All that being said, it would take their webmaster about 30 seconds to edit that page to 2009 instead of misleading people. (Or maybe they'll beef up production). It's been said that they have the capability of building over 100k cars a year. Is that correct? After they see how well the 451 takes off in Jan-Feb they could do that. Waddyathink?
Has anybody who has "firmed up" their order, and had it confirmed, actually paid more money than the $99 yet? Not sure exactly how it works, but I thought I firmed up my order a few weeks ago and was not asked to submit any other payments. Just wondering. Does that step just commit you to potentially losing the $99 if you cancel now? If so, that would not keep some folks from bolting if money gets tight.
The concept of a no-teeth deposit is very unpredictable in its potential percentage conversion to real sales. I don't think that their current ongoing attempts to attract more customers is off base at all. At some point after the 2008's arrive, however, this list will mushroom dramatically when cars hit the streets. I would imagine that the disclaimer will then be added to the $99 deposit invitation " ... for a 2008 if available, but applicable to the 2009 model year".
These folks should really know what they are doing and it appears they do to this point. This is a very successful campaign right now with very little cost to them. We should all be rooting for them. Heck, I am.
Ron Gaus, aSmartCar.com
Last edited by rgaus; 12-15-2007 at 05:50 AM.
Reason: typo
I'm with Ron on that one. I expect some dealers will actually have and get more cars than some have reservations for. That being the case, they'll be selling them to walk-in's or anyone who may be at the back of the line should a dropout occur.
I just can't believe we are actually getting so close to actually having one....it's been along wait for me....about a year or so.
Has anybody who has "firmed up" their order, and had it confirmed, actually paid more money than the $99 yet? Not sure exactly how it works, but I thought I firmed up my order a few weeks ago and was not asked to submit any other payments. Just wondering. Does that step just commit you to potentially losing the $99 if you cancel now? If so, that would not keep some folks from bolting if money gets tight. ...
My dealer recently told me that any additional down payment or earnest money would be a matter of their own sales manager's policy, and due at the time of signing a purchase & sales agreement like any other brand car they sell. My dealer typically looks for $500 down on a "special order" car. Not extravagant.
Behind that appears to lay the fact that a custom factory order is not a custom factory order until the buyer executes the P&S with the dealer. I really don't think PAG is going to pre-purchase about 15,000 cars and their ocean transportation out of their own pocket for un-signed people with no more than refundable "ninety-nines" on the table.
I really don't think PAG is going to pre-purchase about 15,000 cars and their ocean transportation out of their own pocket for un-signed people with no more than refundable "ninety-nines" on the table.
Perhaps not 15,000. But perhaps 2000-3000 units based on the initial demand. I'm a 1173, and have not been contacted beyond my September configuration.
I would expect that with a January delivery (and all indications that that WILL happen) the car has been produced by now, most likely "on the boat." And even has been unloaded in Maryland and will shortly be on the road to Beverly Hills.
I don't think they're worried about me canceling, there are many more in line behind me.
I'm with Ron on that one. I expect some dealers will actually have and get more cars than some have reservations for. That being the case, they'll be selling them to walk-in's or anyone who may be at the back of the line should a dropout occur.
I just can't believe we are actually getting so close to actually having one....it's been along wait for me....about a year or so.
Agreed...it does make sense over all. I still say to everyone...get to know your dealers NOW. Don't wait for them to call you. When these cars get out there'll be a ton of buying/looking traffic at dealerships I'm sure.
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