A wild but maybe not so crazy thought about reserving.

[Harleyduo]

As I'm sitting here with my #1173 number on the eve of the first contact calls, I began to ponder whether it's time to put down another deposit for the NEXT round of Smart Cars.

I think I've heard several times that those who reserve today will be lucky to get their car by 2009. I also think I've heard rumors that a supercharged model or maybe even a diesel engined model might come out next year.

So, I've begun to wonder whether we'd have to be making deposits TODAY (or at least soon) in order to be towards the front of the line when those models become available.

Afterall, if cars are still in hot demand and people have orders placed NOW, do you think they will produce cars for others without honoring those who have ordered as far as a year in advance? It's an interesting question, you have to admit. Hmmmmmmm, where's that crystal ball when I need it?

[SmartCard]

its anyone's guess....both on the timing and whether the '09 models will offer those options. It's on $99.....and fully refundable!

[mfoster]

My first reservation was mid June, second at the beginning of December. My wife threatened to drive the Smart back and forth to work every day. What was I to do. My son took my 2006 Mini off to college so I don't have that to drive. If my wife takes the Smart, what's a guy to do.....Reserve another.

[RLove]

I've had the same thought too. Get another reservation in place for the inevitable larger engine, or Brabus, alternative powered, or ? Might be something to talk to my Smart advisor about.

[gamernotwatcher]

Even the stop start smart may give enough information as to reliability and mpg out of the UK to make it worth my while to hang in with my 1182 and 1443 reservation. Its the lets wait and see.

[spdickey]

Perhaps by then all this nonsense will be over and the car distribution will meet the demand. Then you can walk in and buy a car. Think I'm crazy?

Reference: Miata, PT Cruiser, Fiero, VW Bug, Prius.

All once hard to get, now they are even doing factory incentives on a few of them.

For more current hard to get cars, check out these ideas you can try in the future.

http://www.bottomlinesecrets.com/blp...ticle_id=13437

[CruisingAZ]

There is nothing to loose if you put down the $99. It is fully refundable and you just might win the smart lottery and get the upgraded unit. I say go fo it!

[SmartBob]

Dickey's got a good point. Also, keeping in touch with your dealers, there may be a couple used ones out there by then.

[SPDYII]

All this talk about contacting your dealer. That's great, but what if your deal is non-responsive. I have contacted my supposed dealer a number of times and given him all my information and told him that I have a reservation and I would like to meet when he has time. I was very polite. His responses have always been less then a sentence long. He doesn't seem interested at all. I envy the people that have dealers that have responded favorably to contacts from people in this forum. He says that they will be open around Feb. 1st. and that's about all he will say.

[jwight]

SPDYII, I'm in Houston visiting family; glad I didn't waste time trying to find smart center Houston.

John