smart cars
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Parking like that here will get you;
1. Towed
2. dented
3. keyed
4. tipped over (seen it happen with my OWN eyes)
Bill
1. Towed
2. dented
3. keyed
4. tipped over (seen it happen with my OWN eyes)
Bill
Oh, but it sows seeds of doubt.
I dunno Bill, safe is a relative term here. Safe for the frame of the vehicle, but the occupant "might" be saved from fatal injury, doesn't mean they wouldn't be worse off than they normally would in a larger vehicle.
Watching a crash test of a smart car going 60-75mph into a divider made the smart car catapult about 25-30 feet off the road. Frame was in tact but i'm sure no human being would have been well off in that scenario. I for one wouldn't drive it, I know people that do and worry about them. Driving a smart in NJ is like playing frogger in NYC.
Watching a crash test of a smart car going 60-75mph into a divider made the smart car catapult about 25-30 feet off the road. Frame was in tact but i'm sure no human being would have been well off in that scenario. I for one wouldn't drive it, I know people that do and worry about them. Driving a smart in NJ is like playing frogger in NYC.
In a City a parking spot can be like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzj49aJ9Sgg&feature=related
Or you end up walking 1/2 a mile
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzj49aJ9Sgg&feature=related
Or you end up walking 1/2 a mile
Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
My fiance really wanted one because she finds it "cute". I'm trying to get it out of her head.
I think they are a waste. Poor MPG, cost too much for what you are getting, questionable support down the road and horrible in weather.
Poor choice for a vehicle.
Keep on her. Get something else. Even a over priced Mini would be a better choice if "cute" has to be on the table...
Take care, Bill
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!
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
My fiance really wanted one because she finds it "cute". I'm trying to get it out of her head.
I think they are a waste. Poor MPG, cost too much for what you are getting, questionable support down the road and horrible in weather.
Poor choice for a vehicle.
Keep on her. Get something else. Even a over priced Mini would be a better choice if "cute" has to be on the table...
Take care, Bill
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!
Originally Posted By: grampi
Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
My fiance really wanted one because she finds it "cute". I'm trying to get it out of her head.
I think they are a waste. Poor MPG, cost too much for what you are getting, questionable support down the road and horrible in weather.
Poor choice for a vehicle.
Keep on her. Get something else. Even a over priced Mini would be a better choice if "cute" has to be on the table...
Take care, Bill
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!
Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
My fiance really wanted one because she finds it "cute". I'm trying to get it out of her head.
I think they are a waste. Poor MPG, cost too much for what you are getting, questionable support down the road and horrible in weather.
Poor choice for a vehicle.
Keep on her. Get something else. Even a over priced Mini would be a better choice if "cute" has to be on the table...
Take care, Bill
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!
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.
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.
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.
I've come to the same conclusion. It's a "city centre" car. If you lived in NYC or London as a couple of examples, it may make sense.
It doesn't get great gas mileage relative to it's size. It's not priced in relation to it's size either. (Shouldn't a 5/8ths' sized car have 5/8ths the sticker price?)
Instead, it's more a fashion statement for some. (I've noticed a few in rural wineries far from the city centre, and can't imaging driving them from the Smart dealer in St. Louis fifty or a hundred or more miles to their small garage at the winery. I've seen examples owned by both MO and IL wineries, FWIW.)
So if your drive was largely city centre streets and your parking choices were small and expensive, then such a car may make sense.
If you are driving an hour plus each way on the freeway, I don't see this as a wise commuter choice.
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.
I've come to the same conclusion. It's a "city centre" car. If you lived in NYC or London as a couple of examples, it may make sense.
It doesn't get great gas mileage relative to it's size. It's not priced in relation to it's size either. (Shouldn't a 5/8ths' sized car have 5/8ths the sticker price?)
Instead, it's more a fashion statement for some. (I've noticed a few in rural wineries far from the city centre, and can't imaging driving them from the Smart dealer in St. Louis fifty or a hundred or more miles to their small garage at the winery. I've seen examples owned by both MO and IL wineries, FWIW.)
So if your drive was largely city centre streets and your parking choices were small and expensive, then such a car may make sense.
If you are driving an hour plus each way on the freeway, I don't see this as a wise commuter choice.
Originally Posted By: expat
In a City a parking spot can be like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzj49aJ9Sgg&feature=related
Or you end up walking 1/2 a mile
Been there, done that.
When you find a place, you take it. That is why french cars still use black plastic bumpers, they have an use.
Sometimes, I keep my bad habit of trying to park where there is a small free spot and that drives my wife crazy... but sometimes it is useful when we drive downtown.
In a City a parking spot can be like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzj49aJ9Sgg&feature=related
Or you end up walking 1/2 a mile
Been there, done that.
When you find a place, you take it. That is why french cars still use black plastic bumpers, they have an use.
Sometimes, I keep my bad habit of trying to park where there is a small free spot and that drives my wife crazy... but sometimes it is useful when we drive downtown.
quote: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!
The Canadian Diesel version uses 3.3 liter per 100km which works out to 71 MPG (U.S.) Which is more realistic in my mind.
A U.K. Diesel Home chargable Hybrid will get 84 MPG and can drive for 20 miles at 80mph if charged (I guess it would have to slow down after that to charge batteries)
Who says a cars price should be related to it's size? Why?
I have read a lot about the Smart the last day or two, (never that interested before) and I do sense some ANIMOSITY toward the car in the U.S. I really don't get it! It's just a car for heavens sake!
Can someone explain
The Canadian Diesel version uses 3.3 liter per 100km which works out to 71 MPG (U.S.) Which is more realistic in my mind.
A U.K. Diesel Home chargable Hybrid will get 84 MPG and can drive for 20 miles at 80mph if charged (I guess it would have to slow down after that to charge batteries)
Who says a cars price should be related to it's size? Why?
I have read a lot about the Smart the last day or two, (never that interested before) and I do sense some ANIMOSITY toward the car in the U.S. I really don't get it! It's just a car for heavens sake!
Can someone explain
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Smart may have a strong passenger compartment cage, but I would still not want to be on the receiving end of this head-on crash:
The crumple zones are so small - there isn't much there to absorb the impact, so all the energy is going to have to be absorbed by your own body.
My fiance really wanted one because she finds it "cute". I'm trying to get it out of her head.
Your legs would have been ixnay'd in an accident like that. I'd hate to see it against a pickup/suv/tractor trailer.
Smart may have a strong passenger compartment cage, but I would still not want to be on the receiving end of this head-on crash:
The crumple zones are so small - there isn't much there to absorb the impact, so all the energy is going to have to be absorbed by your own body.
My fiance really wanted one because she finds it "cute". I'm trying to get it out of her head.
Your legs would have been ixnay'd in an accident like that. I'd hate to see it against a pickup/suv/tractor trailer.
Originally Posted By: expat
quote: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!
The Canadian Diesel version uses 3.3 liter per 100km which works out to 71 MPG (U.S.) Which is more realistic in my mind.
A U.K. Diesel Home chargable Hybrid will get 84 MPG and can drive for 20 miles at 80mph if charged (I guess it would have to slow down after that to charge batteries)
Who says a cars price should be related to it's size? Why?
I have read a lot about the Smart the last day or two, (never that interested before) and I do sense some ANIMOSITY toward the car in the U.S. I really don't get it! It's just a car for heavens sake!
Can someone explain
Explain? Because we're getting enough European garbage shoved in our face, and we're about sick of it. KAPEESH
quote: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!
The Canadian Diesel version uses 3.3 liter per 100km which works out to 71 MPG (U.S.) Which is more realistic in my mind.
A U.K. Diesel Home chargable Hybrid will get 84 MPG and can drive for 20 miles at 80mph if charged (I guess it would have to slow down after that to charge batteries)
Who says a cars price should be related to it's size? Why?
I have read a lot about the Smart the last day or two, (never that interested before) and I do sense some ANIMOSITY toward the car in the U.S. I really don't get it! It's just a car for heavens sake!
Can someone explain
Explain? Because we're getting enough European garbage shoved in our face, and we're about sick of it. KAPEESH
Maybe you are sick of it. I tend to prefer the smaller, more European car to the larger North American incarnation.
So while some are sick of it, others of us are looking forward when cars get smaller.
I'm not a fan of the Smart. I'm not against it either. I simply think it's more fashion statement than function. There are applications where it does make sense. However, I think those are few and far between here in North America.
So while some are sick of it, others of us are looking forward when cars get smaller.
I'm not a fan of the Smart. I'm not against it either. I simply think it's more fashion statement than function. There are applications where it does make sense. However, I think those are few and far between here in North America.
I don't think I explained myself fully. I drive at present a 2001 Ford Escort 36 mpg avg. and a 2003 Kia Rio for my wife 38/40 mpg avg. So you see I'm not against small cars. However an ultra tiney so called smart car in the venue I live in I think is beyon the pale. Same for a city like Chicago, or Alanta with the interstates and freeways. Just my opinion.
I think a large part of my feelings is that I'm WAY past making any kind of statement to the populace at large.
My feelings anymore are just leave me alone and let me enjoy the rest of my years in peace.
I think a large part of my feelings is that I'm WAY past making any kind of statement to the populace at large.
My feelings anymore are just leave me alone and let me enjoy the rest of my years in peace.
Originally Posted By: expat
quote: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!
The Canadian Diesel version uses 3.3 liter per 100km which works out to 71 MPG (U.S.) Which is more realistic in my mind.
A U.K. Diesel Home chargable Hybrid will get 84 MPG and can drive for 20 miles at 80mph if charged (I guess it would have to slow down after that to charge batteries)
Who says a cars price should be related to it's size? Why?
I have read a lot about the Smart the last day or two, (never that interested before) and I do sense some ANIMOSITY toward the car in the U.S. I really don't get it! It's just a car for heavens sake!
Can someone explain
1. can not get a diesel version here
2. can not get the hybrid version here
3. poor VALUE for what you are getting
4. more a fashion statement than a vehicle
5. questionable support down the road
6. very limited in what you can do with it
quote: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!
The Canadian Diesel version uses 3.3 liter per 100km which works out to 71 MPG (U.S.) Which is more realistic in my mind.
A U.K. Diesel Home chargable Hybrid will get 84 MPG and can drive for 20 miles at 80mph if charged (I guess it would have to slow down after that to charge batteries)
Who says a cars price should be related to it's size? Why?
I have read a lot about the Smart the last day or two, (never that interested before) and I do sense some ANIMOSITY toward the car in the U.S. I really don't get it! It's just a car for heavens sake!
Can someone explain
1. can not get a diesel version here
2. can not get the hybrid version here
3. poor VALUE for what you are getting
4. more a fashion statement than a vehicle
5. questionable support down the road
6. very limited in what you can do with it
Originally Posted By: javacontour
If you are driving an hour plus each way on the freeway, I don't see this as a wise commuter choice.
Nor do I, but if I had a two hour commute each day I would be re-evaluating some other things as well!
If you are driving an hour plus each way on the freeway, I don't see this as a wise commuter choice.
Nor do I, but if I had a two hour commute each day I would be re-evaluating some other things as well!
I tend to agree on all of Bills 6 points. (I won't use the Quote function, I like to see what I type)
So I won't buy one!
But I hold no grudge to anyone who does.
Now when I see someone that routinely drives an over sized, Gas guzzling behemoth (and not utilizing it's Cargo/passenger capacity) I admit I do get a little antsy, especially if they can't park the freaking thing properly!
I think many people drive these as a 'Fashion statement' Evey bit as much as some people drive Smart cars. But they pose more of danger to me if they involve me in an accident :-(
Why the animosity? I think jcwit may have hit the nail on the head.
Like it or not, in North America particularly, "Times they are a changing", we are beginning to feel the pinch on many fronts, things WILL have to change, and we WILL have to do more with less, none of us like changes like this, it's not a pleasant prospect.
Smart cars are just another visual reminder of that.
jcwit, How do you think people would have reacted if they saw your Escort back in the 70's?
So I won't buy one!
But I hold no grudge to anyone who does.
Now when I see someone that routinely drives an over sized, Gas guzzling behemoth (and not utilizing it's Cargo/passenger capacity) I admit I do get a little antsy, especially if they can't park the freaking thing properly!
I think many people drive these as a 'Fashion statement' Evey bit as much as some people drive Smart cars. But they pose more of danger to me if they involve me in an accident :-(
Why the animosity? I think jcwit may have hit the nail on the head.
Like it or not, in North America particularly, "Times they are a changing", we are beginning to feel the pinch on many fronts, things WILL have to change, and we WILL have to do more with less, none of us like changes like this, it's not a pleasant prospect.
Smart cars are just another visual reminder of that.
jcwit, How do you think people would have reacted if they saw your Escort back in the 70's?
I don't know what folks would have thought back then. I was driving an Opel GT, with a new 72 Corvette or 72 Camaro for the weekends.
Ah, those were the days. First car was a 1951 Studabaker Champ, 6 cyl., 3 on the tree, w/overdrive.
Ah, those were the days. First car was a 1951 Studabaker Champ, 6 cyl., 3 on the tree, w/overdrive.
Smart Car, especially the convertible would be ideal for someone living on a small island, like Nantucket where there is only about 20 miles of roads, not one traffic light, and no speed limits on island above 35-40mph....and tough to find parking in season!
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