Getting an Orphan ... as is

[jwight]

Wow, hadn't heard this from that dealer before. Definitely take it up the chain.

[raytmercer]

I have had two calls; the last with $10k+ of extras. Here are the details: You Want WHAT for that Orphan?

I am using my research to judge the way I will be treated after the sale. I know that no matter what a dealer adds, some one will buy it. However, they do sell other cars than smarts, so...

[raytmercer]

Originally Posted by jwight

Wow, hadn't heard this from that dealer before. Definitely take it up the chain.

If you are referring to my last post, I question if there is a chain. In any event, over the years, I have only heard about the "independent franchise" line from manufacturers. They are doing nothing wrong. However, I feel certain that the way they are handling the orphans is not the way that smartUSA had envisioned. But after all, they are a car dealership... need I say more.

[redbluff]

I have bought two orphans and no add on items or pressure.

[Dunerunner]

This practice is just plain wrong!! As long as you or any other buyer, are tied to a specific dealership by your reservation, Loading the Orphans is a dangerous route for dealers to take. A buyer revolt could stick dealers with cars they cannot sell! Why pay 25K for a smart loaded with window dressing when you can buy a Fit, Prius, Honda, etc. You see folks, dealers don't, for the most part, know that we are talking about their "buisness" on this forum. I'll add they probably don't believe it will hurt sales either. My Orphan had Clearbra, Paint Protection (on plastic panels?) and lojac. They were add ons I could live with and added 2K to the MSRP so I was happy. Had there been Nav, Tires and Wheels, Body mods, etc. I wouldn't have taken the vehicle. Let Them Keep Their Overloaded Orphans until they are last years models.

[Dave Van]

i've heard nothing but GREAT things about "Bobby Rahal M-B/smart".

they sound like a real class dealership!

Yep! Rahal dealership is great on many levels. The people are great. The building is a old Packard dealership that Bobby has restored with much of the inventory inside on many different levels. I was treated the same as the guy that bought a M-B SLR the same time. Just a great experience start to finish.

[dt1977]

the dealer here in colorado adds $2700 to the sticker price but they put a gps kenwood radio in it , floor mats an extended warranty , and a clear bra

[schtdygirl]

$19K but has everything. I wanted everything. $1909 in aftermarket: Nav, Lo Jack which I wouldn't have purchased, mats, cargo cover. I added the clear mask because I it was worth it on our Lexus sedan and the front end on this is flat.

Debating the extended warranty. Don't know about that tire/rim thing. We had an ext warranty on the Lexus and we sure got our money out of it. I heard it makes a difference if it is the manufacturer's warranty or a 3rd party. Years ago I got stuck on a 3rd party one when the company bellied up but the dealer compensated us with 50% of the cost.

[bull8042]

Originally Posted by Dunerunner

This practice is just plain wrong!! As long as you or any other buyer, are tied to a specific dealership by your reservation, Loading the Orphans is a dangerous route for dealers to take. A buyer revolt could stick dealers with cars they cannot sell! Why pay 25K for a smart loaded with window dressing when you can buy a Fit, Prius, Honda, etc. You see folks, dealers don't, for the most part, know that we are talking about their "buisness" on this forum. I'll add they probably don't believe it will hurt sales either. My Orphan had Clearbra, Paint Protection (on plastic panels?) and lojac. They were add ons I could live with and added 2K to the MSRP so I was happy. Had there been Nav, Tires and Wheels, Body mods, etc. I wouldn't have taken the vehicle. Let Them Keep Their Overloaded Orphans until they are last years models.

I agree with you 100% here Dunerunner. HOWEVER, it would never work in practicality. Speaking for myself at least, I couldn't have passed up an opportunity to get an orphan if my reservation had been months out simply because I am very impatient. Unfortunately, I am not the only one like that either. It would be GREAT if everyone would stick together and leave the dealer hanging with the orphans. But there are just too many people who can't/won't wait in order to just prove a point.
Kudos for the idea though...

[Dunerunner]

Originally Posted by bull8042

I agree with you 100% here Dunerunner. HOWEVER, it would never work in practicality. Speaking for myself at least, I couldn't have passed up an opportunity to get an orphan if my reservation had been months out simply because I am very impatient. Unfortunately, I am not the only one like that either. It would be GREAT if everyone would stick together and leave the dealer hanging with the orphans. But there are just too many people who can't/won't wait in order to just prove a point.
Kudos for the idea though...

I can't believe anyone would pay 10K over MSRP for a loaded up smart!! There are several issues here, the first being re-sale value! No one is going to pay a premium for a three year old smart with $10K of add-ons. Second is insurance - We all know it doesn't take much for the insurance companies to total a smart. Does anyone believe they will pay for the added glitz? There has to be a time when a buyer puts their brain in front of their desire when buying a car!! MHO