Mister Smart LA - can you tell me more about how the USAA program works with the dealer? I have asked several dealers about the USAA incentive on some leftover Smart electrics and got several different answers. One said it works on the 2015's, but not the 2014's. One said it works on this priced car, but not another lower priced car. Does the USAA program take money out of the dealer's pocket and is there a reason for them not to honor the USAA program and do they have that option?
Thanks.
Len
2014 EV
Some incentives are for certain vehicles, but not all. A 2014 or 2015 does not qualify for any incentives at this point because there is no longer any factory support for them. The USAA incentive works for new 2016 and 2017 models only. The incentive amounts vary depending on the year and model, as well as how you intend to acquire the vehicle, i.e. via cash, finance, or lease.
A dealer has no reason to outright deny participation in the USAA program. The only reasonable explanation is if the buyer is not providing the required documentation necessary for the dealer to recoup the discounted amount for participation in the program, i.e. the certificate number that USAA generates for its member. Without strictly adhering to the program requirements, the dealer would eventually end up being charged back for not adhering to the program requirements. They are strict and must be followed to a T without exceptions or the incentive will not apply.
It is easy for a USAA member to qualify though. But anybody saying "I don't want to get the certificate number, I can tell you I am a member and that should be good enough," or, "Just take a copy of my ID and tell Mercedes-Benz I qualify, who cares about the other requirements, that should be good enough" is just not going to work.
