Servicing?

[misscatears]

Hi all...

I've been waiting for about a year and this morning got to configure my choices for the 2009 model. I'm curious if this is the right choice for me. I am 3 hours away from the dealership. Will I have problems if the car needs to be serviced?

Thanks...

[faith in dc]

You have to use a smart service center for any warranty work. Some of the guys are doing things themselves. I can't.

[jwight]

Routine stuff, like oil changes, brake pads, filters, light bulbs, etc. can be done DIY or by any local shop. Anything involving the computer or engine internals will need to be done by your smart center to take advantage of the warranty.

[misscatears]

Thank you, good to know. I don't know much about cars. I am getting grief from my friends for buying an "expensive" (their opinion) car based 80% on its looks. But hey, I like it...

[jediknight36]

Originally Posted by misscatears

Thank you, good to know. I don't know much about cars. I am getting grief from my friends for buying an "expensive" (their opinion) car based 80% on its looks. But hey, I like it...

Its not that expensive. Its cheaper than my 06 matrix was brand new and will come with much more, and get better gas mileage.

[bumblebee]

Originally Posted by misscatears

Thank you, good to know. I don't know much about cars. I am getting grief from my friends for buying an "expensive" (their opinion) car based 80% on its looks. But hey, I like it...

If your friends are giving you grief for buying an "expensive" car, they must be driving something very beat up that costs a few thousand dollars. When their car breaks down you'll get the last laugh. Really, $12-17k for a smart that is well built is not that expensive. Most cars now cost on average over $20k. And if you add this and that option that'll easily push it to 30K. So getting the smart car fully loaded for around 16k is really not that bad of a deal. If I have to choose between the smart, the Honda Fit, or the Scion xA or xB I'd probably get another smart.

[smart fortimo]

Originally Posted by misscatears

Hi all...

I've been waiting for about a year and this morning got to configure my choices for the 2009 model. I'm curious if this is the right choice for me. I am 3 hours away from the dealership. Will I have problems if the car needs to be serviced?

Thanks...

Miss C,

I'm a 3:45 drive by Interstate from scPDX. Don't let the distance change your mind.

I'll be at my dealer Friday afternoon for my 10K service

Happy Trails,
Timo

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by smart fortimo

Miss C,

I'm a 3:45 drive by Interstate from scPDX. Don't let the distance change your mind.

I'll be at my dealer Friday afternoon for my 10K service

Happy Trails,
Timo

Sure a long drive for an oil change and cabin filter

[forestacademy]

Originally Posted by chieftmc

Sure a long drive for an oil change and cabin filter

And a complete inspection to find anything that could be warrantee covered so you don't run into problems in the future.

If we want our Smart centers to be knowledgeable and informed we need to get as many smarts with problems in there hands as possible. If we want them to stock parts we need to give them a reason to stock parts.

That being said, yes you can do basic maintenance locally if need be. You may need to mail order filters and give them to your local mechanic.

[smart fortimo]

Originally Posted by chieftmc

Sure a long drive for an oil change and cabin filter

Yeh, what forestacademy said. And I have other purposes-- headlight aim, tow bolt hole covers, maybe some steelies and ...