For over 7 years SCOA has attempted to help everyone discover the Smart, offering
the latest information, news and truthful updates concerning these fine cars. Hopefully
this article will answer the many questions regarding the Smart Fortwo
and the buying procedure.
To buy or how to buy that is the question!
To
give those of you who are just now falling in love with this car a better
understanding of where you stand as far as getting a Smart car, here's the
story.
A bit of history
Smart, GmbH will increase unit sales to 130,000 this year and post a profit for the second time in a row. Smart brand sales rose nearly 57 percent in the first seven months of the year, to 81,300 units, and were up in July to 12,400 cars. US sales for the Smart two-seater hit 2,559 in July, bringing total US deliveries to around 14,000 units since the launch at the start of this year.
Not bad for a car that was on the verge of extinction a few years ago.
In January of 2008, Smart had a list of potential buyers with 30,000 names on it and now that list tops 75,000 anxiously awaiting Smarties.
The total amount of cars that will be available for sale this year is no more than 25,000. And to add to the supply and demand problem China will be getting the Smart next year.
Reports say that to help meet the swelling demand, 2009's production will be increased. However, the Smart, GmbH plant in France is nearly at full production!
As we also reported in 2003, "you'll not be able to just walk into a dealership and buy one; every Smart car will be a special-order vehicle."
This
is due to the cars limited availability, the logistics, and automotive
politics, the demand for the Smart car is much higher than the supply.
Worst yet many who have paid their $99 reservation fee as far back as a year ago haven't heard anything (for various reasons) regarding taking possession of their new Smart. And other readers tell us they have "paid extra" to get their car immediately. This is known as the Smart orphans program.
So what gives? Are (smartUSA) dealing honestly with American's or not and has anyone else had a similar experience?
The answer is yes and yes!
Our staff has been told by several dealers that, indeed, once you put in a reservation on their website for $99, your wait could be "upwards of 16 months."
Yes, even now Smart buyers must add themselves to the Smart USA waiting list that could be over a year and a half long.
Smart buying tips
Here are some tips on how to get your Smart car.
There are four ways to get your hands on a new Smart.
Get on the Smart USA waiting list ($99) and then sign up at their dealers for the Smart orphans program (additional deposit maybe required).
Purchase through a secondary market (such as eBay, craigslist, etc).
Enter one of the many Smart car contests or raffles.
Registering at smartUSA
The first and least expensive method (that demands the longest wait time) to obtain a Smart is to visit www.smartusa.com and simply signup for their $99 reservation program!
Orphan programs
The second technique is to be placed on a Smart dealers' orphan program. An orphan Smart car is forum-speak for a Smart car shipped to North America whose would-be owner had a change of heart.
Smart Car Buying Process 
Not bad for a car that was on the verge of extinction a few years ago. 
