Good news for Smart San Jose

[lowndex]

{See the December 2008 update}

[pfc168]

old news or new news that mercedes decided to took back the distribution of smart car after seeing how well they are selling . that the reason why existing car sale persons are leaving their post.

[Derekb]

We will be reviewing our pricing on accessories. While San Jose should be slightly higher than Sacramento there should not be that much of a discrepancy.

Thanks for the kind words! We're currently looking for a Service/Parts liason to work with our clients. Applications sent to www.landroversj.com Our link to the smart homepage is not working.

Derek

[badboyjc]

I'd just like to say that I was not overly impressed with Smart San Jose when I picked up my car. I was quoted 5.9% financing over the phone after giving up my information and when I got the the best rate they said they would give me was 6.24. Also, was never told of the Tire and Rim extended warranty so that was a little disconcerting. Now, I get a call saying I need to fill out another credit app. for the bank.. If they want me to fill out another app. for the bank then at this point to make me happy they'll have to throw in the tire warranty for free or they can give me my
5k back and keep the car.. The more I think about it i'm not happy at all with the way things went when I picked up my car...

[Stocker]

I purchased an orphan from the Smart Center San Jose on Saturday, July 12th. Great customer service by everybody there!

My purchase of a Passion Coupe was handled very smoothly by Elana and Anne. I told Anne how she was highly recommend by members of SCOA. The orientation presentation was great, too. I can't recall the name of the young lady who made the presentation.

My Engine Malfunction Light came on Sunday morning. I called the Smart Car Center and Elana said to bring the car in on Monday. My car was dropped off about 10 AM. I knew the car wouldn't be able to be looked at until the afternoon. Instead of going home, San Pablo, CA or going to my brother's house in Hayward, I stayed at the Smart Center most of the day.

Derek informed me that the engine was having a problem handling the octane level in the Premium fuel. They made a couple adjustments and the car is running normal again. My SIL arrived at the dealership with her grandchildren to pick me up incase the car wouldn't be ready today.

During our wait, I brought my brother's grandson, he just turned 7 years old, into the Smart Center. He looked over the cars and got to play inside the Tridion Safety Cell on the showroom floor.

After a while, Derek, the General Manager showed up with a box of Smart Accessories for the grandson. He got to pick out one item. He chose a Smart Car cap. Boy, that young man was so happy with that cap!

So a big "THANK YOU" to Derek and his staff at the Smart Center San Jose. (I have a story about how I got my Passion couple and will post it soon.)

[Derekb]

Stocker - thanks for the kind note. I am glad we were able to get your vehicle addressed right away.

badboyjc - I sent you a PM to see what I could do to help out

-Derek

[jmartinsmart]

Kudo's to Smart San Jose. Anne, Eric, and Nahid were great. Got in and out in about an hour and a half, got the best finance rate (I have a great FICO), got 100% financing, and although the extended warrantees (Vehicle and Tire Protection) were offered, they were not forced on me and Eric left me with information on how to purchase them at a later date. My vehicle was washed, prepped, and the tank was filled (in fact I just filled it myself for tank #2 this morning - 36.1 MPG and I expect it will improve as the engine breaks in).

I too however have experienced the dreaded "Engine Malfunction" light, but it has since gone off and has not given me any further problems. I'm watching it closely, and have advised Derek.

I've purchased many cars in my 30 years of driving, but this transaction was a pleasure.

Thanx again to all at smartSJ,

Jim

[SloPok]

Originally Posted by Derekb

We will be reviewing our pricing on accessories. While San Jose should be slightly higher than Sacramento there should not be that much of a discrepancy.

Thanks for the kind words! We're currently looking for a Service/Parts liason to work with our clients. Applications sent to www.landroversj.com Our link to the smart homepage is not working.

Derek

Why "While San Jose should be slightly higher than Sacramento" you're both in the same state, you're both selling the same product, why should San Jose be higher than any other dealer? It's a standard price part. Should Oregon be lower in price than San Jose? Portland is the ONLY dealer in the whole state. Should Portland charge more than any other dealer? I think not for your dealership or any other.

[tivoboy]

I have to say, IMHO San Jose continues to fail for customer service. Of the three people I know who have picked up smarts there, the coordination, delivery and service are just lacking. I just had MY first service exp (at their request initially) and it was not a positive experience in that 50% of the items brought in to address were either NOT done or done poorly, and ultimately the car will have to be taken back again.

I'm not sure what impact Steve Sneath leaving would/will have, I only had one interaction with him, all the rest being with the current staff. It sure ain't MB customer service or customer focus, but then again, that ain't what we paid for. But, I would at least expect service to be completed properly and professionally.

If I only lived closer to SanFran that would become my service location.

[Derekb]

SloPok - "slightly different" refers to labor charges, not parts prices. Anyone familiar with the cost of labor and housing between San Jose and Sacramento would understand. San Francisco is the highest in Northern California. The difference wouldn't justify driving 100+miles to Sacramento to save a few dollars. Factory parts pricing is set by smart USA. Hope that clears it up.

Derek