Bad Wolf is here

[Sanford6]

Hi folks,

I've been a smart fan since the car was introduced 10 years ago and have owned my 2008 for a little over a year now. Only one problem in all that time and that was when the dreaded shifter went kaput and left me stranded overnight in Hollywood of all places. Beverly Hills Smart Center had me on the road again the next day with a new shifter.

I'm hoping that most people accept the car for what it is - a blast to drive. Shifted manually it's surprisingly quick although I have to tell you the winds in the canyons outside of LA almost blew me off the road. And I will always, always, hate the lag in the 1-2 shift. I can't believe they couldn't do better. Luckily I knew what to expect so it wasn't a surprise to me. When I went on the first drive at one of the previews, my first words to the lovely lady along for the ride was "Oh God, there's that crap gearbox". She assured me that the production versions would be much better. Yea, right. But it's just something you learn to adjust to.

I look at the car as a Beetle for the new millinium. Or maybe a new version of a Citroen 2CV. It's quirky, sometimes annoying but in the end a whole lot of fun.

I got the personalized German tag "BAD WOLF" from the sci-fi series Dr. Who in case you're wondering. Don't have photos yet but will add some soon. The car itself is white with silver tridion and a beautiful set of chromed smart wheels. Don't see many with those.

By the way, although I'm from Chicago, I've lived in and around LA for the past seven years and have now made my way to Atlanta, GA. And no, I didn't drive the car here. I used a professional car transport service and the car arrived without a scratch. Anyone having to do the same let me know and I'll pass on a contact for you. It was $800 door to door. I was a nervous wreck until the truck arrived and I saw the smart would be sharing a trailer with a couple of vintage Corvettes, an old Impala convertible in mint condition and a couple of old Mercedes (one a 280SL).

So anyway, along with the photos coming, I'm also installing a Sprint Power Booster (bad name - it doesn't boost the power) to hopefully smooth out the acceleration feel of the pedal. Have read rave reviews - and no it's not a miracle worker - but anything good enough for SmartMadness is good enough for me. By the way, if you haven't already, check them out on the web. Really cool stuff.

I also debadged the car - the logo off the hood and the SMART off the tailgate - looks much cleaner - I also peeled off the awful little "Passion" stickers on the door fronts. Yuck. Next will be a little window tinting.

So enjoy folks. We're driving something truly unique and having a lot of fun in the meantime - but at least try shifting it yourself. It's so much better and that's how it was meant to be driven.

Talk to you all later.
Sanford

[jetfuel]

...Sanford..welcome to the asylum...make your stay here a long one..just like your first post..

jetfuel...we will leave the light on for you in the padded room.
Join SCOA...you'll be glad you did

[forestacademy]

Thanks for Joining us. We are glad to have you here.

Jump right in and join the conversation.

And Don't be afraid of the Big Bad Panda.

He is not the one to worry about

[Kermit]

WELCOME! And as soon as I saw your screenname I was going to mention Dr.Who but looks as though you already told us that.

Welcome again, and just ignore that jetfuel guy. He's crayyyyyzzzzz

[Smart Enuf]

Originally Posted by forestacademy

Thanks for Joining us. We are glad to have you here.

Jump right in and join the conversation.

And Don't be afraid of the Big Bad Panda.

He is not the one to worry about

Shouldn't we have a Bad Wolf vs. Bad Panda death match or at least a throwdown? We can call the video, "When Smart Animals Go Bad!"

[donnyonee]

welcome aboard!