smart value decrease of 45% w/i year???? - Page 4

rgaus · 07-05-2008, 10:11 AM

How many smarts are now on the road? Maybe 12,000 including the converted ones? How many folks in the US have actually seen one first hand by STANDING next to it, sitting in it and experiencing the thrill of driving it (not just driving BY it on the road)? Now, given your low answer to those questions, and the fact that no advertisements have ever been done on this US smart, what potential does the future hold? We have only seen the tip of the iceberg at this point.

If the factory ever figures out how to release more of these little guys, the numbers will skyrocket past even the most aggressive projections. The unique design and charm IS the key. The mileage is gravy. Though many of the current owners might buy for the mileage reason, the majority quickly understand the true value of this car apart from that mileage. That is the untold and largely unrecognized appeal of this car. Not that it is not seen as unique by most reviewers... but the potential large market sales appeal due to that feature IS unrecognized. This car is the icon for upcoming decades. There will be cars with better mileage (and some future version of the smart may be in that group), but the car's design will live on into the upcoming years as the truly most distinctive change in a car's design since the 50's Beetle. We are all pioneers on the edge of a frontier whose future will be long and proud. This post will not be universally endorsed as true, but those who have been bitten by the smart bug like I have over the past three years know exactly what I mean... and there are probably at least ten thousand smart zealots in that group. The smart is changing America, one smile at a time and those smiles will travel many miles into the future.

Ron Gaus

cervixsmasher · 07-05-2008, 10:33 AM

I don't believe this car will depreciate as fast as a gas guzzler such as a GMC Yukon (former ride) while gas prices rise and american car companies continue to crank out big cars with bad gas mileage. Besides, I didn't buy to sell. But thats just me. Either way, I believe I am further upside down on my ford edge than my smart.

2smartArizona · 07-05-2008, 01:34 PM

I think the only vehicle I have ever had that has not depreciated is my Mondial T coupe. 42,500 used, and I am sure I could get that for it today if I were willing to part with it.
My 325i Touring, was 42,000 OTD new, and I think I would be lucky to get 15,000 for it today after 5 years. As long as gas prices continue to rise, vehicles that people perceive to be economical may be propped up more than others.
An example might be the old Mercedes diesels. Where they used to be seen in the paper for 2500 all the time, now you see them usually for 4-5,000. Are they getting that? I don't know, but people are willing to spend thousands to save hundred right now, so who knows. Even Geo Metros values are climbing.

CruisingAZ · 07-05-2008, 01:46 PM

My Commander stickered in 06 at $47,600. If I tried to sell it today (I will keep it forever) I would be lucky to get $20,000

Piccola · 07-05-2008, 01:51 PM

I have no idea if the article took the pre-Mercedes, gray market Zap smart cars that were sold in 47 states for a year or so before Mercedes/Penske brought out the 451 model.....and compared it to what Mercedes/Penske advertised theirs would cost, but the Zap models were going for $30,000 in some of the states that they were legal to sell in. That may account for the % of price drop also. Buy the car you want for a fair price........after that........nuthin' to gripe about!! Otherwise you're always trying to "beat the market" and it just won't happen.

spikey01 · 07-05-2008, 02:15 PM

Look at the ones on e-bay. Because of the long wait for a new one, used ones are going for 3k to 6k over list.

**SmartCard** · 07-05-2008, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WickedMessenger

I have terrible news for some of you: cars are not an investment. ......Resale value is of no concern to me..

so if you get in an accident and your insurance company is going to give you only 5 grand instead of what it could be worth, you'd be happy with that?

theguywiththelongestname · 07-05-2008, 04:18 PM

I think that the inclusion of the smart into MOMA's (Museum of Modern Art) permanent collection testifies to the uniqueness of this auto's design. Besides the smart, MOMA exhibits the Jaguar XKE, the Willy's Jeep, and the Volkswagen Beetle (among others)...

MOMA's "AUTObodies" online exhibit

realguywiththelongestname · 07-05-2008, 04:37 PM

hey, wait a minute...

Karl Roth · 07-05-2008, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theguywiththelongestname

I think that the inclusion of the smart into MOMA's (Museum of Modern Art) permanent collection testifies to the uniqueness of this auto's design. Besides the smart, MOMA exhibits the Jaguar XKE, the Willy's Jeep, and the Volkswagen Beetle (among others)...

MOMA's "AUTObodies" online exhibit

Ah but ours is the only one there still being produced...
karl