Almost home! A night in Atlanta

[NCC1701]

Well, spending the night at a Holiday Inn, walking distance from Smart Center Buckhead Atlanta. I went by the dealership this afternoon and checked my baby out! It was just past closing time, and when I walked up there were three people swarming around it. One of them asked me if I worked there. No, I said, but you're looking at MY car. They asked how much it cost, I answered and they commented it was expensive, but continued to gawk. I pointed out another one nearby with a price sticker on it that cost a few K less, and they moved over to it (yeaaa!) There were five or six smarts there, and I think only one of them had a sticker on the window. Perhaps it was an orphan and the others were not?

So, I take delivery tomorrow. Appointment time is opening time.

I expect the 300 mile ride home to be more entertaining than the ride up in my rental Cobalt.

Oh, while there I noticed one of the other smarts on display had a glaring scratch in its paint. I didn't see any obvious flaws in mine.

One thing that kinda surprised me: I guess it is the rain sensor. Seems really bulky and obvious.

[Suze]

oh happy day!!!

Show us how happy you look at delivery!

[Smart Enuf]

Now that's dedication! Congratulations and enjoy your new smartie.

[MikeDCop]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

Well, spending the night at a Holiday Inn, walking distance from Smart Center Buckhead Atlanta. <snipped>

But are you sure you want to walk in down town ATL?

Congrats on your baby getting here.

[jwight]

Congratulations on the new car. You'll enjoy the ride back and it'll be 1/3 broken in by the time you get home.

[martek@wcnet.org]

Oh, how I envy you! That drive home is the very best experience!!! I have had my "Boop" for 3 weeks now and I still can't get the smile off my face. It's a whole new world of driving now!!
mary

[doenut]

Had mine three weeks also (June 20) and will crack 1,,000 miles this weekend.

[Kermit]

I suppose you are driving on your way back here by now, OK not here but close enough in PC.

Sooo, how was the drive? Everything you expected? At least the Smarts are becoming commonplace now. I only get about 5 people per day asking questions now as people are getting used to them. Did the big trucks bother you? I don't even notice them the way others mention them but I'm used to small cars.

You have to get some pictures up so we can see your baby - also if you're bored next weekend take a short drive west along 98 and meet up with us. There'll be others driving further than PC to meet and greet - I'll be doing about 45 miles one way to get to the meeting place.

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by Bum-bling-B

I suppose you are driving on your way back here by now, OK not here but close enough in PC.

Sooo, how was the drive? Everything you expected? At least the Smarts are becoming commonplace now. I only get about 5 people per day asking questions now as people are getting used to them. Did the big trucks bother you? I don't even notice them the way others mention them but I'm used to small cars.

You have to get some pictures up so we can see your baby - also if you're bored next weekend take a short drive west along 98 and meet up with us. There'll be others driving further than PC to meet and greet - I'll be doing about 45 miles one way to get to the meeting place.

Got to PC late this afternoon. Stopped by Books-a-million to buy a log book.
The test drive I took in Jacksonville was very misleading. First off, I only drove that car 4 or 5 minutes and never got it over 35-40 MPH. It ALMOST convinced me to not buy the car. And, I actually believe my car DOES behave differently than the test car. The transmission seems to shift more smoothly, and the brakes are just FINE!

I drove up to Atlanta in a rental Cobalt. Completed the trip with a quarter tank of gas remaining. Returning in my smart, I filled up 90 miles from home. No, it wasn't empty but it was two bars from empty. Guess I might've been a little heavy footed at times. I made stops a half dozen times on the way, and at most of them I was approached and asked the usual questions. Except at one rest stop I kinda got away from the car quickly and sat inconspicuously at a table within earshot and listened to people's comments ... "Isn't it cute!", "That's one of the safest cars on the road", "That's a smart car", "I'll bet it gets good mileage" ... almost everyone who walked by it had something to say about it.

Truckers didn't seem to blow me around TOO much. But, for 20 miles or so I was on the fringe of a thunderstorm where downbust winds were pretty blustery. That DID buffet the car quite a bit! Especially at higher speeds. Had some pretty strong, gusty crosswinds.

I'm pleased with the pep! NO problem whatsoever going with the flow in town or on the interstate. In fact, a few times I noticed I left the (fuel concious) pack behind from red lights. And, had to be aware of my speed so as to avoid a speeding ticket. Oh, for a cruise control in some situations.

I'm trying to figure out how to post pictures. I read that from the control panel I can create an album and then embed the photos into posts by using the BB code displayed when the photo is viewed full size. But, it says in the control panel I need to click on a 'Pictures & Albums' link. I don't see that link.
Smart Car of America Forums - FAQ: User Profile Features

[NCC1701]

I think I've found it. Not where the FAQ said though. Working (ship's computer)

I think I've figured it out. Hope I do this right.