Like you, I was having some serious second thoughts about getting the car. I had pretty much decided that I wasn't going to get it when it came in, and ALMOST cancelled the order. I didn't NEED it. I already had my Mazda P/U to drive, which was fine. Here's the thing though........sometimes in life you just have to go for what you want.......for what's going to make you happy. I first saw a smartcar up in Vancouver, B.C. in March 2006, and instantly fell in love with it. I knew I had to have one, and got on the list as soon as they were being offered in the U.S. I never even test drove one until a short time before mine was due in, and if the test drive was any indication of what my car was going to be like, that almost made me change my mind for sure! However, by the time my car came in I had decided that I was going to get it after all. NOW.......it's the best car I've ever owned. It's VERY practical, extremely safe, has enough storage for me and my wife and luggage for the two of us, gets really good gas mileage, and will make you smile each and every time you drive it.......as well as making others smile when THEY see it!! :>) Especially if you put a red nose on the front & antlers on each window!! :>) IMHO......if you get it, you'll never regret it!!!
We might be twins separated at birth! I also fell in love with the SmartCar when I saw them in Italy about 8 yrs ago. Wanted one since then. This past July I put my money down for a red with black cell. Then last week I test drove one for the first time and I also wasn't sure about going thru with the deal. I really didn't like the hesitation of the gears changing when in automatic. It almost felt like it was going to stall or perhaps the shifting was so quick or just so noticable that it bothered me. I drive a Honda Element (also red with black trim, so this Smart will be my minimee). Three yrs ago I got into a bad accident when a dump truck ran a stop sign, hit me (in a saturn) on the drivers side and threw me into oncoming traffic where I had a head on with an SUV. My family calls the Smart a "death car" and says if I was driving that at the time I would be dead. They are really against me getting one. I am nervous about it as well, no matter how good the safety ratings are. I am still going thru with the deal and my minimee will be arriving end of January.
I on the other side as well. Think about why you really want the car, if you need it, if you can afford it. For us, and many others on here, this is a second (or in our case fourth) car. I think you should test drive one park it in your drive way, and really think about it. Remember, these cars are holding their value now, but in a few years (before it would be paid off) their value will have dropped, and the novelty of owning it may be gone.
AAAAH! I can't afford 2 new cars! I have to keep my PT Cruiser! Don't make that one sound bad!
When I test drove the Smart I was amazed at how"heavy" it drove - didn't feel small until I looked in the back! Lot of room in passenger area, though. I do LOVE the looks of it.
I am a very good driver, defensive, anticipating what idiots are about to do (here in L.A. we have more than our share). I live 2 miles from work, which is a plus.
I'm getting rally red (so assume it's a 2009) with black trim - a little ladybug!
I am paying for two new cars; my Dads 2007 Ford Focus and my 2008 Fortwo Pure. It is one of the reason I have the Pure since it is so low in price. I know it is not easy to have to pay for two cars. Living with my Dad helps. I put $3000 down which helped keep the monthly payments low; therefore, monthly payments was low. With my Dads car, all I had was the previous van that had a fused clutch. The monthly payments were a lot higher than the Fortwo. It is especially difficult with the current economy.
On the upside, I really enjoy driving my little car. Since going to work is about a 15 mile round trip, I can go almost three weeks before filling up again. It does not take much to fillup the tank. With current gas prices, even filling with premium does not cost much.
If you are not sure this car will work for you you should not buy it. You will be disappointed by the milage. A two mile commute will never get it up to operating temp. With all the saftey data available now and you are still concered, don't walk away run.
karl
You bring up a good point that taking only short trips will result in lower mileage than someone with longer commutes. It would still be superb for mileage on long trips and has proven great on safety.
if i lived 2miles from work i think i'd walk to work.
i wouldn't be concerned about the car on a 2mil commute but you may need to watch a few things. battery charge - i don't know if 4miles a day will be enough to compensate for battery drain by the electronics and starting. also i would expect far lower fuel economy as 2 miles is not very far at all, probably not enough to get any serious time at operating temp where fuel economy is optimal.
2mile commute is perfect for a vespa or a 10 speed tho.
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Sonic
I put $3000 down which helped keep the monthly payments low; therefore, monthly payments was low. With my Dads car, all I had was the previous van that had a fused clutch. The monthly payments were a lot higher than the Fortwo. It is especially difficult with the current economy. 
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