New to the site. Just lurking around seeing what people who own a smart car are saying about theirs. Finally got to test drive one about a month ago at the Bloomfield Hills Michigan dealership. I have to say I was smitten, but I do have some reservations about owning this car. After reading several online critiques from unbiased testers, and owner complaints that staggered the imagination (one gal said her car wouldn't start if it was parked outside in the sun!) to stranded people in parking lots, blown headlights, transmissions that wouldn't shift, or would make an awful racket while driving (this person was actually given a new car because they couldn't find the problem), I need some positive reinforcement in deciding if I really want a car like this. Another tester said he was constantly tailgated and cut off in traffic (two things I really am afraid of!) and another owner that I read about said his headlights burned out 10 times in a year. These are not comforting comments. I am seriously wondering if this car was ever real-world tested, or if it was just sent over here with all the bugs intact? I also read yesterday that smart fortwo sales plummeted 84% from a year ago. I also fear that this car won't be around for long. I won't be ready to buy one until at least 2013, so maybe this particular car won't even be made anymore by then. Wow, a bunch of stuff to get off my chest, but hopefully someone can give me some positive feedback. Anyone?? Thanks for listening.Niko
A Lot has changed from the 08-09 that solved many of those problems.
THe smart fortwo has been around more than 10 years, but the second generation 451 we have here in the states is only a few years old and Yes they had a couple of issues like the clutch. They dealt wit it, and made it better.
Also, by 2013 you should see many more options for cars this size available in the states.
Remember, more folks post when they have a problem than when they have none.
My smart has been 100% from day one. I love it, and have never have had a problem with it. It is the only car I own and drive. I do field work durring the day and take my tandem with me on the weekends. This car is a perfect fit for me. Also you are not looking to take 3 or 4 friends out or haul building supplies with it? , just checking, but some people have purchased this car and then complained that it could not do those things.
As one of the people that has had a few 'issues' with my cars, All I can say is "these cars are a blast to drive!! they bring back the fun in driving!!" The breakdowns ar a pain but the local dealer here more than makes up for the problems. They are great to work with!! Any time I wonder if I made the right choice by buying a basicly untested car with a limited track record in the US, I go for a drive and I come home smiling. I am sure that I will be upgrading soon and the top car on the list will be a smart!! I drive a bunch of miles each year and when I am driving by myself, I take the smart as my first choice. Obviously if there is more than 2 of us or I need to haul some stuff along, I take a different vehicle. BUT.. only if it won't fit in the smart.
My car sits outside every day. I have never had an issue with it starting in hot (98+ degrees) or cold(-25 below) weather. If you look at the number of problems compared to the number of cars sold, you will see the ratio is quite low. There are always a few bugs in a new model, the difference is how long it takes the company to respond and get them ironed out. Smart does a great job!!
It is what it is. Not a people hauler, not a truck, not a sports car, just good transportation. PLUS, like the ad says, you can't hide a murderer in the back seat....
OK, OK, I have to confess - after owning Mr. Bean for a full year I did have a light bulb go out on me (front yellow driving lamp). There was also a problem with a switch in the AC unit which failed after a year in Texas heat which in Houston saw temps over 100 for over a week - covered under warranty.
Frankly before taking delivery my expectations were that the reliability of the smart would be similar to a Yugo. Thankfully it has reflected its Mercedes heritage. After 15,500 miles there are NO rattles, the interior looks the same as the day I bought it, and I have become a master of the electronic clutch. (No, I will NOT use the D mode unless I'm texting and using my laptop at the same time).
Jim,Thanks for responding to most of my reservations. I am glad to read that it will start in heat and very cold conditions. I think that clutch problem should never have left the factory, and that they were negligent in allowing those cars to be sold in the first place. I am glad that they have addressed this problem in later 2009 models. I found it odd that at the Michigan dealership that I visited, none of the "new" cars were 2010 models. All were 2009. A year old car should be sold at a discount in my book, but none were reduced in price. I liked your Yugo comparison. Glad to see that it far exceeded your doubts about reliability. I like your color you chose, black on black. Very sharp! I currently drive an 11 year old Pontiac of dubious quality, although I have only had to replace the battery and brakes so far. I really don't relish buying something half the size of what I have now, but would have a multitude of more trouble. I can neither afford that or wish to deal with it. I have owned 4 other European cars in the past, and all had issues of one sort or another. The cars looks, size and features are what drew me to the fortwo in the first place. I realize it is small, and I am usually the only person in the car anyway, and I only drive about 4 thousand miles a year. I was also concerned about getting the extended warranty. But driving that little each year, I would use up the 5 year warranty with only 20,000 miles on the car. Doesn't seem like a worthwhile thing to get (but on the other hand I read about a guy who's oil pan gasket leaked and froze up the engine after it went out of warranty!). Not a comforting thought. I do like this little car- it would be perfect for me for my short jaunts around town. I am learning a lot from people online each day the more I research this car. I just wish the price was lower- around $13,000.00 for the Passion loaded with all the goodies. I think the one I looked at was around $16,000.00 without tax with all of the accessories that I wanted. Anyhow, thanks for your response.Niko
The 2010 Models have not really hit the shores yet. They are trying to move the 2009 off first without over discounting. When they deep discount cars it suddenly makes the resale value for those that own go down.
They currently are offering customer cash back or 1.9% financing on the 09's
If I had any problems with my little car, there were minor and easily fixed at Smart Center Edison service center (the Ray Catena - IMO - sets the 'gold standard' for service centers). I really enjoy my Smart Fortwo Pure.
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