I just got through the process of not buying the SmartCar that I had ordered. That's a separate subject entirely. But I _DID_ want to post something about the dealer-added sat/nav unit that they are installing in the Smarts. Dealer wants $2500 for it. I checked on the internet -- it's the Pioneer AVIC-D3 and can be purchased for $500 - $1000. So I guess the dealer is getting a nice bonus on that one!
Someones gotta pay the bills... clearly the price isn't too high or people wouldn't be paying for it and they would lower the price. Considering nearly all dealerships do this and have been from the beginning with no change there must be enough people that value the option of a dealer added nav system.
Did they put on on your ordered car or was that an orphan? I've seen them do it on orphans to increase their bottom line. But look at it this way, if you went into a Best Buy or Circuit City type store you'll pay about a grand for it. Then add in the Bluetooth module (that the dealer puts in), that's another few hundred. Then figure the cost of the dash kit, wiring harness, a couple of hours at MB shop rates and it's not that far out of line. I would venture to guess that if you went into a big box store, bought it installed, OTD price would be between $1,500 and $2,000. Can you pricegrabber it, get it online for the best price, install yourself, get dash kit and harness on ebay cheap and put it in yourself for $700, sure, but that's not the average consumer. For example, my wife is not that savy, she would just pay the $2,500.
Take Crutchfield price, not the cheapest, and add $200 for the install. Anything else IS a ripoff and I would walk away. Local shop pretty much priced everything the same as Crutchfield and was a bit high on labor. So I decided to do everything myself. I would not say they were complete ripoff artists, LIKE THE DEALERS, and I know I would have been happy with their work. If you are so rich that you can throw your money away great. Drive your Smart by my house and I will charge $2500 for the install.
I have a yellow cabri and privately purchased a Kenwood 8210 navigation/bluetooth/DVD, etc., system and had Al & Ed's Autosound install it for $250. It fits perfectly, looks great, and works great. The cost for the system ran about $1100. I am going to have another one fitted in my wife's white passion coupe very soon. I love the bluetooth system and it pairs with my cellphone as soon as I start the car. The Kenwood operates the Garmin navigation system which I have found to be very good. Kenwood also has a couple of less expensive systems, the Kenwood 5120 and the Kenwood 7120. These units run from $600 to $1100. I spend a lot of time in my car and use the phone extensively, and also use the navigation system a lot. So for me, the top of the line system was the pick of the litter.
Did they put on on your ordered car or was that an orphan? I've seen them do it on orphans to increase their bottom line.
Hi Buellwinkle! I remember you from the C230 forum! I don't have that car anymore -- what a lemon! Anyway, they did NOT put it on my car (yet). I declined to purchase my car, so I imagine that they have put it on by now. The point of my posting was that the dealer pretty easily adds $5000 of options that are worth about $1000 to orphan cars. AND that if you want Navigation, extended warranty, special wheels, etc then it's a sucker purchase to get them when you get the car. Comparison shop and save and get more choices.
Look at it this way, if you get one on ebay you'll get 1) a used car. 2) no upgrades at all usually, 3) pay $3-5K over, why not get an orphan with a Nav for $2,500 more, still cheaper than ebay, it's new and you get a nav. Still have my C230 and it's still dead on reliable (I know, weird huh?) but if someone wants to buy it, I'll sell it and get a new C350. I put it for $16.9K (below most other cars with that low a miles) and if I get 16K, it's gone. They go for that much at the Fontana Manheim dealer auction.
So do you have a Smart or not? It's been a blast. My wife makes fun of it but she's driven it 3 days in a row while I was traveling.
Look at it this way, if you get one on ebay you'll get 1) a used car. 2) no upgrades at all usually, 3) pay $3-5K over, why not get an orphan with a Nav for $2,500 more, still cheaper than ebay, it's new and you get a nav. Still have my C230 and it's still dead on reliable (I know, weird huh?) but if someone wants to buy it, I'll sell it and get a new C350. I put it for $16.9K (below most other cars with that low a miles) and if I get 16K, it's gone. They go for that much at the Fontana Manheim dealer auction.
So do you have a Smart or not? It's been a blast. My wife makes fun of it but she's driven it 3 days in a row while I was traveling.
If one is going to buy a smart, in my opinion the right way is to pay the $99 and order one. And then to add options NOT at the dealer.
I declined (a few days ago) the purchase of the Smart that I ordered after driving it. It was cool, but not cool enough when I factored in all of the compromises.
Have fun!
Scott
ps - Citron just sold his C230 -- what a challenge that was. He got a good price, much to my surprise.
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