If you order a Smart now and plunk down your $99... let's say the car prices out at $17,000... if it doesn't arrive for a year or more and you end up with a 2009 or 2010 model, does the current reservation LOCK YOU IN regarding the price??? So then you would be getting a year or two newer model at the 2008 price... or does the reservation deposit simply put you on the list but you may pay more when it actually arrives?
Check out that little asterisk at the beside the price on the Smart USA site. It says "For 2008" models. The 2009 model may go up a little in price. We'll see.
Upon making your reservation, you should get a reservation e-mail. In it, I think it says that, upon confirmation (few months down the road) you'll get the chance to finalize your model, color, options, etc... If, then, new prices apply, you'll get to either accept or bail out.
This is what I'd gather from other's experiences. Mine was before any changes. Hope it helps.
Upon making your reservation, you should get a reservation e-mail. In it, I think it says that, upon confirmation (few months down the road) you'll get the chance to finalize your model, color, options, etc... If, then, new prices apply, you'll get to either accept or bail out.
This is what I'd gather from other's experiences. Mine was before any changes. Hope it helps.
You seem to imply that, at the time of CONFIGURATION, the price is locked in-true or false?
configuration is essentially placing your factory order for the options and colors you want for your vehicle. price reported at that time should match what you ultimately end up paying for it, short any additional dealer fees.
that was the experience we had with ours.
i anticipate that at some point, when they get to the place in line where they will no longer be configuring 2008 models, that there will be an update of some sort to the configurator tool and nobody will be asked to configure until that tool has been updated.
also, while we are accustomed in the US to being able to purchase the next year's model cars in july/august of the previous year - i'm not sure that this is the way smart operates.
i seem to recall an article indicating that their production year more closely follows the calendar year. so 2008's could be shipping all the way into december 2008.
Will they be using prior 2008 configurations to make the 2009's?
Will there be Re-configs? and when?
that wouldn't make sense. at the very least there are colors being dropped in 2009 so i would anticipate that they would manage configurations for 2008 up until they planned to switch what model year they were shipping, then new configs would be configuring for 2009's being made...
since nothing has been officially released about any changes for 2009 models that would affect optioning, it's alot of speculation at this point.
but i think it is safe to say that you won't order (configure) one thing and take delivery of something different.
whichever way they manage that is yet to be determined.
If you order a Smart now and plunk down your $99... let's say the car prices out at $17,000... if it doesn't arrive for a year or more and you end up with a 2009 or 2010 model, does the current reservation LOCK YOU IN regarding the price??? So then you would be getting a year or two newer model at the 2008 price... or does the reservation deposit simply put you on the list but you may pay more when it actually arrives?
It locks you into MSRP, The company has been good enough not to charge any extra demand profit on the ordered cars. None of us have seen a change in MSRP yet and don't know how they will handle that. We will all have to wait and see.
karl
that wouldn't make sense. at the very least there are colors being dropped in 2009 so i would anticipate that they would manage configurations for 2008 up until they planned to switch what model year they were shipping, then new configs would be configuring for 2009's being made...
since nothing has been officially released about any changes for 2009 models that would affect optioning, it's alot of speculation at this point.
but i think it is safe to say that you won't order (configure) one thing and take delivery of something different.
whichever way they manage that is yet to be determined.
Pretend I configured yellow-if yellow is dropped starting September or later, what happens?
Pretend the 2009 models offer cruise control or micro hybrid drive- should I feel cheated not being able to re-config?
Last edited by Orphan-Beggar; 08-01-2008 at 02:05 AM.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
1 - Kermit
3 - The Street Rod
4 - Split Window Vette
5 - The Veggie VW
"the car", "la voiture"
Today
Linear Mode
