Aloha! I'm an '1173' reservation holder who is scheduled to be screwed any day now by the Orlando dealer's $799 'doc fee' — apparently the highest in the United States!
I'm planning to call smart USA tomorrow and see if I can have my car stay right where it is in Jacksonville. $479 isn't anything to write home about, either, but a $320 savings might be worth the 320 mile round trip!
Are there any other Orlando victims on the forum? If so, what are you planning to do?
I live in Orlando and with a #1356 reservation, don't expect delivery until summer or later, BUT I can tell you that I will not pay an $800 dealer fee! While I am indeed intrigued by this little vehicle, it seems that every new development brings one more reason to shy away from ownership. Premium fuel, extra cost for a reasonable warranty (which I now understand may require me to pay $100 for each service under the plan) and now $800 extra profit to the dealer. Right now my "fun car" is a '93 Geo Metro convertible. It is in mint condition and I paid $3,000 for it two years ago. You are right that the dealer fee savings by going to Jacksonville is minimal, but I agree with you in principle. However, if allowed to do that, then what do you do for service, drive 2+ hours in each direction? I think my Metro is the smart car for me!
However, if allowed to do that, then what do you do for service, drive 2+ hours in each direction?
I'm assuming you can have your smart serviced at any smart dealership.
I drove up to David Maus Toyota in Sanford to purchase my Prius, they were the only dealership in the area that wasn't marking the car up, and I was able to get them to agree to my price, wiping out the ridiculous doc fees, etc., but I have the car serviced at Central Florida Toyota (owned by Penske) as it is much closer to my house.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pelkface
While I am indeed intrigued by this little vehicle, it seems that every new development brings one more reason to shy away from ownership. ... I think my Metro is the smart car for me!
I hear you. Disappointing gas mileage, less-than-smooth shifting, problems financing and/or insuring, excessive doc fees, etc.
I'm leaning towards paying cash for the car and immediately selling it to someone who can't wait to get his/her hands on one.
If I can net $3-$5K, I might upgrade my "fun car" to a MINI Cooper.
Funny you should mention the Mini because I am also quite interested in one. With all the extras on the smart right now, it is only $2K or $3K more AND it has a back seat. Regarding smart service, I grant you that any smart dealer will service the car. We purchased a Hyundai in PA and the local dealer is happy to have us BUT the smart situation might be a little different. The Orlando dealer has you on their list and has been assigned to your purchase. If you go to Jacksonville (which might not be allowed if you don't have a physical address in that dealer's jurisdiction), smartcenter Orlando will know and may or may not give you priority service. Will they hold it against you and treat "their customers" with preference? Hopefully, that wouldn't happen, but it could.
On another thread today someone was scolded for being negative about smarts and asked why did he join this club of enthusiasts if he has nothing good to say. To the contrary, that is what I hoped for by joining... to hear the good and the bad. I still like the car. I don't know if I like it enough to pay more than $23,000 for a fully equipped smart convertible with an extended warranty.
It will be interesting to hear if our Orlando dealer shrugs off the bad p.r associated with having the highest dealer fee in the country or lowers it to at least match the other Florida dealers! It looks like they will lose at least two customers for sure if they don't.
Funny you should mention the Mini because I am also quite interested in one. With all the extras on the smart right now, it is only $2K or $3K more AND it has a back seat. Regarding smart service, I grant you that any smart dealer will service the car. We purchased a Hyundai in PA and the local dealer is happy to have us BUT the smart situation might be a little different. The Orlando dealer has you on their list and has been assigned to your purchase. If you go to Jacksonville (which might not be allowed if you don't have a physical address in that dealer's jurisdiction), smartcenter Orlando will know and may or may not give you priority service. Will they hold it against you and treat "their customers" with preference? Hopefully, that wouldn't happen, but it could.
that's ridiculous. most dealers make more $ off of service than they do off of new car sales. there is not a brand sold in America that requires you to service it where you bought it. any dealer would welcome your service with open arms.
Aloha! I'm an '1173' reservation holder who is scheduled to be screwed any day now by the Orlando dealer's $799 'doc fee' — apparently the highest in the United States!
I'm planning to call smart USA tomorrow and see if I can have my car stay right where it is in Jacksonville. $479 isn't anything to write home about, either, but a $320 savings might be worth the 320 mile round trip!
Are there any other Orlando victims on the forum? If so, what are you planning to do?
So did you talk to smart USA about moving delivery to Jacksonville?
Jacksonville won't be open until sometime in February, but I don't much faith in Orlando opening before the end of January. This whole thing will boomerang on smart center Orlando when the word spreads about their excessive $799 documentation fee.
When I bought a used car from Dick Norris Buick Pontiac in Palm Harbor, they charged me $299.95. It was called "Billing and Handling-This charge represents costs and profits to the seller/dealer for items such as inspecting, cleaning, and adjusting new and used vehicles and preparing documents related to the sale."
From where I live in Spring Hill, I don't know what dealer will get my reservation. There is a dealer in Tampa and Clearwater. I will be proactive to find out what the document fees are at both of these locations and try to have the car sent to the dealer with the lowest document fee.
The dealer in Tampa is Courtesy Auto Group (Nissan location) and the dealer in Clearwater is Lokey MB along HWY 19.
My number is 1413, still have some time yet.
Well, I did not know about the Dealer prep charge of $799 (Doc, etc. charge) in Orlando. Since I was planning on placing my SmartCar on a trailer and towing it behind my RV. Along with Premium gas, no spare tires ( Both tires rear and front are a different size), Initial production line for the US, I think it is time to take my order and sell it on EBay and buy a Yaris or some other car that would fit my needs. Thanks to all for posting the info. “GOOD LUCK TO ALL.” Respectfully
ZAMA-747
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