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Hi,
I just got my Smart Pure 2 days ago. I will be driving up to Asheville NC from Winston-Salem soon. Anyone had experience driving up a steep grade? How does it perform??
Donna
Yes, use the manual shifter, find a gear/gears you like and go for it. To me, fifth gear is way to high, I'm in 3rd and 4th a lot. I broke ours in quickly, babied it for 50 miles, then flogged it. Its loosened up a lot and is quicker than I would have thought. Also, the trannie in D is coming in better every day, I just put a little more leg in it. They sure are fun, fun, fun...
What does "put the trannie in D" mean? I haven't taken delivery yet, and asked the dealer if they had a extra manual I could read while I wait with the promise I'd give them my brand new one in exchange when my car comes; but they said they didn't have one. I never got to try the shifter paddles on my test drive. Is D for drive? Is that whether you are in manual or auto mode?
Yellow: Go back to the dealer and see if you can take a longer test drive. I told my dealer that i would not buy the car without and "extensive" test drive and I was accommodated. That said I am a geezer and that might have affected his decision. I put about 60 miles on the car during the test
Thank-you gentlemen. (women don't usually call themself geezers) I never noticed the "Helpful links" box and I will make an appt. to take a real test drive next week! I appreciate the advice.
Vicki from Dallas
Yellow - one extra thought on test drive. Make sure you take the car on the type of roads and conditions that you drive often. I took my on the Interstate, speed bumps, mountains etc. Have fun!
Hi,
I just got my Smart Pure 2 days ago. I will be driving up to Asheville NC from Winston-Salem soon. Anyone had experience driving up a steep grade? How does it perform??
Donna
Donnah
Just picked my Passion up in Seattle last Saturday. Drove it back to Montana 580 miles. Went over 3 mountain passes starting at sea level, Snoqualmie pass 3200 ft, Lookout pass 4425 ft and Fourth of July pass 4725. 70-75 on interstate 60-65 over the passes no problem. First tank 38 mpg 2nd tank 39 mpg.
SLIVERS - great to hear about your "break-in" mountain gas mileage! Although I used to live in Dillon, MT, I did some work up in Paradise and drove those passes a few times. Now living in CA's Sierras, I still have some serious inclines to drive, so I'm glad to see that you can keep up the mileage no matter the altitude. Did you drive manually all the way? What gears seemed to work best? Did you drive solo? Enjoy your Smart! Hoping my comes in shortly - the waits killing me!
Linear Mode
