Some dealers are requiring a $500 to $1,500 down payment - up front - to be put on their orphan list. Most orphans will be the Passion models. Be sure to ask about refunds - down payments should be refundable just as your $99 is refundable.

There are dealers taking names with no down payment, so if you're serious about actually purchasing a Smart, call around and do your homework.

The fact is the majority of orphan Smarts are going to reservation holders. So it is best to be a $99 reservation holder. Moreover many dealers won't let you on their orphan list without first being a reservation holder.

Make sure you ask about all costs for an orphan Smart. Get it in writing and say no to add-ons like, extended warranties!

It's a straightforward process. You start by submitting your request and information to all the Smart USA dealers. Email or, better yet, phone them and tell them you are a buyer, not merely a tire kicker. If the dealer says yes, ask how you can send your deposit and when you can take delivery. Some dealers may be impartial in their allocation of the cars and you may get lucky.

The Penske Group and smartUSA are reputable organizations, unfortunately there is no solid policy shared by all dealerships regarding redistribution of orphaned Smarts.

Secondary markets
Another method of getting your Smart is the secondary marketplace that has started up on eBay. On any day upwards of 20 nearly new Smart cars are for sale there. Most have only a few miles and come with the remainder of the factory warranty. They range in price from $16,000 to $26,000 for a top-of-the-line cabriolet. Craigslist also has available cars for sale.

Contests
The last method for taking delivery of your new Smart is the not-so-straightforward process regarding contest, raffles and sweepstakes.

The internet has various companies and organizations giving away this clever car. There's been an enormous increase in contests, raffles, and giveaways using the Smart car to launch products or events. There you'll find organizations that will be having Smart car contests and raffles.

We're here to help you make a Smart decision, so please do your due diligence and feel free to contact us along the way.