Frustrated in Denver ** Anyone else know of this? - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

wadilaw · 03-22-2008, 02:04 PM

My Smart Passion arrived and I finally arranged financing. Today the Dealership in Denver told me that they cannot deliver any of the Smart Cars until they resolve a "dispute with the Colorado Department of Revenue." Anyone know of this situation?

Alustiza · 03-22-2008, 02:27 PM

What is your reservation number, as I am in Ouray, and I am waiting on hearing something from them, as I am 1187? I have not heard of this, but it most likely has to do with something they did not do correctly when the dealer was setup. Each state has different rules when it comes to setting up a car dealer, which leads me to say what I just mentioned.

MicroNut · 03-22-2008, 07:14 PM

wadilaw, I'm in exactly the same situation. Got the call on Friday that my car has arrived. Got a call today that everything is on hold.

The story I was given is that the original dealer licence application was "fast tracked" because Penske knew someone on the Colorado Motor Vehicle Dealer Board. That person is no longer on the Board (go figure) and their replacement has suspended smart center Denver's licence pending an investigation.

I was also told that this is not likely to be resolved for at least 30 days. Until it is resolved, no cars can be delivered through smart center Denver.

I'm going to call the Motor Vehicle Board on Monday and see if I can get some more info on what's going on and when it's likely to get resolved.

wadilaw · 03-23-2008, 03:29 PM

It's good to hear that someone else has heard the same thing. I thinky you and I are only 4 reservations numbers apart. Please post what you find out from DMV. Thanks.

Big Panda · 03-23-2008, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MicroNut

The story I was given is that the original dealer licence application was "fast tracked" because Penske knew someone on the Colorado Motor Vehicle Dealer Board. That person is no longer on the Board (go figure) and their replacement has suspended smart center Denver's licence pending an investigation.

I was also told that this is not likely to be resolved for at least 30 days. Until it is resolved, no cars can be delivered through smart center Denver.

I'm going to call the Motor Vehicle Board on Monday and see if I can get some more info on what's going on and when it's likely to get resolved.

suggestion: i would also call SMART and see if they can pull your car from the Denver dealer and 'reroute' it to another dealership that CAN deliver it.
also, you might see if there is any way you can get the media involved. they love this kind of thing. you know, where 'someone' was wronged and the local news person 'investigated' and got the situation corrected? it's unfortunate, but the media has become VERY POWERFUL......use it to your advantage.............;)

good luck with the 'DMV'....as i think they could care less if you get your car or not.

**jwight** · 03-23-2008, 04:05 PM

"suggestion: i would also call SMART and see if they can pull your car from the Denver dealer and 'reroute' it to another dealership that CAN deliver it."

Unfortunately, personal experience taught me this won't help. Once a car is invoiced to a smart center, it belongs to that center - no longer the property of smart usa. So, it will sit at the Denver center until this is resolved. Like the idea of getting local consumer advocates involved - that should start things moving.

MicroNut · 03-23-2008, 04:34 PM

Thanks one and all for the suggestions.

I think that smart USA can be of no help here. As has been pointed out, my car now belongs to smart center Denver and there it sits. They have no real incentive to do anything other than wait until they get their licence back. The best thing that can happen from their standpoint is a bunch of pissed off customers cancel their orders and scD sells the orphans to walk-ins with $3000 of useless extras added on.

I like the idea of getting the media involved. I'm thinking along the lines:

"With gas prices at record levels, the new fuel-efficient smart car represents the way of the future. Unfortunately, Colorado is one of the few places in the United States where you can't buy one. 9News investigates why..."

Alustiza · 03-24-2008, 09:31 AM

I called SMART on Saturday, and I was told by a manager that it is possible for a car to be sent some where else once it reaches the first dealer, if circumstances dictate this. You should call them and explain the situation, as this screwup could look bad on smart, as they have tried to go around the state system. Also those involved should demand that the doc fees be eliminated, as they have screwed up so bad.

Lainey_1347 · 03-24-2008, 10:44 AM

The denver dealership is owned by Kuni, same as the portland dealership. Kuni has a very good reputation as a bmw dealer in portland, so I would be very surpised if this investigation reveals wrong doing on the their part.

In the meantime, this must be very frustrating for denver buyers held in limbo and I feel for you.

Keep us all posted on what you learn.

Lainey

MicroNut · 03-24-2008, 02:11 PM

There is no issue with the smart center licence.

Apologies for the misinformation, but I was passing on what I was told by the dealership themselves.

Real issue is a discrepancy between the manufacturers statement of origin (says smart) and the cars' VIN numbers (come up as Daimler).

Spoke to a lady at the state, and this should be resolved shortly.