Questions for upcoming smart arrival

[sprdeluxe]

I'm so excited & anxious!! I had a call about a month ago that my smartie-smart had shipped, then got another call 2 days ago that it "was on its way" (not sure what that means -- arrived at whatever port & is being transported by truck or something to Seattle?). I've never bought a new car before, so thought I'd try to prepare myself w/ the assistance of the PacNW forum members...

1) For recent smart buyers, how was the financing process at the smart center Seattle? Did it seem difficult? I have great credit, a terrific FICO score, no debt except my house -- but still am worried about banks not lending.

2) What options & warranties are offered at the smart center? Any opinions about what to accept, what to turn down, or what to get done elsewhere?

3) Do they have giant red bows to put on top? That would be awesome <sigh>

Thanks for any & all help, everybody. I really appreciate it!

[NuBiker]

Regarding financing:
Try looking for a credit union in your neck of the woods. They usually have pretty good rates. Get preapproved for a car loan - in SoCal my c.u. preapproved loan is good for 90 days. Then see if the dealer can match the credit union rate.
After reading about warrantees, I am probably not going to get the smart extended warrantee.
Over the next few years, I hope to get a feel for the reliability of the car. If it is not good, I will trade in my smart just before the two years of the basic warrantee are up.
Best Regards,
Nu

[John_H]

I concur with NuBiker.

It seems California can get decent after-market warranty rates but the Portland quotes I got didn't seem to jibe with the CA numbers. I'm thinking something was legislated to keep CA customers from getting reamed.

Credit unions tend to provide better rates and great service. Also, if you have a good relationship with a regular bank, look at what they might offer as well. It appears Smart Center financing is extremely hit and miss with some people getting very competitive rates and others being asked to pay a couple points too much. It all depends on who's doing the quoting, not a Smart-wide thing.

Enjoy the black.

[bigcritter]

Originally Posted by sprdeluxe

1) For recent smart buyers, how was the financing process at the smart center Seattle? Did it seem difficult? I have great credit, a terrific FICO score, no debt except my house -- but still am worried about banks not lending. Although NOT recent, I received a quote from my credit union, and smartcenter Seattle beat that quote by 1% using Bank of America, since Bank of America was wanting the smart business!

2) What options & warranties are offered at the smart center? Any opinions about what to accept, what to turn down, or what to get done elsewhere? There are an array of options offered, from floor mats to the little rubber inserts for the little areas next to your steering wheel & glove box, etc. They offer Chip Guard, Paint Protection, LoJack, the smart usa extended warranty as well as another company, tire insurance, etc. LOTS of different stuff. Loren Steigman would be the consultation man to talk to. Really nice guy.....and VERY helpful!! I don't think they pressure you for stuff you don't want, but will just try to help you make a decision. Obviously they're making money on the extras, but you can make up your own mind about what you want & don't want!

3) Do they have giant red bows to put on top? That would be awesome <sigh> I didn't have any giant red bows when I picked mine up, but they do have a girl that details your car from top to bottom, and they have it setting inside on the red carpet waiting for you to drive it off the showroom floor!!

Thanks for any & all help, everybody. I really appreciate it!

I think that all of the folks at the smartcenter Seattle are great people, and a real pleasure to deal with, so just talk with Loren or Ethan or whoever about what you want, and they'll make it happen!! Just tell them "Marty" sent you, and you can't go wrong if you take a box of Mexican Empanadas with you when you go!!!