Nearly convinced... (Re: buying)

ChargerGuy86 · 04-24-2009, 12:32 AM

I've finally located a black Brabus cabrio orphan and I'm really considering taking the plunge. The main thing keeping me from going to the dealership is the fact that the closest one is about 2 hours away. I've sat in a smart and was really impressed but I've never driven one. I know I'm not going to win any drag races or anything but are they still fun to drive? I know I need to see for myself, I'd just rather get a few opinions before I take 6 hours to go test drive one. I can't stand driving boring cars and as this will be my new daily driver I need to know that when I've had a bad day I can drop the top and drive down a nice twisty road with some confidence in my car's cornering abilities. Also I know 0-60 times aren't anything to write home about but how is it from 30-60? I don't need an exact figure or anything I'd just like to know what it's like passing someone. Thanks in advance.

NeWave · 04-24-2009, 12:46 AM

The main thing keeping me from going to the dealership is the fact that the closest one is about 2 hours away.
There are a few people on here that didn't let that stop them. It's really up to you.

I've sat in a smart and was really impressed but I've never driven one. I know I'm not going to win any drag races or anything but are they still fun to drive?
yes!

I can't stand driving boring cars and as this will be my new daily driver. I need to know that when I've had a bad day I can drop the top and drive down a nice twisty road with some confidence in my car's cornering abilities.
That's where this car is at it's best. Nimble little car on a twisty road... love it, personally.

Also I know 0-60 times aren't anything to write home about but how is it from 30-60? I don't need an exact figure or anything I'd just like to know what it's like passing someone.
The 30-60 speed is quite adequate, one would suggest throwing it in manual (if not there already) and down shifting yourself for good passing. Although you'd have to get a taste for that yourself. It still takes a little planning with this car. It's more than enough for me, though. I'm sure you'll get varying opinions on this!
Thanks in advance

stephensussman · 04-24-2009, 01:00 AM

all i can tell you is we love ours its tiny yes. does it get blown around on a windy day ,, yes no worse than my 90 ford ranger .gets good mileage . wife drives from glen burnie to laurel every day on rt 97 to rt 100 to rt 95 to rt 198 and she has no problems , well if the other drivers would not stare and pace her to look at it . she would have no problems , going from 0 to 30 it got good pick up . its no 8cyl but it does the job and yes after a rotten day it feels good to drive , question ? where you located at ? wanna meet and drive mine it a option to look at. bought mine in annapolis and they have been outstanding with me calling and asking 40 questions and they even had a smart meet and we had our way with the head mechanic he answered every question from all the people there . and there was a wife range of people there with all kinds of questions .

ChargerGuy86 · 04-24-2009, 01:01 AM

Wow, that was both a quick and informative response. Thanks, this board is actually one of the main reasons I'm even considering buying a car that doesn't have a dealership close to me. Just from browsing threads I can tell this is a very dedicated and tight community. I also like how everyone seems very newbie friendly.

ChargerGuy86 · 04-24-2009, 01:07 AM

I'm on the eastern shore actually. I really appreciate the offer but I'd hate to trouble you as I have a weird work schedule. The Annapolis store says they have the exact car I want and the Germantown store says they can get it and install navigation for me for roughly the same price. Again I'm extremely impressed with how nice everyone is here.

smark · 04-24-2009, 01:15 AM

Chargerguy86, I have had mine since August. 9,000 miles. Very little has gone wrong with the little car, a few rattles / squeaks. You will love it. Go to the Kansas city chapter on this siite to see how much fun we have with our little cars. Brabus to me over priced, just looks, no go. Have the dealer work you a deal on one. You shouldn't have to pay full price anymore.

ChargerGuy86 · 04-24-2009, 01:25 AM

Thanks, I was actually curious as to the amount of haggling I could do but forgot to ask. I'm one of those people that hates to pay sticker. I do agree it seems a bit over priced but I would have purchased most of the stuff that comes in the package anyways so I figure it isn't all bad. On top of not paying sticker I also have a habit of never leaving my cars stock for very long so hopefully I'll add some go to the show...

padi176715 · 04-24-2009, 04:26 AM

If you found a Brabus orphan then you (and I) are one of the very few. While doing the paperwork at the dealer for mine there were 3 others who wanted to buy this car. I never drove a more fun car in my 40+ years of driving. This is also my first rag top. I can not believe the fun. Such a thrill. As for the Brabus over the Passion I never drove a Passion so can not compare, but I have seen several on this forum who have compared and found the Brabus to offer a much better ride. I have had my Brabus for 2 months and my wife and I have a thrill each time we drive. Our daughter will often take our car when we take the grandchildren, and she comes up with excuses for us to use her car so that she can take the Brabus. We have had no problems, other than stares, and can not say enough good things about this car. I do drive very conservatively and our mpg average is 42.6. Best of luck and get that orphan before it finds another home. Let the fun begin

forestacademy · 04-24-2009, 04:44 AM

Get it, all the cool kids are. (or at least those with nothing to compinsate for)

Drive it like you stole it and you will still get over 30mpg. Drive it like a grandma and you can get 40mpg.

As far as the dealer network being so spread out, this may happen with a lot more brands soon as dealers fall away over the summer.

MSRP, its going to be hard to beat on a brabus because they are few and far between on the Orphan lists.

If you want a smart for a discount look to help someone out who has fallen on hard times and needs to unload their smart. You can usualy get them for what they still oue the bank.
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