I've found the smart center staff in Buffalo NY are nice, but the Benz mechanical side is not.
I've been pretty disappointed with the sales staff at Buffalo so far. But I'm picking up my car today, so I'm hoping that will improve my attitude. We'll see. I'll be writing about my experience after I get the car. I'm sad to hear the mechanical side of things isn't that great.
Had another comment from a buyer at SJC, CA. Car was planned to be ready, buyer took day off to pickup, got everything organized, dealer said "nah, don't think it is going to be ready today" Harumph!
Before Delivery:
The staff are all friendly! Seems like they hire model quality women as smart sales associates. {Probably to attract the male buyers?}
Was offered an orphan once but it was silver and I wanted any color BUT silver. I did want leather interior and I guess they never get those in as orphans.
Delivery:
I got lucky. We went into the dealership as they were going to call someone else about the orphan. It was blue/black/tan. I accepted full well knowing they'd give me dealer add ons. I knew I couldn't pick it up till Monday because of the window tinting but wish I had thought to ask for darker tint. 20% is max in TX. I think mine is 35%. {At least I'll never have a problem passing the yearly inspections!}
Post Delivery:
Had some issues early on with the alarm. The service dept went out of their way to try and resolve it. It took 3 trips but it's worked like a charm since. ~knock on wood!!~
Everyone is friendly and always welcoming from the people in the drive thru service area, my service person Steve, my sales person Allison, the receptionists and even the lady in the accessories dept. Seems the wait for accessories is long as I'm still waiting for a cargo shade and car cover. But that's kind of out of the hands of the dealership I guess? Oh, and Cleon the shuttle driver is nothing but professional and kind. He has a great memory too!
Bought my car on April 25th. Drove home to Reno (130 miles). Paid cash w/ personal check as they had no problem with it. Check cleared my account by May 1 or 2. Today is June 4th and I have STILL not rec'd my MSO (Mfg Statement of Origin) and can't register the car. Phone calls not being returned. Soon I WILL make a phone call to the Owner. I will update when this is resolved!
Picked up our Smart Coupe in April (yay) paid for floor mats and cargo divider thingy. Mats were in a week later, 'installed' while I waited - but they just put them in without vacuuming or showing me how to do the driver side so it would not be flapping down all of the time.
Now it is the end of July - still no cargo bay. Had the car towed yesterday (sunday) as it was stuck in park. Waited around 1 hour for the tow truck (thank gohd he knew what he was doing). He said they would call me first thing in the morning...called them around 10:30 am and SmartSF did not even know my car was there!!!
They say my cargo bay is in now...and they will 'install it'.
Also the tow truck driver said that if SmartSF had greased something before delivering me the car it would not have had this problem.
I couldn't be happier with the Smart Center of Devon. We found ourself in a really weird situation. I was essentially car-less and if this Smart thing was going to work out, I really needed my car to get made, and get here. I was driving my boyfriends Lexus SUV and at $70/fill up, I wasn't going to last very long.
I stayed in touch with the dealership (Margi) weekly for updates, and an orphan was abandoned with VERY similar specifications to my car. I happened to call for an update right as they were about to call me and ask if I wanted it. They really went out of their way to give me priority because they knew how badly I wanted and needed the car.
I've had a few issues with the Sun Screen sliding smoothly (or sliding at all), and they've been really accomidating. I finally got one that is working great, but every time I swung in for service, I was greeted by hugs from everyone. I mean have you ever been greeted at a car dealership by a hug?!?! It's been a teriffic experience thru an thru. They even wash Ruby before they give her back. 2 thumbs up Smart of Devon!
Their support has been "A+" all the way. I appreciate Ethan's teamwork and 'can do' attitude in resolving any and all problems. He and his entire staff have always treated me exceptionally well on any issues I might have. Smart Center Seattle sets the benchmark for other car dealers (especially the non-smart dealers) to follow.
Congrats on your Smart one.
This worries me we live in Gardnerville, NV and Sacramento is our closet and we just our reservation in June28, 2008 so we have some time to wait unless a orphan comes in.
Maybe they will have that state paperwork worked out by the time we get our Smart in 2009 (i am hoping).
Again congrats on your new little one and enjoy.
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