Please help me make a quick decision

[nprsmart]

My orphan didn't come with power steering either. I don't miss it.

I suppose the value of LoJack depends on how paranoid you are.

I'm partial to fabric over leather seats due to the summers in Florida.

[doogster]

I think I could do without the rain sensor and the leather seats... but I kinda wanted the heated seats (here in NJ) and the pwr steering.. maybe I'll just wait.

[doogster]

I just emailed GEICO insurance and asked them how much I'd save if I install LOJACK in my car... they said my current 6 month premium is $669.80 and it would drop to... are you ready... $665.90 with LOJACK... so, it saves me like $4.... WOW

[smartie1]

I have a loaded out Passion Coupe. I love the auto wipers a great deal. I am a fan of leather seats. When ever possible every vehicle will have them. The electric steering is not a much, but now that I have it I really like it. I like it better than power steering in my other vehicles.

I would go drive the vehicle and see what you think of the seats and steering. Just don't settle for it if you have a doubt in your mind. I once bought a demo instead of waiting on a custom order and was never happy with it. Every time I saw the same vehicle that had the additional options I really wanted, I started to dislike the one I bought even more. What I am trying to say is be very very sure you will be satisfied with the orphan.

Hope this helps somewhat.

[tuflgal]

Hey Doogster -

We all like to save a few bucks..but from the female perspective.. wouldn't it be worth getting your wife what she wants? Sure you may have to wait a year...but that is NOTHING compared to a life time of...I shoulda.. coulda.. woulda.

I agree...wait and get what you want. In the mean time..put your reservation in at $99..and you still have the opportunity to get a refund if you decide not to go with it.

Good luck,

Suzanne S.
Corona, CA

[doogster]

thanx for all the input... I have put in my $99 reservation, sadly just last week though... but, none the less... on the list! I think I will pass on this orphan.... my main reason is that I'd be paying $700 for LoJack, which I think is a waste... That $700 could be better spent! I hope I'm not making a mistake.

[tverb]

You are ONE LUCKY GUY! That said...
Ant Bee has no Power Steering and we like that fine.
Most of my cars have had leather seats. Our '94 BMW was the first one with heated seats.
We laughed when we got them, but have enjoyed them since.
Ant Bee has the cloth seats without heat. The car interior warms up quickly on cold days - we had a few in February. I have seen the smart leather seats and don't find them that impressive. I believe they are just leather trimmed.
Getting Lo-Jack for $700 is MUCH better than "Dealer Mark-Up" for nothing added.
This car is almost exactly what you think you want.
Good advice from others: Go see it and drive it.
Or you can continue to wait. With your luck the exact car you desire will arrive next Tuesday. :-)

[Smarteq]

The $700 you'd be spending on the Lo-Jack might be replaced by a $700 price increase on the later year model. The value of the dollar has declined about 10% relative to the Euro since the current smart prices were announced. It could be a case of a bird in the hand.

[doogster]

good point. This is where I left it.... I told the dealer IF he could get me $15K on my trade (2007 Santa Fe with 20K miles) that we have a deal... if not, then I would continue to try and sell my truck and wait for my next opportunity... he is currently researching the value of my trade and should call me soon.

[doogster]

Well... the dealer called back... said he can't put a firm number on my trade "over the phone" but promised to come "very close"... so, I'm off to possibly get my Cabrio... I'll let cha know.