Let us start a smart "Orphanage"

[raytmercer]

From the posts that I have read across the community, the method that dealers are handling orphans is inconsistent, and in many ways not in line with what, I would hope, smartUSA had intended. Why cannot we take the lead, since we are the ones that have the most to gain and lose by the process.

What are the feelings about creating an "Orphanage Forum" in the community? Rather than just cancel a reservation, reservations holders who want to give up their "little one" can post the potential "blessed event". The parties could then communicate with each other.



I would recommend some basic guidelines.

1. Adopters must be a current reservation holder.
2. If more than one adopter is interested, the adopter with the lowest reservation number should have first choice.
3. At time of delivery, the adopter will reimburse the original reservation holder for the $99 reservation fee, plus a $100 adoption fee.

A system like this would overcome the shortfalls of the current orphan system, and open up all orphans to a nationwide audience.

[mike-in-sa]

So are you asking me to actually buy my smart and then put it up for sale and only clear $100 for all this trouble?

[Dunerunner]

Originally Posted by mike-in-sa

So are you asking me to actually buy my smart and then put it up for sale and only clear $100 for all this trouble?

That is exactly what would have to happen to keep the dealership from having control over the Orphan and dressing it up for resale. There is that 30 day window, where you have the choice of either buying the car or giving it up to the dealer, I don't see any way around this issue except to maybe do a money exchange between the reservation holder and the adoptee then resell the car for $1 to the adoptee? There would be title transfer fees and in some states sales tax, what a mess!!

[jwight]

Ray, I think you have the right idea; as others have mentioned, there would be some hoops to jump through but if the two parties involved can agree on the sale, why not "save" a car for someone who wants it without all the dealer add-ons? May not be for some people (don't want to pay sales tax? How about an extra 2 or 3K in price plus the sales tax on that?) or whatever, but I say go for it.

[raytmercer]

Originally Posted by mike-in-sa

So are you asking me to actually buy my smart and then put it up for sale and only clear $100 for all this trouble?

My thought was that you maintain your reservation, then when the little bundle arrives, you and the adopter go to the dealer, and you let the adopter make the purchase. So as long as the reservation holder shows up at the dealer, does it matter who pays for the car? The $100 amount can be negotiable.

You are correct that to buy the car, then turn around and sell it would be a lot of hassle.

[jwight]

That may be a problem, as smart USA has made it clear we can't sell our place in line; so, either we buy the car we reserved or we refuse it within 30 days. If we refuse it, it's the property of the dealer at which point they can load it up all they want (unless they're one of the few who don't add on options.) Maybe there's a dealer out there who would agree to your proposal but I doubt it.

[Big Panda]

Q: is the smart 2/24 Warranty "transferrable"?

many new car warranties are NOT or require a fee ($100 or so) to transfer the basic manufacturers warranty to a second owner.

remember too, that once the 'reservation holder' sells it, regardless of the mileage, it then becomes a USED CAR!

but i'm with John on this, my guess is that most, if not all, dealers won't go for this.

[sheureka]

Originally Posted by Jeepster55

Q: is the smart 2/24 Warranty "transferrable"?

many new car warranties are NOT or require a fee ($100 or so) to transfer the basic manufacturers warranty to a second owner.

I bought my cab used and there was no problem (and no charge) for transferring the warranty.

[raytmercer]

Originally Posted by jwight

That may be a problem, as smart USA has made it clear we can't sell our place in line; so, either we buy the car we reserved or we refuse it within 30 days. If we refuse it, it's the property of the dealer at which point they can load it up all they want (unless they're one of the few who don't add on options.) Maybe there's a dealer out there who would agree to your proposal but I doubt it.

So you are saying that smartUSA says that the only person that can buy and own a car is the one who reserved it, or the dealer? What if I wanted my son to have it, or my mother. I cannot do that either?

[jwight]

Again, as far as I know, smart USA and the dealers have agreed that cars go to the person who reserved them. If you want someone else to have it, you'll have to buy it and sell or give it to them. Family members included, again as far as I know. If someone has seen this work differently please let us all know.