smart cars

[Bill in Utah]

I'll also add that I have no problem with someone owning and operating one. Better than someone bopping around in a ton truck with their lunchbox.

I personally think better things out there to own or buy.

Take care, Bill

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: kb01
Originally Posted By: grampi

You're absolutely right. There's nothing smart about a Smart Car. A car that size should get AT LEAST 60 MPG. There's got to be SOME benefit to having a car this small and I see no benefits from owning one. My Corolla gets just as good MPGs and it'll seat 5 people!


I think the benefit of owning one is the ease of parking. I doubt anyone would buy one with the assumption of long, highway commutes on a regular basis. There are a lot of people who live in the city, where parking is a complete pain. Gas mileage isn't a huge deal because you typically don't drive that much and a realistic maximum speed is in the ballpark of 25 mph.

When I lived in South Philly, parking was an absolute nightmare and I'd go out of my way to never move my car. I'm very good at parallel parking but there are many spots just too small for a Civic or Focus to fit in. I think a Smart could park in these types of spots.

I think the Smart is targeted at this demographic; where you get the all weather capability of a car but maneuverability/parking ability of a motorcycle.


Sorry, but if I'm going to give up everything I'd have to give up to drive one of these toasters, it's gonna have to offer me more than just easier parking. I could see driving one if it got say 60-70 MPG, but as it is, no way. It's just not worth it.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
I'll also add that I have no problem with someone owning and operating one. Better than someone bopping around in a ton truck with their lunchbox.

I personally think better things out there to own or buy.

Take care, Bill
For my daily (70mile) commuter, I was looking at the SMART when they were gray market here with the mercedes gas engine. I liked the rear engine/rear drive aspect of it with thoughts of classic VW beetle snow traction. But at the time they were a rage, pricing structure was insanely high (over 17K on a BASE For2) Visible quality fit and finsih was poor and a relaible service network and warranty non-existant. For thousands less I bought the Yaris 3 door which has room for 4 semi-comfortably, reasonable Fuel Mileage (38 mpg ave easy) and a usable hatch area for hauling oversize things periodically. I Would be interested in a lightly used Canadian Turbo Diesel for2 but we would never get that stateside. Again the draw of the rear drive and engine for me is strong.

 

[expat]

I think the wheelbase is too short to take advantage of the rear engine/Drive.
Hold-on and perhaps your country will come to it's senses and open the gates to allow some of the super efficient Diesel cars onto the market.
I was driving an Accord sized, 4 door sedan in France and averaged over 50mpg (U.S.) during the course of two weeks of mixed City/Freeway driving.
We're just 20 years behind, AGAIN!

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: expat

Hold-on and perhaps your country will come to it's senses and open the gates to allow some of the super efficient Diesel cars onto the market.

Good one!

We are too smart to allow those belching diesel engines out here without the simple safe low cost EPA emission parts to be installed.

I feel sick typing that...

 

[jcwit]

Come to our senses, surly you jest!

 

[labman]

So what happens when a Smart Car hits one of these? http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/03/24/inside-gms-en-v-concept-car/

 

[jcwit]

You hear a small squish!