highway driving

[gothlicroni]

Hi everyone. I am like 3 days away from buying this little car. My issue is, I am so confused about highway driving. I test drove it on the Long Island Expressway, I could have sworn it was being blown a bit at 65 mph and I was afraid to go any faster. Now I'm thinking about how it's going to handle in rain and snowstorms. I intend to use this as my sole car and I"m so nervous if i'm being realistic in buying this? I keep reading a lot of people are using this as a second car. I'm not rich and this would be my only car! How does everyone find driving on highways? Thanks so much!

[Dave777]

It's a short wheelbase, fairly light car. Of course it gets blown around a bit. Way more than a car that weighs 4,000 pounds. That said, most people do just fine in the wind, rain and snow.

You'll be fine. Don't let fear rule your decision.

[SunDiego]

I have fine cruising on the free at 65 - even 85 with no problems.

[vwW12]

Originally Posted by gothlicroni

I intend to use this as my sole car and I"m so nervous if i'm being realistic in buying this? I keep reading a lot of people are using this as a second car.

I am comfortable driving my smart at high speeds. Have not had any issues with bufetting other than "feeling" it in the steering wheel, but without actually getting thrown off course.

We do, however, keep a large sedan for those rare times when we need more than two seats, or we need to carry several suitcases, or we need to undertake long road trips.

So weigh your options! Best of luck,

[michaelhammer]

I picked mine up on Tuesday and Have driven it on the highway several times (I95). In my opinion there is a little bit of turbulance when passing a semi or if you are behind a semi but no more than I do in our Honda Civic. The steering does seem a little tight so that may take a little getting used to. I enjoy driving it.

[xcrew229x]

Go drive a 1966 Volkswagen Beetle and report back....... that car is scary...... a smart is not.

[widdle car]

My car is 6 weeks old (700 mi.). I drive it in the wind and it does move around a little. When that happens, I open the windows and the wind blows right thru the car. I have another car for when it rains and storms. I don't know if I'd want to drive the Smart in those conditions. Just keep both hands on the wheel and don't speed!

[yuckmoon]

The first time I took my smart on the highway I was so scared. But I'm sure I would have been scared no matter what my new car was for the first time on any highway. When push comes to shove I was way more nervous than I needed to be. I have had my smart 2 weeks now and I love taking her on the highway. I especially like passing cars. No worries. And yes, my smart is my only car as well.

[johnssc]

My smart is my primary car. I have used it on the highway and locally and had no problems. I have found it to be more stable, actually, than some larger cars I have owned. At 1800 lbs, it is heavier than my Triumph Spitfire, my Ford Fiesta, my Ford Festiva or either of my Dodge Colts were.

Remember, highway stability is not a function strictly of weight. It is also a function of aerodynamics. The car is quite sound in that department.

Like I would tell anyone driving any car: Pay attention. Keep both hands on the wheel. Be alert to traffic and changes in conditions and most importantly relax and enjoy it!

[Feral_Collie]

I've had my smart for a week now, and I can't complain about highway speeds. Yes, you do feel it when a Silverado passes you at 80 mph, but it's nothing to be worried about. Smaller car, less inertia. Think of it like airplanes. The 777 is really smooth, even in turbulence. But if a Turboprop Connection flight is in the same turbulence, you bounce around a lot more.