I am a brand specialist for smart. The reason for the 2 year 24,000 mile warranty is NOT a lack of confidence on smart's behalf. The 2 year 24,000 is a standard in Europe and they want to keep the expense of the car down as well. Cars that come with greater warranties have the price built into the sales price. So doing it the smart way gives you the ability to pay for something you want or NOT pay for it.
The Truth About 2yr/24000 Warranty
brandspecialist
61 - 80 of 92 Posts
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1,751 Posts
Sorry
I apologize for mis-interpreting your initial post. Can you upload the pertinent information for us?
Thanks,
Dan
Ken,
I apologize for mis-interpreting your initial post. Can you upload the pertinent information for us?
Thanks,
Dan
Correct doc
Meaux
That is why I said that I would then sell it after that first repair. I dont keep cars that are not reliable. By then...I might be able to get the IQ. I have NEVER had a car that needed a major repair like that in the first 5 years. Yeah..sure...maybe after 8 or 9 years. If the car is not reliable it is out of here.
Meaux
Joined
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81 Posts
okay, i just scanned the first five pages of the contract but i'm not allowed attach them. so i just uploaded them to our web site so you will need to click on the links:
http://www.evoluzione.net/web info/smart_warr_1.JPG
http://www.evoluzione.net/web info/smart_warr_2.JPG
http://www.evoluzione.net/web info/smart_warr_3.JPG
http://www.evoluzione.net/web info/smart_warr_4.JPG
http://www.evoluzione.net/web info/smart_warr_5.JPG
sorry that the bottoms are cut off but you can get the general idea.
regards,
ken
http://www.evoluzione.net/web info/smart_warr_1.JPG
http://www.evoluzione.net/web info/smart_warr_2.JPG
http://www.evoluzione.net/web info/smart_warr_3.JPG
http://www.evoluzione.net/web info/smart_warr_4.JPG
http://www.evoluzione.net/web info/smart_warr_5.JPG
sorry that the bottoms are cut off but you can get the general idea.
regards,
ken
Joined
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1,751 Posts
Rip-Off
Regards,
Dan
Wow!!! Thanks Ken. Now I know I won't be paying for the smart "Extended Warranty". PAG should be enbarassed by this. I'm appalled.
Regards,
Dan
Come on, man, you're gonna get so attached to this thing, there's no way you're gonna be able to dump something so cute over a few hundred bucks.
Doc** Who knows....I have three reliable toyotas already and if I keep them, I wont be stuck without transportation if the smart is a lemon. I know that the hassle will get to me though. If the thing keeps breaking down big time, (which I am optimistic and not expecting), I do not have time to keep taking it for repairs 90 miles away. I will sell it....My husband wants me to sell it as soon as I get it. NO CHANCE. But two to four years from now, smart will have some competition if it proves succesful and I can get something else....All that being said, there is no way that I will waste my money on the extended warrenty product that smart is offering. I will invest it.
Meaux
Joined
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81 Posts
An overview of the company.
http://www.manta.com/coms2/dnbcompany_fc3wsr
At least they've been in business since 1977.
Also, note the coverage is the maximum under the "Platinum" option, meaning it's practically bumper-to-bumper EXCEPT for diagnostics which is hardly ever covered.
And, thanks a million, KEN!
http://www.manta.com/coms2/dnbcompany_fc3wsr
At least they've been in business since 1977.
Also, note the coverage is the maximum under the "Platinum" option, meaning it's practically bumper-to-bumper EXCEPT for diagnostics which is hardly ever covered.
And, thanks a million, KEN!
Joined
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1,751 Posts
Empahsis on practically. I'm not aware of any factory warranty that doesn't include diagnosing a problem and that levies a $100 deductible.
My reading of the contract is they pay for diagnosis only if the problem turns out to be something they cover (which is a pretty typical contract provision).
The biggest issue I see with this coverage is that it's breakdown only, not breakdown plus wear and tear. There are warranty companies out there that cover both.
As an example, say you're having your smart serviced (after 2 yrs/24,000 miles) and the mechanic notices that you have excessive play in a wheel bearing. Breakdown only coverage would not cover it, because it hasn't yet broken. Wear and tear coverage would cover it, because it's outside the manufacturer's stated tolerances.
If you want to compare rates for a company that does include wear and tear coverage, look here: www.warrantydirect.com. You can get a quote for the 2008 smart fortwo online (including the option of zero deductible). Also check out their contract wording in comparison to Automotive Warranty Services.
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3,590 Posts
Extended service contract.
The only fall back we have now is to get our hands on the service manual. I wonder what games they will play with that.
A2Jack.
I too said that a few threads back. But, regardless of what we call it, the whole thing is a rip, and PAG, the dealers, and smart usa is misrepresenting this product to us.which is what i've been saying for five pages of this thread
regards,
ken
The only fall back we have now is to get our hands on the service manual. I wonder what games they will play with that.
A2Jack.
Personally, I like German cars, have had them, and have friends who have them. I don't understand why people equate them with being reliable. They may be engineered to a higher tolerance for the Autobahn but few are as reliable as a Toyota or Honda. None the less, they tend to be "keepers".
When you buy a car, the manufacturer's marketing department often has a survey asking you to identify your primary purchasing criteria. If it is reliability, get your Toyota and rest knowing that you have a low probability of repairs; but recognize the downside, you're going to be driving a Toyota. They're great transportation appliances but I don't know that people have a lot of passion for their Corolla, Camry, or Avalon. There may be Corolla clubs out there gathering together and posting their restoration tips for bringing back a '78 Corolla, but I'm betting membership is not that high.
I agree with Fredvon4 that it's probably not a crap car. I don't think this will go the way of the Yugo; but if reliability is your primary consideration, buy a Toyota or get an third party warranty for your Smart before the original warranty expires.
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1,872 Posts
Well there we are...
The Contract is badged on top page by Smart
It looks like this is the product we can expect, and it certainly is not the "Extended Warranty" Smart buyers get choices to purchase as implied by Penske and Shembri.... in effect one more lie or embellishment
In my world we commonly use words to mean what they say
Extension of a Warranty is distinctly different from a purchase of a Service Contract..... Too bad none of us has the means to get a good lawyer... Some will buy this mediocre over priced service contract, many will not, and life will go on
I am profoundly disappointed
For what it is worth I always knew I was personally going to modify and upgrade my car... However I am keenly aware of how Magnuson Moss warranty act protects me...
I know that if I put fully adjustable coil over suspension on all 4 corners and slightly wider tires that it would never adversely effect any part of the car electrical systems or black boxes
I know that when I do this I can not get warranty repair for a failed hub bearing or any suspension component and maybe even some final drive issues...I weigh the benefits and risks and act accordingly
An real extension of a manufacture warranty would keep that warranty in force for what ever new time / mileage was agreed to. This is not true of a Service contract ...they are not covered in the "Act".
The way these contracts are written there are enough weasle words, exclusions, and pre conditions that the administrator has the power (and exercises it) to reject any claim on any car that has had any modification even if the modification did not cause the covered part or system to fail...
The real issue with this particular contract is the 6 month. with VIN Identified, dated receipts for services. This is an expensive hoop to jump through twice a year.
The way it reads you might be able to do the services yourself and get piddly repairs authorized.
BUT... If your motor blows, or the transmission grenades.... The administrator can ( and will) require proof of service and will not accept your say so that you preformed it... Receipts for oil and filters are not proof you used them...
They clearly say the VIN, car description, mileage, location date, specific service performed etc etc... The only way you have coverage for the $8000 motor replacement, is if you have a signed dated receipt for all of the 6 month services...
Alright enough sour grapes... not a product I would pay money for
So for $18K I am getting a new car with a 2 year warranty...so be it
If something major scatters at 25.5 months will will deal with it then
I sincerely hope it is rare and not design, part, or other manufacturer flaw or defect...
But if I have a internal oil seal in the getrag trany fail, and wipe out the clutch. The PAG amd MB have a problem..... I will find a class action lawyer even if just the typical ambulance chasing kind
The Contract is badged on top page by Smart
It looks like this is the product we can expect, and it certainly is not the "Extended Warranty" Smart buyers get choices to purchase as implied by Penske and Shembri.... in effect one more lie or embellishment
In my world we commonly use words to mean what they say
Extension of a Warranty is distinctly different from a purchase of a Service Contract..... Too bad none of us has the means to get a good lawyer... Some will buy this mediocre over priced service contract, many will not, and life will go on
I am profoundly disappointed
For what it is worth I always knew I was personally going to modify and upgrade my car... However I am keenly aware of how Magnuson Moss warranty act protects me...
I know that if I put fully adjustable coil over suspension on all 4 corners and slightly wider tires that it would never adversely effect any part of the car electrical systems or black boxes
I know that when I do this I can not get warranty repair for a failed hub bearing or any suspension component and maybe even some final drive issues...I weigh the benefits and risks and act accordingly
An real extension of a manufacture warranty would keep that warranty in force for what ever new time / mileage was agreed to. This is not true of a Service contract ...they are not covered in the "Act".
The way these contracts are written there are enough weasle words, exclusions, and pre conditions that the administrator has the power (and exercises it) to reject any claim on any car that has had any modification even if the modification did not cause the covered part or system to fail...
The real issue with this particular contract is the 6 month. with VIN Identified, dated receipts for services. This is an expensive hoop to jump through twice a year.
The way it reads you might be able to do the services yourself and get piddly repairs authorized.
BUT... If your motor blows, or the transmission grenades.... The administrator can ( and will) require proof of service and will not accept your say so that you preformed it... Receipts for oil and filters are not proof you used them...
They clearly say the VIN, car description, mileage, location date, specific service performed etc etc... The only way you have coverage for the $8000 motor replacement, is if you have a signed dated receipt for all of the 6 month services...
Alright enough sour grapes... not a product I would pay money for
So for $18K I am getting a new car with a 2 year warranty...so be it
If something major scatters at 25.5 months will will deal with it then
I sincerely hope it is rare and not design, part, or other manufacturer flaw or defect...
But if I have a internal oil seal in the getrag trany fail, and wipe out the clutch. The PAG amd MB have a problem..... I will find a class action lawyer even if just the typical ambulance chasing kind
Joined
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5,576 Posts
So then the question is a) how reliable were/are these cars? I understand the engine is different than the one in europe now, but what about the transmission and other parts? My guess labor is going to be higher than normal seeing as you cant take it in to Bob's Smart car repair. And like the old VW's, the enigine is SO hard to get to. b) Any idea if this engine has ever been used and what is ITS track record? c) based on a) and b) would it be prudent for a middle class person to spend over $2000 on a warranty? Maybe its a good thing that I have to wait a year for mine. Then again, the only major issues I have ever had with our 2006 toyota matrix were the tires; gave out at 16000 mi. Im doing the scheduled maintenance on the car for resale value. Im still kind of wary. If it sounds like Im new to car buying, its because I am.
Here's an idea:
Put down a deposit on a 2nd SC and time it's delivery with the expiration of warranty of your 1st.
It's quite possible that early demand will exceed early supply, so 18 months from now there won't be significant depreciation.
Sell your 1st SC while still under the 2/24 (a sales benefit to you and a buy benefit to the new owner since an ESA can be purchased while it's still under the factory warranty), and take delivery of SC #2 with its full 2/24 in effect.
In other words, buy and sell to keep your SC under warranty.
Just another option to put out there.
Put down a deposit on a 2nd SC and time it's delivery with the expiration of warranty of your 1st.
It's quite possible that early demand will exceed early supply, so 18 months from now there won't be significant depreciation.
Sell your 1st SC while still under the 2/24 (a sales benefit to you and a buy benefit to the new owner since an ESA can be purchased while it's still under the factory warranty), and take delivery of SC #2 with its full 2/24 in effect.
In other words, buy and sell to keep your SC under warranty.
Just another option to put out there.
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5,576 Posts
Kewl. Thats what we're trying to do with our matrix. Just a bit upside down in it. But I could see how that would work for the smarts. Thanks a million! BTW, anyone want a collectible motorcycle? 78 hawk hondamatic?
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5,576 Posts
Email I recieved from Smart
I recieved an email from smart usa and I dont think they really care. Here it is verbatium.
"Dear smart Enthusiast, The smart warranty is a two year or 24,000 mile comprehensive warranty. smart USA will also offer a host of additional extended warranty options that can be customized by the customer through the customer's local dealership when purchasing the vehicle. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us via email or by phone at 1.800.smartusa. Thank you for your interest in smart USA. You will be hearing from us soon! Daniel Moore Customer Service www.smartusa.com 1.800.smartusa"
:smartje.zw.zw::smartje.zw.zw:
I recieved an email from smart usa and I dont think they really care. Here it is verbatium.
"Dear smart Enthusiast, The smart warranty is a two year or 24,000 mile comprehensive warranty. smart USA will also offer a host of additional extended warranty options that can be customized by the customer through the customer's local dealership when purchasing the vehicle. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us via email or by phone at 1.800.smartusa. Thank you for your interest in smart USA. You will be hearing from us soon! Daniel Moore Customer Service www.smartusa.com 1.800.smartusa"
:smartje.zw.zw::smartje.zw.zw:
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