Service Problems !!!

Bruhutch · 05-01-2008, 10:27 AM

Smart Car owners/drivers beware. Service for your car is minimial !!

My Fortwo is only six days old and already it has spent two of those days in the repair shop. I'd only driven it 400 miles when a "check engine" light came on. Called the 800 number for service (it was 9pm at the time) and I was told not to drive the car. Since I'm nearly 200 miles from my dealer, they arranged to have it towed to the dealers shop.

So far after two days of playing with it, the dealer's tech guy can't get a good idea what is "setting the codes". Something in the emissions control system. Techincal Support from Smart USA (from what I've gathered) is minimial. The tech support network is not really up and running very well (new car blues).

The shop has been unable to tell me when my car will be fixed, nor can they tell me if the parts needed to fix the car are available.

Meanwhile, I'm without transportation.

If that weren't bad enough, my local newspaper did a front page story about my Smart Car. Everyone is asking about it and everyone wants to see it. Too bad its 200 miles away in some dark, damp, scarely garage !!

Bruhutch

SnakeFarm · 05-01-2008, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruhutch

Smart Car owners/drivers beware. Service for your car is minimial !!
. Everyone is asking about it and everyone wants to see it. Too bad its 200 miles away in some dark, damp, scarely garage !!

Bruhutch

I know what you mean. Everybody relly likes my car until they see the big black mark on the hood and I tell what happened and how smart has pretty much just blown me off about it. One guy said "Well, that's what you get for buying a French car".

Maybe he's right.

Fredvon4 · 05-01-2008, 01:49 PM

be interesting to see some kumbya members claim this is not a PROBLEM

bottlerocket · 05-01-2008, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnakeFarm

One guy said "Well, that's what you get for buying a French car".

Maybe he's right.

You should see what you get for buying an american car

Sorry to hear about your problems in such a short time. Only problem I've had was my smartie telling me I had a nail in my tire this morning.. ;)

NY Smartie · 05-01-2008, 02:29 PM

shouldn't this be in the "whiners and complainers" sub-forum?

blackbeagle · 05-01-2008, 02:36 PM

I've been a Smart owner for nearly a month now. I've read a lot on this forum and have seen a lot of 'problem' threads.

I don't consider these people to be whiners or complainers. It sounds like they have a legitimate problems with their cars. So far, the only issue I have is the engine light going on. Other than that, it has been great.

However, I understand the inconvenience of living far away from the dealership and having to have it towed in and waiting two hours for a tow. Then leaving the car for 2-3 days. To me this is a problem. I would be upset too.

There's a difference between complaining about wheel dust/visibility/idling issues and service engine issues. The latter requires immediate attention.

Let's give these people a break and hopefully they can get their cars back in good time. Someday it may be you or me that will be inconvenienced. We certainly wouldn't want to be called whiners/complainers when that happens.

NY Smartie · 05-01-2008, 02:38 PM

sorry Dad.

it was a joke from another post. sorry for the lack of reference. the original post was indeed a valid situation, of course. it's the follow-up dingleberries I was referring to.

blackbeagle · 05-01-2008, 02:43 PM

Yes son...I understand about Fredvon as I've read his posts before.

NY Smartie · 05-01-2008, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackbeagle

Yes son...I understand about Fredvon as I've read his posts before.

thanks for understanding Dad. you the man! can we still have dinner next week? I'm buyin'

Okie Boy · 05-01-2008, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruhutch

Smart Car owners/drivers beware. Service for your car is minimial !!

My Fortwo is only six days old and already it has spent two of those days in the repair shop. I'd only driven it 400 miles when a "check engine" light came on. Called the 800 number for service (it was 9pm at the time) and I was told not to drive the car. Since I'm nearly 200 miles from my dealer, they arranged to have it towed to the dealers shop.

So far after two days of playing with it, the dealer's tech guy can't get a good idea what is "setting the codes". Something in the emissions control system. Techincal Support from Smart USA (from what I've gathered) is minimial. The tech support network is not really up and running very well (new car blues).

The shop has been unable to tell me when my car will be fixed, nor can they tell me if the parts needed to fix the car are available.

Meanwhile, I'm without transportation.

If that weren't bad enough, my local newspaper did a front page story about my Smart Car. Everyone is asking about it and everyone wants to see it. Too bad its 200 miles away in some dark, damp, scarely garage !!

Bruhutch

It is sad and I am sure frustrating for you but the dealer is likely doing all they can. The smart is a new product in the US market and support is not what we all want it to be but getting better, but, there is always a but, if you purchased this car or any car expecting it to be perfect it will not be. Work with your dealer call them often and aslk for help with your lack of transportation read your warranty information and see what your rights are.

I have been in the service buisness for almost 39 years, not automotive but radio communications, and a customer that works with us rather than against us, even when their needs are critical will always find a better resolution than one that is confrontational and angry.

Your dealer does not want an unhappy customer and will probably will work to help you, if they do not then tell every body you can about their poor service.