This is the post that I have on my blog with an addition to tell the story of the pickup. My blog:
http://jeffnewcum.com/info/personal-...olet-pure-joy/
A few years ago I heard about this little car called the Smart Car Four Two. There was notions of it making to the US but, I said someday if they do, I’ve got to have one! Fast forward several years and my opportunity came. The Smart Car arrival to the US was announced last year and $99 reservations where given out at their site (
www.smartusa.com). The first dealerships were announced last month through their site. Two dealerships opened in Massachusetts. Both are owned by Herb Chambers. One is in Somerville and the second one is in Lynnfield. I called the dealership the instant I found out the dealers were open to arrange a test drive. I arrived and was astounded by these tiny little cars. A few minutes later I was beaming with pleasure as I was driving down the road in this hip little fun car. It was amazingly roomy for a small car and really fun to drive. When I got back to the dealer I asked what the delivery times are looking like? They told me 12 to 18 months. You should put a reservation in today if you’d like to get one. That was pretty disappointing to hear but, I said Jeff, if it was meant to be it will happen. So, I researched who had the cars and found out that some of the people who had reservations from a year ago choose not to pickup their cars. These were being called orphans. The word on the internet was that you could call the dealerships and ask to be put on the “Orphan list”
I called several of the local dealers to be put on the list and I checked their sites daily for special offers. This is where I originally found one of the dealers advertising an orphan for sale. I also called the dealerships often to ask if any orphans were available. Well, this weekend I found my opportunity at the Warwick Smart Center in Rhode Island. I woke up Saturday morning and had an inkling to call them. I asked if they had an orphan and heard the most wonderful reply in the world…. Yes! we do. Really? Which one? A white Passion Cabriolet with a black Tridion cell. It has the Comfort Package, fog lights, alarm, and instrument cluster for the dash. I asked if they would take a deposit over the phone but, was told that I would need to come down in person. Needless to say, I drove rather briskly down to RI to see if I could make this happen. While driving down to the dealership they called to ask if I was on my way? I replied, Yes! I should be down there in about 30 mintues. Why? They told me they had some customers that were interested in purchasing MY car but, since I called first they would hold it for me if I was serious about purchasing the Passion Cabriolet. I replied, I will be there shortly and I appreciated the call.
I arrived at the dealer ship to find my little white Cabrio. I test drove the car with my daughter, Allison. She was giddy with excitement. Her enthusiasm only increased my excitement. We drove the car for about 10 miles and were questioned, pointed at, gawked at at every stop light and intersection. The test drive only reaffirmed my love for the Smart Passion Cabriolet. Once I got back to the dealership I worked with
Susan Lemoi to finalize the deal. Susan was a joy to work with and made the purchase very easy. She provided all the details about the purchase and offered a great financing package. A short time later I was signing the paperwork and finalized the deal. I was amazed how wonderful the dealer experience was compared to my prior relationships with other manufacturers dealerships.
I picked up the Cabrio Tuesday night and drove it home in a mild snow storm. The roads were slick and the stability control was excellent. I had two short stints on the highway to get a major secondary road. This was done due to engine break-in. The whole trip was about 65 miles. I drove on winding back roads that were completely covered with snow to almost completely covered roads. Again, no issues or concerns with driving in the muck.
I now have about 120 miles on my Cabrio. I've given 3 rides to co-workers at
http://www.mathworks.com and people just love the car. They get giddy with excitement and really enjoy the amenities. It's to cold to open the top but, I'm eager to when it gets warm. I can't wait!
My Smart Passion options are:
Comfort package
Alarm
Lo-Jack
Fog Lights
Tach and Clock
All weather mats
Cargo net for trunk
The Smart Center Boston in Somerville. My first test drive.
Getting ready for a test drive in my soon to be Cabriolet.
Excitement!
My little Smart Car Passion Cabriolet!
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