Interested, but put off by trans

[HGB]

Mostly running in D at speed with 4th readily available on demand when left paddle is pulled.
I haven't mastered turning the wheel and changing to another gear when paddle is nowhere to be found at that time.
The car is fine with the transmission as it is and it should not be deterrent.
Yes, a better transmission would help but that wouldn't stop me from buying another smart as it is offered now.

[rfernatt]

Originally Posted by HGB

I haven't mastered turning the wheel and changing to another gear when paddle is nowhere to be found at that time.

I use paddles mostly, but switch to the stick on turns since it's impractical to paddle-shift while turning the wheel.

[HGB]

I've done that and then ended up in Neutral with a revved up engine. One mustn't forget to push the selector to the left before hand.

[fizbiz]

Thanks to all who replied to my post!
I can certainly agree with macaw on the old "Steptronic" that was in the VWs and Porches of the 70s.
I'm not looking for the SMART to be any faster than, say, an Austin Healy Sprite or MG Midget. They were fabulous fun to drive (syncros only in first gear!) and had about the same HP and weight. Talk about rev matching...
I did a pretty good test drive of several miles, but certainly the one exposure was not enough to learn the best way to shift in both modes.
Perhaps I'll take a second look.
Thanks Again and have a Great 4th! : )>

[rfernatt]

Originally Posted by HGB

I've done that and then ended up in Neutral with a revved up engine. One mustn't forget to push the selector to the left before hand.

I did that a few times playing around after the 2.0 upgrade, but now I just put it in manual mode immediately after starting.

[wiltjk]

Hey fizbiz, like you, I learned on Fiat Spiders, MGs, TR7s, and yes, we had the very first TR8 in the USA (my Dad worked for British Leland).

The smart is not a smart unless it has it's unique transmission. The real fun is not making it behave like I think it should (I would have to redesign it to do that), rather, it's all about teaching yourself how to get the most out of what it is - and I'm finding you can really get more than you think out of it! (I'm 100% paddles).

[jimvw57]

I use mostly auto mode as I have no paddles. (Pure model)

[sato7]

when the smart ED comes out the tranny issue will disappear! till then paddle it like you stole it!!!!

[Dave777]

Or just wait until the Toyota/Scion IQ comes to the U.S.

[mb lite]

My test drive was 20 miles with salesman operating first in all trans modes. Then I drove it in all modes. When I got my yellow smart in late March 08, I drove it home 130 miles in -10 weather. No snow, ice on the road, just cold. Great chance to check out heater system and halogen lights. Trans works fine unless your expectations are too high. I use auto mostly, with paddles when I want to deal with traffic. Am in for trans chip update this month, but fully satisfied with trans and all aspects of the car. Dealer support is the best I have had in 60 years of driving.