Smart Anyone?

In March of 2007 my wife paid $99 and got on the reservation list for the new Smart Car.  About every 3 months or so we get an email giving us some Smart news and an update on our status.  Well, last week I got a notice that her Smart was built and ready for shipping and should be on our door step in 45 to 60 days.  Wow, a new car.

The car she ordered is a white cabriolet with black trim and red interior.  It should look something like this:

Right after I get the announcement that her car was built and soon to be delivered I get an email from the local SmartCenter offering us an 'Orphan' Cabrio.  I email the local SmartCenter informing them that, since her Smart was already built, that we would be passing on the 'Orphan' and waiting for hers.  The next day I get a call from the 'Smart Rep', conversation ensues:

SR - "Mr. H, since you have such an early reservation number, I'd like to make you an offer on the 'Orphan'.  If you are interested, I'd like to offer you the Cabrio we have at MSRP, no markups.  Your wife drives it for the next couple of months while you are waiting for her Smart.  When her Smart arrives, she brings the 'Orphan' back and we give you full price, including any fees, towards her Smart."

Mr. H - "Are you on crack?"

SR - "No,  What do you mean?"

Mr. H - "I have never received an offer to, basically, drive a new car for a couple of months for free.  You are going to give me every dime I put into this 'Orphan' back after my wife's Smart comes in?  Taxes, fees,.... everything?"

SR - "Yep."

Mr. H - "So, how do you get away with that without losing your proverbial butt?"

SR - "Well, Smart requires, by contract, that I sell all new Smarts at MSRP.  Not so with used Smarts.  With a wait of 1.5 years for a new Smart I can easily sell the 'Orphan' for 10 to 15 percent over MSRP even after you have driven it for a couple of months."

Mr. H - "Oh.  How about I just sell it then?"

SR - "You lose your reservation spot if you do that.  You don't get the one your wife ordered.  Got it?"

Mr. H - "Hmmm.  OK.  Sign me up."

So, after a trip to the SmartCenter and some exchange of moneys, my wife is now driving her new 'Orphan' Smart.  Looks something like this:

Sure is a tiny little sucker.  But, my wife really seems to like driving it around.  I've driven it a couple of times and it really isn't bad to drive, I just don't like all the attention you get.  People staring at you while you drive down the road, coming over and talking to you when you stop, asking all sorts of questions, exclaiming how cute it looks.... OK, can't deal with the 'cute' remarks.  I am, after all, of male persuasion and do have a trace of testosterone.  Maybe after the novelty wears off I'll like it more.  It is one hell of an urban commuter vehicle and will help us to do our little bit to lessen our carbon foot print.  Hopefully, even cut into Exxon's 3rd quarter profits.... maybe?

Cheers!