Missing Reserved Smart??

[Winnetou]

Interestingly, I was offered HeatherE3’s car when it arrived at the dealer as an orphan, since it had the same unusual colour combination as my configuration (yellow/black/red), though with different options. Since I had already configured my car (a contract, in my view), I declined the offer.

My case (brief period between reservation and delivery) may be unusual amongst participants on this forum, but I am sure that the many others who reserved smart cars in my “district” at the same approximate time have also received their cars. We must remember that most smart car owners and reservation holders are not members of the SCOA forums.

The turn of events described by HeatherE3 is disturbing, to say the least. I certainly hope that smart USA will expedite the delivery of another car of the same configuration.

[NY Smartie]

and the plot thickens...........

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by Dunerunner

.....I've always liked yellow and black!!

yea "heathere3"....it IS "Yellow and Black". it will be just like the smart you ordered...........only FASTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Winnetou]

I just realised that my message above may not be clear. The car I was offered is the car HeatherE3 currently owns—the car she purchased as an orphan after I declined the offer. I already had my own smart by the time her reserved car was delivered to the dealership and mistakenly sold as an orphan.

I apologise for any misunderstanding.

[heathere3]

Well folks, just to update, nothing happening quickly. The dealership called me Thursday to see if I'd take one of their orphans (very little like my configured) and the regional manager is supposed to be checking with other dealerships to try to find me on. I am so frustrated and disgusted with the local dealership it's not funny. The part I'm trying to decide now is whether it's worth continuing to deal with smart as a company. You all know how much I love the little guys, but I don't know if I really want to be a driving advertisement for them. I'm getting really rather tempted to just sell my orphan to my friend (who lives in NJ and has a seemingly great dealership) and buy a Fit or Yaris. I don't really know what's a reasonable timeline to give them to fix this. I understand that there's a constraint on finding me an orphan due to the limited numbers so it's not like it was another, easily available car. Anyone got any ideas for what that would be?

[Flashman]

Originally Posted by heathere3

Well folks, just to update, nothing happening quickly. The dealership called me Thursday to see if I'd take one of their orphans (very little like my configured) and the regional manager is supposed to be checking with other dealerships to try to find me on. I am so frustrated and disgusted with the local dealership it's not funny. The part I'm trying to decide now is whether it's worth continuing to deal with smart as a company. You all know how much I love the little guys, but I don't know if I really want to be a driving advertisement for them. I'm getting really rather tempted to just sell my orphan to my friend (who lives in NJ and has a seemingly great dealership) and buy a Fit or Yaris. I don't really know what's a reasonable timeline to give them to fix this. I understand that there's a constraint on finding me an orphan due to the limited numbers so it's not like it was another, easily available car. Anyone got any ideas for what that would be?

Ask for some appropriate compensation to offset your frustration/experience. You may have legal grounds too, even with the zillion disclaimers, since they have breached the core basis of the deal/contract. Plus a good press-release out in the wires would do wonders for a better response if they keep stalling. Then just choose an orphan you can adapt to and take whatever discount/extras you are able to negotiate. Then drive away. Don't let a bad dealer experience burn you on a great car.

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by Flashman

Ask for some appropriate compensation to offset your frustration/experience. You may have legal grounds too, even with the zillion disclaimers, since they have breached the core basis of the deal/contract. Plus a good press-release out in the wires would do wonders for a better response if they keep stalling. Then just choose an orphan you can adapt to and take whatever discount/extras you are able to negotiate. Then drive away. Don't let a bad dealer experience burn you on a great car.

Letters to the editor and letters to the local TV stations can go a long way; it has for me in the past! Who knows, IF it gets picked up nationally? EVERYONE is looking at smart, both good and bad!

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by heathere3

Anyone got any ideas for what that would be?

only YOU can make that decision, BUT if i were in your shoes, i would send your Regional Manager that you have been dealing with a Certified Letter stating your entire story, but just keeping it to the bare minimum of facts and in closing, state that you are "giving smartusa 30 DAYS FROM THE RECEIPT OF THIS NOTICE to provide you a smart of your liking OR you will be pursuing another course of action."

after it is sent, sit back and let them search. on the 30th day, if you've heard nothing from them, CALL HIM and say since 30 days has passed and you've not heard from them, you are just following up on your situation and would like to know where they stand.

but whatever they say, whatever they promise, ASK THEM TO EITHER EMAIL IT TO YOU OR SEND YOU A LETTER TO THAT AFFECT. later on, it may only be their word against your's and guess who will win?

but i would give them 30 days and that's it!!! you've waited too long as it is.....

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by Flashman

Ask for some appropriate compensation to offset your frustration/experience.

as for 'compensation'? i would tell smartusa that you want 0% FINANCING for as long a term you choose.

when it comes right down to it, you're only out the stress and frustration of dealing with them. you DO have an orphan.....which is more than some of us have been offered.

[mmmeat]

For the most post, the internet bravado displayed on this thread is a pantload.

The ONLY thing tha Smart owes you is your $99 back, and rescission of the contract. You were in no way damaged by the events.

Threatening to sent nasty letters and demanding extra stuff is juvenile beyond words.

I'm sorry the original poster had the issues they did, and the best course of action is to work WITH the regional manager to resolve the issue. The proper phone number has been posted and called, and that's the road that should be traveled.

Your pal,
Meat.