Thinking about getting a Smart Car

[themexi]

Wouldn't a motorcycle be even more dangerous then?

I'd steer away from a Smart because it isn't as fuel efficient as a Yaris, Fit or Jetta but as far as safety they are fine.
Large cars and trucks are unsafe to those who get hit by them, shouldn't that be a consideration?

Sure it's a consideration....... to them. We live in a world where entire species get replaced by another with the slightest evolutionary advantage.... A 30% safer ride even considering the statistics is WAY more of an advantage than larger canines, brighter plumage, etc..... I will go for any advantage... someone else doesn't...their choice... If I could choose for them I would err on the side of their safety... but I respect both their right to choose & my own.

 

[tboy]

As sheik says: they are awesome city cars. You can park those things on a postage stamp so you can find space just about anywhere. In fact, I saw two of them parked in the space for once vehicle on the danforth (I think it was the danforth). I actually did a double take to make sure they were both within the lines....

A guy in my building had one and he would park his vespa in the one spot with it.

I tell you, they are not really my style but after seeing that video of one running into a K rail a year or two ago, I reassessed my thinking that they were unsafe.

As for highway driving? Ummm I think it's suicide to drive one on the highway. They are just way too small and way too light. Heck, I get buffeted in my F150 from trucks I can imagine what it's like in them.

 

[herames]

only beef i heard about the Smart car is that it is capable of tipping over(top heavy) in a high speed curve. Rumour was that some were tiping over speeding around the colosseum

 

[HafDun]

Thoughts?

Anyone have one?

Syn

I have a smart car and my only issue is that it can not be my only car. On occassion I need the extra seating for clients plus I need the trailer towing capabilities of a bigger vehicle.

The big advantage of a smart car, aside from amazing mileage (63+MPG on my last 400 km road trip) is that at 6' plus, I can fit very comfortably in the smart car but couldn't even get into a Yaris or similar sub compacts.

As for highway driving, I can do 140 which is about 20 KPH faster than I normally cruise at. The acceleration is bad for high speed passing but I have no issues with keeping up with traffic. Mine is diesel, but I am told the new gas version has about 20% more power. The crash tests are very favourable but the sheer lack of weight is an issue in high winds at high speeds on 400 series highways. It has too high a centre of gravity for racing around hairpin corners, but that is also the case with some mid & fujll size SUVs.

Overall it is a unique vehicle. You can not compare it to a traditional subcompact and from a price or features standpoint. Most 'subs' are built small and cheap. The Smart is indicative of Mercedes engineering and great value as an economical 2 seater.

I'll be thinking of all you die hard truck lovers today when I'm filling up and trying to squeeze $20 of fuel into my tank.

Syn, I would be happy to meet you for a test drive next time I'm in the downtown area. PM me if you are interested.

 

[tboy]

They are everywhere in Europe and most people been driving them for years and are still alive!!!

and YES there are large vehicles in Europe also...

just an observation while travelling over there...

Hey, not a problem and I think they are awesome cars. Just observation tis all. But as a subsequent poster above stated: they are "ungainly" at highway speeds.

As for us pickup truck drivers. I have basically "parked" mine and only use it when I really need to. When I go somewhere I try and plan my trips so I can get a lot accomplished. For eg: I was working at a client's house North of Oshawa so while I was on my way out there, I stopped at Busy Bee and Princess Auto to pick up supplies as opposed to making a special trip just to go there. Plus for the last 8 months or so I walk to home depot if I only need to pickup fasteners or non-sheet goods.

I was also thinking of picking up a 125 or 250 enduro motorcycle for these "errand" type trips or to go to site after the first day I delivered the tools. But when I started to add up the cost of the bike (even used), the insurance, storage in the winter, $4K is a LOT of gas in my truck even at $1.32 per litre.

Frankly if auto makers want to really increase the small car/pocket car sales, they have to come up with some "cool" versions. Like the 3 wheelers, or just design a car that has a "cool" look to it, not a dinky car look like the smart car. For eg: I'd drive a spitfire or an older MG way before I'd drive a smart car.

 

[Molly Robinson]

I drive a lot so want to cut down on gas. I also want an easier time parallel parking ... sigh.

Syn

Buy a Mini Cooper they are cute, great on gas and easy to park....

 

[Brill]

HafDun is right about the roominess of a Smart car, the huge doors also make them easy to get in and out.

I don't understand why it's seen as for women only, some of the styles and colours are very handsome and stylish for a guy.

 

[Molly Robinson]

Loved the Mini and almost bought one BUT check out the spare tire situation; NONE in the Cooper 'S' and they had to cut down on the size of the tank in the Mini basic to fit the donut spare. Didn't go for it.

Your right...there is no spare tire. I have run flats and CAA.... Can't see me changing a flat on the side of the road in 5inch heels and a skirt.

 

[eighthsamurai]

Like others have said, the Fit or Yaris are more practical vehicles, in the same price range and almost the same fuel economy. I'm waiting to see the Fit hybrid, the Chevy Volt, and others in the next 2-5 years.

 

[tboy]

I tell ya, if I had a daughter who needed a car to get around I'd have no problem with her driving a smart car. I'd just make sure she didn't go on the highway with it.

You can't ask for a better car for bombing around in the city.

As for motorcycles and their safety, that's never been in question and the number of them on Canadian roads is negligable at best. I think it's around 1 or 2 percent actually but don't quote me on that.

 

[Crixus]

... can't see me changing a flat on the side of the road in 5-inch heels and a skirt ...

I can't? Damn ... there goes that fetish/fantasy ...

 

[mmouse]

This smart car looks fun:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV4HdsDZX6c

 

[tboy]

This smart car looks fun:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV4HdsDZX6c

LOL that's funny! Every time I see one of those I think they are just overgrown Dinky toys lol....

I was impressed though: 4 wheel 90 deg drift sideways and it didn't roll......(but I bet if it hit a crack in the pavement it'd be gone).

Man, did that engine SCREAM though......

(get a mini to do that and I'd buy one *eg*)

 

[Moraff]

If I bought a smart car I would want to install a rotating "wind-up" key on the roof. Figure if you're gonna look silly you may as well go whole hog.

 

[superman]

if u got more money and are younger, get mini

if u have a fam, get a fit or yaris

 

[MuffinMuncher]

Your right...there is no spare tire. I have run flats and CAA.... Can't see me changing a flat on the side of the road in 5inch heels and a skirt.

No, but I'd be happy to do that photoshoot at no charge.