I am excited about getting a Smart Car just like everyone else here. In the first week of selling cars here in the US, it appears that there may be some potential Deal Breakers that would stop me from getting a Smart Car.
1. The first Deal Breaker is the Dealer Fees of $500 or more that are now being charged by some dealers. If dealers are allowed to charge these fees, we should be able to choose what dealer we purchase from.
2. The second Deal Breaker is going to be how much dealers are going to be charging for scheduled service. If dealers are going to charge $500 for washing your car how much are they going to charge for an oil change? If service charges for Smart Cars are going to be based on MB rates this will be a Deal Breaker for me.
3. Parts availability and prices are also a potential Deal Breaker.
How do the rest of you feel about potential Deal Breakers?
I hear you, but I don't think MB and PAG figured on marketing this car to buyers that would be put off by MB service costs or $500-$600 dealer prep fees. In today's world of elongated servicing intervals, and hi tech componentry, these costs when measured per mile/time is not that excessive.
It's not a "Peoples car", nor meant to be a high volume seller. It's a boutique niche product based on style, uniqueness, and overall quality, targeted.
If it makes you smile when you drive it, or look at it, what price do you put on that.
1. Its unfortunate there is such a variance in dealer fees. Don't like that I'll have to pay it, but what can I do. Hopefully, this would translate to better service by the dealership.
SmartCard... as reported elsewhere the PDI is 7/10ths of an hour paid back to the dealer by PAG
Thus a $500 or higher dealer prep fee amounts to a $500 car wash...
Carnut... unfortunately the Smart car, with 700,000 units sold, is indeed intended to be a "Peoples car" and needs a MUCH larger market penetration to stay viable past 2010... This marketing scheme is in danger of making itself a two year wonder...one trick pony, fast burn fad.... that will be a shame
Are you privy to info the rest of us don't have? Smart has but one model here.
No word of anything else...EVER... Do you think they might, in time, "re-do" a forfour or roadie??
We are fairly sure 2008 and 2009 will be same line up and same motor...I suspect change in MSRP for 09 and maybe a new color mix inside and out but that is about all we can expect...
Once word gets out about all the dealer scams... new reservation holders will use brother in law address in different state to avoid being screwed
I have a second reso..1470 and really hope it is a 09 and they finally acquiesce and bring the Pulse over...with the turbo option...
But I highly doubt it
I have purchased more than one car in Utah and never got hit with the high dealer doc fees there. Call the smart center near Salt Lake City and ask them what their dealer doc fees are.
I think #3 is going to be an issue, but it's also something that comes with a new imported car. When the warranty for my car starts coming 'round the bend, I plan to start making calls to some specialty repair shops and see what they charge in comparison to the smart center; if nothing else but to find out what's nearby if I have to tow it in.
i have to say in looking at the prices on the accessories, the value seems very fair to me. they (PAG) are clearly trying to keep the prices down on things. it would seem logical that the servicing pricing should follow that pattern. for me, it doesn't really matter, i don't keep cars all that long and will probably need anything more than one or two oil changes.
SmartCard... as reported elsewhere the PDI is 7/10ths of an hour paid back to the dealer by PAG
Thus a $500 or higher dealer prep fee amounts to a $500 car wash...
Carnut... unfortunately the Smart car, with 700,000 units sold, is indeed intended to be a "Peoples car" and needs a MUCH larger market penetration to stay viable past 2010... This marketing scheme is in danger of making itself a two year wonder...one trick pony, fast burn fad.... that will be a shame
Yes alot were sold, but over 14 years thats 50,000 per year, and who knows in exactly how many different countries. Doesn't add up to a peoples car IMHO.
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