Cherry Hill, NJ update.

[SmartBob]

I like the idea...don't think I'll have my car in time though.

[Connelly]

SmartBob - I was the "old" guy in the green jacket. I got there just after 11:00am, so it's quite possible. That stretch on I-295 by Lawnside that the trucks have all rutted was a bit scary - had to keep a firm grip on the wheel. No problems on Rt. 42 (!) or around town here in Washington Twp.

[SmartBob]

Yeah, that stretch of 295 sux. It is deeply rutted. I feel it pulling me in my Neon too. Hey, let's hear about some MPG later in the week, eh? Everyone's dying to get some real data. Looks like a 33/34 avg or so. Have a good week.

~Bob~

[AliSmart]

Congrats Connelly! woo! How has the car been?

I'm just making contact with the dealership again. I tried before but I got too busy with the holidays and end of year stuff.

Does anyone know or can share how much "extra" costs they are adding onto the Smarts they are selling? Of course that is one of my questions to them but thought I would try this trusted group too.

As for a meet up, I definitely won't have my car by then and I'm from Philly This dealership also services the Phila area. Does that exclude me from the gatherings?

[SmartBob]

Connelly, a friend of mine lives across the street from you. He told me when he came into work on Monday. Ain't that a hoot? I had to laugh....what are the chances? I've been bending his ear for 6 months about the Smarts, too.

P.S. Ali: the more the merrier.

[Connelly]

I guess I've had mine the longest in this group (sorry, couldn't resist), so here's my update: I've driven 255 miles since picking it up Saturday morning (it already had 5 miles on from the dealer - total 260.1 miles on the odo) and filled up the first time tonight on the way home. It took 7.64 gallons, which works out to roughly 33.4 mpg. I filled up with 93 octane at the Super Wawa on Rt. 42. It took a lot longer to get out of there than it does when I fill my Expedition - so many questions, so little time! But even with the premium, still a lot cheaper. My driving was a combination of roughly half on the AC Xway, keeping it between 65 and 70 mph, and the rest tooling around town, running errands, giving friends and co-workers test drives, etc. The ride is stiff and due to the short wheelbase, you'll feel most bumps. If you get in the slipstream of a 18-wheeler at 70mph, you feel it. But the smart holds it own as long as you pay attention. No worst than my little German Ford Fiesta back in the early 80's. I prefer using the paddle shifters, because the auto mode takes too long to shift into the next gear. In either mode, if you let up on the gas a bit - just like real manual shifting if you had a clutch - it shifts nicely and responds well. Quite peppy, although I've been trying (real hard) to behave myself for the first 1000 miles like the book says. I liked the auto-sensing wipers - the first I've had that option on any car - and the car did well in the rain tonight.

SmartBob - which neighbor - Ben, Matt, Joe, Andy?

[Connelly]

Ali - On top of the $15,000 MSRP my car priced out on the web site, plus $645 shipping that seems to be standard for all smarts, the extra costs on my invoice from Cherry Hill was NJ sales tax ($1095.15), 4 years registration ($234.00), NJ Tires fee ($7.50) and Documentary fees ($95 - not too bad considering it's a Mercedes dealer). They didn't know how to handle the $99 deposit on Saturday. They called me Monday and said they would send me a check.

[SmartBob]

Connelly, Paul said he's across the corner from you. A big rancher on the corner. They are new there...maybe over a year or so. It's Paul and Joan...with their parents. He drives a maroon Hyundai and she drives a gold Impala.

[gusfraga]

Finally , I have my own smart passion cabriolet!!!!!
Yellow/grey/beige


After five years of trying to import the car to the US my dream car is in my garage
I am the proud owner of a yellow smart

The dealer

Englewood smart center
The people at the dealer where great! Particularly Victor Hernandez (Financial officer) and Michael Hill the Brand manger. They did an excellent job trying to accommodate my requests. We had some exchange of words regarding the doc. Fees but in the end amazing guys and a pleasure doing business with them.

My old car.

Is for sale …
I have to pay for the smart





My new car
My son and my wife with the new toy





Michael Hill Brand manager of Englewood smart center
Great guy!

The Car
Looks, feels and drives amazing I love it …Really I do love it!!!!!!

Pros
Is a great toy.

Cons
Needs a seat arm rest and knee support plus wheel adjustment device

Regrets
Not having more optionals added to the car.

Final Cost
Out the door price for smart passion cabriolet

Base $16,590.00
Tridion safety cell 175.00
Heated seats 220.00
Electric power steering EPS 450.00
Dest. Charge 645.00
Extended service plan 48 months 48k 695.00
Dealer Fee 295.00
Tags,reg,tax 234.00
NJ tire tax 6.00
Sales tax 1351.28 (7%)
Grand Total $20.661.28

Payment: I paid for the car 70% cash and 30% credit card ( I need to make some United miles) 

Warranty
I did buy an extended warranty buy when I read the 100 dollar deductible that you have to pay each time you visit the dealer make me think that is no such a good deal…..

Finance
If you are looking to finance the car here are some deals

Proponent credit Union
5.5 APR for 48 months
https://www.proponentfcu.org

Mercedes Benz Credit Corporation
5.8 APR for 48 months
http://www.mercedesbenzfinancial.com

Mercedes Benz VISA credit card
0% APR for the first year and points good for rewards
http://www.mercedesbenzfinancial.com

United Visa card
Lots of United miles ;)
www.chase.com/united


Insurance
My insurance company is Liberty Mutual
$591 for one year with $500 ded.
www.libertymutual.com/smart

My lawyer

I was so mad about the dealer’s doc. fees/prep charges that I called my lawyer and we are looking to see if we can “fix” the annoying problem. I will keep you posted.

Dana D’Angelo
Counsellor at Law
973-838-4200
dmd@dangelo-law.com



My car wash

Carwash route 23 Kinnelon
I am trying to have the premium wash price ($15) to we reduce. Given that my smart cabriolet is half of any car and a third of any SUV I “demand” a third of the regular price
If I get the rebate I will let you know.

The PAG
I have called many times to PAG about the dealer doc fees but I have no answer till now. I will give them one more week to fix this or else.


More pictures will be post soon!
Regards
Gus

[rrrucke]

Hi Gus, thanks for all the information. By the way, I just received a Liberty Mutual quote and got $1,397/yr which is outrageous compared to your $591/yr quote. How did you get it that low? I chose full coverage of 100/300/100 with $500 deductibles and with no rental or roadside assistance. Thanks, Regina