I don't understand So Cal Smart owners

24-42 · 04-09-2008, 12:44 AM

I really don't understand this group.

There are many many people out there that would give there left (n/t)$t to have a meeting with the service mgr, parts mgr and the General mgr of a Smart dealership.

A dealer that has offered his facilities, coffee&danish and etc on a regular basis.
A dealer that wishes to be not only a proud sponsor but to actually participate in club meetings and activities.

This is only part of the opportunity that is being offered to all of you......... and the response has been so miserable, it's embarrassing.

The only people that have stepped up to help are Lara, Bridgett and myself. A REAL club requires more than that.

The NorCal club, after one Meet & Greet has 40 or more members. My hat is off to them.

If you are anywhere around Los Angeles and pass this up.... think, for a minute, of the people across the US that are reading this and WISH they had the chance of becoming a member of a club like this.

Are they thinking "So Cal Smarties" or "So Cal Dummies" ?

If this is your collective statement, so be it.

Speaking for myself, I do wish to avail myself of this organizational opportunity and will participate in the role of member, not leadership.

Donald LaFavor

Beth in L.A. · 04-09-2008, 09:34 AM

Oh, I'm so sorry for not being around much. I just started a new job and it's keeping me more than challenged and home late every night. By the time I get home I'm just whooped.

In addition, (and not meant to whine), I'm having so much trouble with my knee. I'm scheduled for surgery on 5/1 and I'm just miserable.

BUT.........I want to participate and belong!!!

Are we still on for 4/25 at Bob's? And forgive me for asking, I know I missed alot of what's going on, but what's the deal with Universal Smart?

I will try to stay in the loop better.

Beth

SmartPassion · 04-09-2008, 09:39 AM

Too bad about the 4/13 event being postponed.

The 4/25 Bob's Big Boy meet is still on! See: http://importcar.meetup.com/213/

VinceLA · 04-09-2008, 09:59 AM

I am up for a meet as well....just that my Smart won't arrive until May.

SmartPassion · 04-09-2008, 10:02 AM

Hope it arrives before May 17. You can join the smarts on parade then.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinceLA

I am up for a meet as well....just that my Smart won't arrive until May.

Westfield 11 · 04-09-2008, 10:02 AM

Apparently people in LA have other things that they would rather be doing than joining a club. Perhaps they are just driving and using their smarts like any other car and don't see what all the fuss is about. For me, it's just a car and so what? Yeah it looks cool and it sure is the flavor of the month, but next year there will be another new craze and another new cool car.
Not wanting to rain on your parade, just trying to give another perspective.

saxdiva · 04-09-2008, 11:14 AM

Hi Donald,

Just some perspective from me.

First, I don't think I was aware of a specific date for this meeting, and since I work an erratic schedule, I can only commit to things when I have firm dates/times.

Second, I've only been a smart owner just over a week now, and while I'm not sure of the numbers, with the snail's pace of deliveries down here I don't think there are actually that many of us here yet. Given how frustrating this process has been for me, I can completely sympathize with soon-to-be owners who can't work up the enthusiasm for a meet focused on a car they don't have yet. Nice a bunch as everyone here is, there really isn't much in it for them except to be told, once again, to be patient. That gets to be kind of a drag.

So... it might not be the time (though I'm not sure when this is EVER a good idea) to chide people for non-participation. Instead, how about posting some informal meet opportunities, getting some momentum going, and then letting THAT be the hook for new participants?

Just a thought,
Leanne

SmartyPants25 · 04-09-2008, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Westfield 11

Apparently people in LA have other things that they would rather be doing than joining a club. Perhaps they are just driving and using their smarts like any other car and don't see what all the fuss is about. For me, it's just a car and so what? Yeah it looks cool and it sure is the flavor of the month, but next year there will be another new craze and another new cool car.
Not wanting to rain on your parade, just trying to give another perspective.

Perhaps you are right, but I think that what Donald and I and the few others who have shown great interest are thinking is that we all have something in common! We are all friendly people, with brand new cars we love. We love to drive them, we like to meet others who have them. With a car so new to the market, we all have questions, and what better a way to discuss these questions, then with other owners, or even a mechanic!

I'm greatful I've met a few people willing to help me answer questions about my car, they have resources for items I can buy for my car and have even offered to help me out with small installations.

While yes, we can blab on in a forum about this anytime. But I value REAL communication.

rasrx7 · 04-09-2008, 12:18 PM

I commend you all for trying to get it going. With the minimal number of us in the area, and our crazy LA schedules, getting together to sit and chat or to have a meeting with the service mgr, parts mgr and the General mgr of a Smart dealership, isnt on the tops of my list. Right now its set on more to enjoy just owning the car and driving it. When the dust settles down, im sure those might be something that could be helpful. It is so fresh that the technical aspects of the car havent even crossed my mind. Although some good information on alignments, transmission service and oil changes would be nice.

Im sure with time, and more owners actually having a car, participation will steadily rise. I would love to go to meets and see other owners and take drives as a group, when i can find a time when an event is happening and I am free.

Enjoy the ride (lol..that a nissan slogan)...

Too much steam too early will overinflate and pop your balloon and make coming together not as enjoyable as it should be. ;)

heatheraj · 04-09-2008, 01:43 PM

well, through definitely the meetup venue, but i think through a thread in this forum somewhere, i let everyone know an informal meetup can be with me at Aroma di Roma coffee shop (long beach) any Sat/Sun at 10:30 am. i'm always there, unless i'm skiing. did this weekend get cancelled somewhere? i'm not sure i even knew of definite plans, just that the date won in the voting poll.