If you could do it all over again... (Re: on buying)

[windscythe]

Quite a lot of people don't feel the need for power steering. I have it and am quite happy with it, but I'd recommend test driving one with and one without if you can. It's a significant price difference and if you don't feel you need it, you can save yourself some cash.

[mike-in-sa]

Hey roamer, I live in S.A. and my smart is the first new car I have ever bought. My wife liked mine so she got one. If you looked around you you might save a little on a used one. I had over 50% to put down so payments don't break the bank. Had ours over a year with no problems. The acrylic roof is really neat at times and I wouldn't have paid extra for it but now I wouldn't want it solid. Our smart club meets about once a month, yesterday 15 of us visited most of the missions and then had lunch downtown. You are welcome to join us for our next outing.

[ltTXsmarty]

Dear Roamer,

Of course the choice will be yours completely but the more research you do the happier you'll be. Remeber some of the important things, this car is made by Mercedes-Benz and it has a good crash rating. You'll here it over and over again about the size of the car and what would happen if you were in a wreck. The same thing if you were in any other vehicle...you'd be in a wreck! I chose to go with the cabrio for a couple of reasons...First and 4most-this is my toy, second-I live in Texas, third-this is not a car 4 my children and finally-it's really cool. Other things to think about, yes it's a bit of an oxymorron, I have a cabrio with air conditioning and heated seats...my dear friend was asking me a bunch of questions about my car just the other day (you'll get this a lot) and when I informed him that she has heated leather seats he laughed and said that his Vette didn't even have heated leather, SO THERE!! Other things to think about, in my SUV that I still own and drove to work everyday, it was a big vehicle for just one person and I was having to fill it up every week and when gas was almost $4 it was more than I could stand sometimes, now I have a great car that has just over 1000 miles now and has only been filled up three times, and really, when I'm just going to work and home what do I need all that extra room 4. Anyhow, I wouldn't trade her for the world and hope that what ever you decide you'll be happy with your choice. Good Luck and remember to do your homework.
ltTXsmarty and Gerdie RUSMRT

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by roamerdomer

I am seriously considering reserving or purchasing a smart fortwo. This is my first time buying a new car, so I thought I would pick the brains of you cooler, more experienced car buyers. Are there any questions that you wished you had asked the dealer before you bought your car? Is there anything about your car that you would change if you could? What do you think I HAVE to know before making this decision?

Thanks!

There was (is) a special appeal about getting a "custom-made" car.
At first, because of what I perceived as sluggish accelerations, I ordered a pure as light as possible, i.e. no options, nothing assisted.
But the list quickly grew: heated seats, theft alarm, clear roof, paddle shifter... No need to explain why, it quickly became apparent that options ordered OEM are really cheaper than add-ons. Packages are cheaper than one-at-a-time.
My order ended up as a passion with several options.

This is the first car, the first new car, that is actually built to my specifications. I've been waiting a decade to get it, now I'm pleased.

It is not as sluggish as it is rumored to be (power/weight ratio), not as small is it appears (Narnia effect) and not as unsafe as ignoramus wants to believe (active safety systems).

But it remains a compromise (as all vehicles are); some advantages become shortcomings in some specific instances. I.e. tiny to park, but tiny for the long Interstate trips come to mind.

As for your bottom line question: yes, I would do it again! Absolutely!

[jimvw57]

The only thing I wanted was the AC and a CD player. I wanted a Pure and got one from a private party, exactly what I wanted. The only thing I regret is that it is Black/Black and it is tough to keep it looking clean. It has the solid roof and that is fine by me. Driving 43 miles each way to work, I save enough on gas to pay for the car. Next mod will be a cruise control (once I get the funding) with close to 15,000 miles in 8 months, couldn't be happier.

Would I do it again?? YES

[redbluff]

Things you should consider:

No spare tire
Gas Gauges on most 09's do not work properly
Parts are only available from dealers right now
Somewhat harsh ride
Not good in 4-6 inches of snow without snow tires


If you go in knowing the facts then you can feel better about your purchase

[Kermit]

Some great input here. Since you are in San Antonio near a dealership I would say go for if the input everyone here has given is OK by you.

If you have to take off an entire day OR TWO because of distance to take your car to the dealer for whatever reason, then forget it. Smart will leave you with a cold bitter taste in your mouth.

I love both of my cars but if I had to do it again, I'd really really really think about it ONLY because of how the company backs the car - not because of any shortcomings of the car itself. It is what it is - a unique commuter with a personality equaled only by cars you see in movies. I drive mine 100 miles a day....minimum.

[Kermit]

......if you have 4-6 inches of snow in San Antonio, you're screwed since it will most likely be the end of the world.

[Jeff C.]

My own personal opinion is that this is a really fun car to drive BUT I have the Smart as our toy car to use much as one would a motorcycle or a road version of the cute dune buggys.I personally am not sure that I would recommend the Smart as an only vehicle unless it was envisioned as transpotation for a college student possibly or someone who may not have to use it during periods of snow or ice to get to work.I have read some posts from people who are really caught up in the Smart car so much that the liabilities or shortcommings are sort of glossed over --but as long as you realize that at the end of the day,while it is a blast to drive and fun to own,it is only a small car!

[BigWarpGuy]

Technically, my little car is my only car. I use it to get to and from work. I drive it all year round. I really enjoy my little car. Even though I am use to not having AC or electric windows, not having them is a regret. I wish electric windows was standard even on the Pure. I do not mind not having AC. IMO; it is not just a little car. It is my little car.