Florida news?

[bmx43]

Originally Posted by kmeinhold

Just got a call from my dealer. Looks like I pick up my car early next week. The sales person said that my car was going to be in the first batch they get - woo hoo.

did you ask him about that "dealer fee" of $499 that it sounds like you will be paying at that dealership?

[kmeinhold]

Right after I hung up I called back to get a detail of what i will be paying. Have not heard back yet - but a google search indicates Rick Case charges $499 dealer fee. yay - not!

[Susie]

Originally Posted by spdickey

I've driven both and the 451 smart is a whole lot better than the 450. Wise choice. The NY Times just reported that 30% of those who preordered early last year are dropping out (changed mind, bad email addresses, etc.) so go bug your dealer (be VERY friendly) and you might find one sooner!

Thanks for the information. I hope your are right and those 30% drop in a hurry. I began waiting in 1999 for the Smart to come to the States. My sister lives in Germany and was so tired of my whining that she actually thought of smuggling one in her suitcase the last time she came home just to shut me up. How do I find my dealer? I live in Tallahassee so I assume (and you know what happens when you assume) "my" dealer would be out of Jacksonville, right? Again, thanks for the info. Susie

[2smart4u]

I'm in St. Pete and have been assigned to Sarasota (fortunately). The dealer for Tampa Bay will eventually be at Lokey Mercedes in Clearwater. The contact for smart center sarasota is

Josh Norris
Sales Representative
smart center Sarasota
Tel: (941) 924 3019

They should be opening as we speak (from my keyboard to god's ears).

here's the latest word:
"The first cars are at port and will be released to dealers in a 'phased release' towards the end of January and we are expecting to start delivering cars to customers in February."

I don't mind the wait as long as I know I'm in the loop (1173).

[ostfriese]

Hey bmblbee the person to talk to is Alex Shelver at mercedes-benz orange park/ smart car in jacksonville. They supposed to open the 25th of january.

[kmeinhold]

Talked to the dealer in Weston today. Nice people, confirmed that Rick Case will mark the car up $499 with a "dealer fee" No way around it - all customers must pay the fee regardless. The drawback, is that the dealer can not discount the car and is not likely to throw in a warrantee to offset the fee (not that there is any incentive). Just a bit miffed that the price I was promised by PAG / smart USA is not true.

Hope the Florida news media gets a hold of the "Florida Dealer Fee" rip-off scheme to prompt some legislative action. Story surrounding the launch of the smart and how smart's fair pricing plan was defeated by dealers/dealers association lobbyists in Florida.

[spyderman33]

Originally Posted by kmeinhold

Talked to the dealer in Weston today. Nice people, confirmed that Rick Case will mark the car up $499 with a "dealer fee" No way around it - all customers must pay the fee regardless. The drawback, is that the dealer can not discount the car and is not likely to throw in a warrantee to offset the fee (not that there is any incentive). Just a bit miffed that the price I was promised by PAG / smart USA is not true.

Hope the Florida news media gets a hold of the "Florida Dealer Fee" rip-off scheme to prompt some legislative action. Story surrounding the launch of the smart and how smart's fair pricing plan was defeated by dealers/dealers association lobbyists in Florida.

that is a bummer... $499 is steep on these values...

[bmblbee]

Originally Posted by ostfriese

Hey bmblbee the person to talk to is Alex Shelver at mercedes-benz orange park/ smart car in jacksonville. They supposed to open the 25th of january.

Yes that's who I talked to. He seemed well informed but was missing some info on key questions. Mostly finance and insurance related. I may have just caught him unprepared.

[spdickey]

Originally Posted by bmblbee

Yes that's who I talked to. He seemed well informed but was missing some info on key questions. Mostly finance and insurance related. I may have just caught him unprepared.

Two things you never buy at a car dealer, insurance and financing. Call around for insurance quotes, check the insurance threads for some ideas. My best quotes came from State Farm and Liberty Mutual. Check their web sites, you can get quotes for a smart online from both.

Financing; dealers are the most costly, check with your local credit union, you may be able to join just because you live nearby. Also check with the bank you do business with. Doing it at the dealership means you'll fall in love with the car, won't leave without it and end up paying much more than you had to.

Plan ahead and save. Also make sure they don't pound you with unnecessary fees. Doc fees should be around $50, anything more, like $299-399 is just more dealer profit. Its regulated in most states, in others you can be taken advantage of.

[bmblbee]

I'd rather not go with state farm or liberty mutual. State Farm took 3 week to fix my camaro when it got hit in the rear. Then spent an extra 2 weeks sourcing 5 "used" steel wheels from a junkyard before caving and spending $55 on a new one from the dealer. This of course costs me 2 extra weeks of driving a chevy malibu rental and I'm like 6'8". I wanted my camaro back. This was after the 8 weeks of run around I got from them. Like a good neighboor state farm ducks your phone calls when they owe you money. I had called 3 places including progressive where I have my other cars insured and they couldn't help me. Was asking who could give me a quote. I will probably check with local banks but last car I bought at a dealer is still rocking on at 1% interest.