Just got back from signing papers for an orphaned Black/Black/Red Int Passion! Delivery is Wednesday (my birthday!). The wait is over and all that's left is the driving! (and getting my $99 refund for number 1370). Woo Hoo!
"Einstein" came with guages, upgraded Hi-Fi and fogs. Dealer installed LoJack so stuck paying for that ( how they made the extra mark-up). I worked a deal to finance in exchange for wheel and tire warranty (after 11 tires replaced on my Mini Cooper S, I learned my lesson). I am planning for tinted windows and tails, alternative yellow panels, aftermarket seat warmer, spare wheel and tire for long distance trips and, if it's a keeper, aftermarket extended warranty.
Surprisingly, insurance was only $545 per year in Massachusetts! I was expecting at least $2-400 more.
Looking for more New England owners and waiters to start up a New England Chapter (not going to drive to parking lot meet and greets at a NJ Hooters).
So far I have seen no Smarts on the road, so with a little luck, mine will be the very first one I have seen driving the highways and byways of New England.
"Einstein" came with guages, upgraded Hi-Fi and fogs. Dealer installed LoJack so stuck paying for that ( how they made the extra mark-up). I worked a deal to finance in exchange for wheel and tire warranty (after 11 tires replaced on my Mini Cooper S, I learned my lesson). I am planning for tinted windows and tails, alternative yellow panels, aftermarket seat warmer, spare wheel and tire for long distance trips and, if it's a keeper, aftermarket extended warranty.
First - congratulations! Second, I think this experience might become typical in the orphan market. Before dealers sell them, they'll load them with options and after-market products, pushing the price (and their profit) up by as much as a couple of thousand dollars. That's sure what I would do if I were a dealer. Somewhere on this forum is an example, I think in San Francisco, of a smart with VIN etching, a navigation system, chromed wheels, and a price of around $20,000.
First - congratulations! Second, I think this experience might become typical in the orphan market. Before dealers sell them, they'll load them with options and after-market products, pushing the price (and their profit) up by as much as a couple of thousand dollars. That's sure what I would do if I were a dealer. Somewhere on this forum is an example, I think in San Francisco, of a smart with VIN etching, a navigation system, chromed wheels, and a price of around $20,000.
Exactly. They had planned to add a clear-bra and "Simonize" but a snow storm kept the installer away and I showed up. Other Boston location ( same dealer) also seems to be adding the same LoJack, Clearbra and Simonize combo for like $1,700. This same dealer marked Mini Coopers up $3K when they first came out. I simply ordered my Mini from Albany dealer at sticker, took the bus to Albany ( nice bus station....yeah) and drove it home. Cost me $25 for the bus ride. Hate the "market adjustments". At least there is some value in the LoJack. Little in the clearbra for this car since the replacement panels cost less) and "Simonizing" plastic is a joke. At least they aren't adding "Rusty Jones" as well.
Congratulations! I didn't know you could get an after market seat warmer. Will the switches install in the same place on the dash as the factory ones?
Haven't yet investigated, but there generally are generic kits that can be self-installed if you know how to disrobe a seatcover, or installers who will do it. Switch is probably installed elsewhere though it might be possible to obtain a factory switch and wire it in. Aftermarket kits with a dual temp switch are the best.
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