Cute, but is it reliable?

[SmartDE]

Don't forget about:
Can change color if you want, reasonably, least I think so.
No dents, dings or rust on body panels

[Kermit]

My Smart has almost 10k miles - no problems...yet (knock on wood). I had a 03 Honda Civic Hybrid with the CVT and I was scared to death of that transmission though it never failed me over the 37k miles I had it (sold it right after it went out of warranty). Also the car was garaged in Florida and at 36k I discovered the mudflaps had worn the paint underneath them and caused a tiny rust hole. Took it in to get it fixed but they were going to make me pay for it - it was the size of a pinhead and maybe cost them $100 to fix it right. That's why I sold it at 37k and haven't gone back to Honda.

Also had an Insight, it had it's unique problem too. Headlight switch went out, replaced under recall after my dad replaced both bulb as I had loaned him the car while I was on an extended business trip for several months.

My parents had problems with their Hondas as they've been long time Accord drivers. Recently they switched to a Passion and monthly get calls from the Honda dealer saying its time for them to update their 03 Accord which is like brand new. This last time they mentioned my rust fiasco to the salesman and said they wouldn't be back just because of that. Anyone want to buy a very nice babied low-mileage 4cyl EX Accord?

By the time you actually get a car a lot of the bugs should be worked out, but like I said - I have 10k miles so far on mine trouble free. (knock on wood again!)

[bumblebee]

Can't really tell what the reliability is on the smart just yet ('least on a long term basis). But I've had zero problems right now on my smart. I've had it since January with just over 7k miles Like everyone said I'd like everything except maybe the transmission. I've gotten used to it so it does not bother me that much. I like the smart because it's different and economical. I've looked at Honda before I got the smart but the Honda really didn't do a whole lot for me. There's no fun driving a Honda. Although Honda is reliable, but I just can't see myself driving a Honda or a Toyota. If I did get a Honda I probably would've gotten rid of it within a couple years as it would not fit my personality.

[Trena]

why does everyone refer to the smart as being in its first model year? hasn't this been in Europe for years? i saw them in paris and germany in 2006. is the smartfortwo a new model?

[WhiteNBlack08]

I am banking on the MB reliability. I bought this car as my primary transportation. I plan on putting 150-200K miles on this car before replacing it with another smart! So far so good, 3 months, 7200 miles, only one issue, p0410 emissions fault. Dealer fixed in les than an hour, no issues since.

I do echo some others though, this is definitely NOT a car for everybody. You have to want a smart, and accept it, flaws and all.

[WhiteNBlack08]

Originally Posted by Trena

why does everyone refer to the smart as being in its first model year? hasn't this been in Europe for years? i saw them in paris and germany in 2006. is the smartfortwo a new model?

.

The current model is the 451, which was introduced in Europe last year as a 2007. The ones you saw in 2006 were the older model 450. New model is slightly larger, and more refined than the older, so yes it is a new model, but smart has been around for 10 years.

[VWScottie]

Originally Posted by WhiteNBlack08

You have to want a smart, and accept it, flaws and all.

I've heard the "flaws" mentioned a few times, so what are they?

[bigcritter]

3000 miles........4000 smiles.........and not a problem so far!! I still look for reasons to take my smart, instead of my other vehicles. I'm always disappointed if I NEED to take a different vehicle for some reason (taking my Great Dane or hauling something too large for the smart, etc). I still LOVE driving my smart and look forward to bigger and better adventures. In fact, I was just looking at the video of the pull-along folding camping trailer and thinking........hmmmmm.......I could get one of those and sell my camper van.........but then what would I do with the Dane??

[sharonlee]

One of the most inconvenient "flaws" in not in the car itself, but in the distance from the nearest dealer for general service and repair if necessary.

[danag]

Well that wouldn't be a problem for me since I less than 5 miles from a dealer.

Thanks everyone so far for all of your feedback. I do think when we "eventually" do get our car that we will buy an extended warranty though. You know it's like the saying that if you have it you won't need it, but if you don't than you will.