I sure understand your decision...snuffle, sniff...

[JIM VINYARD]

Sorry for your lose. Things will get better with time.

[skyzdlimit59]

Be strong. A couple of years flies by when you have babies.

[SmartCard]

that's tough, but ya gotta do what you gotta do!

[SmartShanna]

A tragedy, just a tragedy. Damn little ankle biters get in the way of everything! Seriously, though, I am glad to hear you will still be here on the boards.

[Yellowcarsrock]

How do you orphan your car? Do you send an email to smartusa.com or do you call your local dealer?

I'm thinking it might be wiser to get an '09, I've heard my whole life "never buy a new car the first year they are out" By '09 they should have all the kinks worked out, the service centers will be up and running, and the insurance companies should be more on board..... Torn in Dallas.

[rwcmick]

Thanks for the words of support everybody. You know, I was in the van today with the whole set: momma, son and daughter and it just felt right. We are a complete unit now.

Orphaning the car is really easy. I called the 800 number and said that I had decided not to purchase the car. The rep took my info, asked why I was cancelling and then said I was all set and a refund check would be in the mail several weeks from now. Technically I think I was done with the process at that point, but I wanted to let my smart center rep know what was going on so I e-mailed him. He was very understanding and said that he'd have no problem finding a new home for my little smartie.

I'm feeling better already as I realize that it really was the right decision to make. However, in my mind I have already started plotting an accelerated loan payoff schedule for the van and wagon

[Smartdavis]

You're a good Dad. The kids get old fast and then comes your turn.

Wild Hogs 2 in a Smart (the sequel)

[Beth in L.A.]

If you ever come to L.A., I will let you drive mine..........

Beth