New member needs info.....

expoguy2 · 09-07-2008, 10:45 AM

Hi.....my name is Ken. I visited the San Diego Smart dealership yesterday, to learn a little more about the new Smart's. I found the salespeople to be very friendly and helpful, but I would like to hear from actual owners of SmartCars. I am interested in purchasing one within the next year, if I feel that the Smart is a reliable low-maintenance car. I currently own a 1989 Honda CRX-HF, which I purchased new 19-1/2 years ago. It still runs great, with only 70,000 miles on it, but is now showing its age, with sun/weather damage to a lot of the trim & paint, as well as the interior. I have gotten really spoiled with it because of the great mileage it gets (30-35 mpg in the city, and 40-45 on the highway). My CRX has been a very reliable car, and I would like to purchase a new car which would be as reliable, and that gets similar gas-mileage. I really like the appearance and features of the new Smart, and the fact that there are a lot of choices that the potential buyer can make. The dealership told me that the current wait-time, if ordering a Smart, is around 15-17 months. That seems like a very long time to me, since I was expecting them to say around 6 months. I did see about 15 Smarts on the lot, that were available for purchase, including one which had almost all the features of the Smart Passion Coupe that I "built" on the SmartUSA website.
Any information from current Smart owners would be appreciated!

sk8ndad · 09-07-2008, 10:53 AM

If you want to get one within the year and you aren't on the New York city area, you'll have to buy an orphan (one sitting on their lot). There is a chance that you could get one in the 10 - 12 month range, but you would need input from the San Diego area. They appear to have a policy of providing the same number of vehicles to all of their distributors, so wait times vary greatly.

I too am hoping for a reliable vehicle. I'm not sure if we have enough data yet to know. I normally keep cars for 10 years, so I hope this one will do the same. Good luck on whatever you decide.

**Dunerunner** · 09-07-2008, 10:57 AM

Keep it!!! Spend the 15K you would have spent on the smart and restore your Honda. The best mileage I've gotten after 4000 mi. is 45 mpg. The worst was 35 mpg. The smart is small, two passenger and room for about what you could fit in a Corvette. It's a little city runabout. Don't make the jump into a smart from your Honda CRX unless you just want a change...(This is not a political statement)!

Drive one, more than around the block. Take it up hills, on the freeway, through traffic, etc. Make sure it is the car for you. Don't expect terrific fuel economy until you have surpassed 3000mi. Don't expect the transmission to shift like an F-1 race car. Do expect to get much more attention than you ever thought you would in a car. Do expect to have your thoughts about this car evolve into, "Gee, this car is more fun than any car I've ever owned!" Do expect driving to the smart to be comfortable and enjoyable. Have Fun!!

SunDiego · 09-07-2008, 10:59 AM

The cars you see in the San Diego parking lot are cars that people have ordered. The "orphans" (cars that are available) are inside and have 3 orphans right outside the doors. Ricardo was a pleasure to work with and I'm sure can help you get a smart! You will have to pay more for an orphan because they typically add navi, lojack, etc. to them. Although you won't have to wait 1-2 years. I love my smart...

Piccola · 09-07-2008, 11:25 AM

Spend the time and read through this website. You'll learn alot. There are people who love these little cars blindly, those that love them knowing their drawbacks, those that want one, those that have had them now for up to 8 months. People commute in them and putz around with them. You'll find every extreme and lots of middle ground for you to learn from and evaluate to make your decision. For me, the car is great. Love it, even if there were a few things I'd change if they put me in charge of design!! Welcome and happy reading.

expoguy2 · 09-07-2008, 08:42 PM

Thanks for the several replies to my post! I've read through many of the posts today, and I've learned about some of the issues that current owners are having with their Smarts. I also found the 2008 Smart brochure (that I picked-up at the San Diego dealership) to be very detailed and informative.....more than any other auto brochure I've seen. I still love my CRX, but I'm thinking that it might be time for a change.....though it would be great to wake-up tomorrow and see my CRX all new again!

sharonlee · 09-07-2008, 11:28 PM

Like you, I generally keep my car a long time and have low mileage for the time period. Because of the uncertainty of the reliability factor, some of us have purchased an extended warranty just for peace of mind. So far I have had no problems at all and I hope it stays that way. This little thing is a hoot and just right for me but I know it is not for everyone. You are absolutely right to consider all your options.

SmartPassion · 09-08-2008, 12:28 AM

Hi Ken - those CRX were nearly indestructible. Had an '88 Si version. Fun! With only 70k miles, I'd consider restoration. Got a picture?

Like the other posters, I'd also suggest reading through the forum. Besides that, consider attending some smart meets. San Diego, LA all have meets. You'll find lots of friendly and enthusiastic smart owners willing to share there experience with you.

For So Cal Smarties, check out: Calendar - SoCal Smarties (Los Angeles, CA) - Meetup.com

expoguy2 · 09-08-2008, 09:37 PM

Thanks for the recent posts!
I'll post a pic of my CRX when I take one.....I actually haven't photo'd it since it was new in '89.

yuckmoon · 09-09-2008, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piccola

Spend the time and read through this website. You'll learn alot. There are people who love these little cars blindly, those that love them knowing their drawbacks, those that want one, those that have had them now for up to 8 months. People commute in them and putz around with them. You'll find every extreme and lots of middle ground for you to learn from and evaluate to make your decision. For me, the car is great. Love it, even if there were a few things I'd change if they put me in charge of design!! Welcome and happy reading.

I couldn't have put it better myself. I too had my last car, a Chevy Caviler with 160,000+k on her for 10 years. The first week or two was a little nerve wracking getting used to the smart, but I love this car. It has more than enough room for me and my life. I love all the new gadgets that my smart has that I never had before: power windows and locks for one.

I mainly drive in the city, but feel totally comfy with high way driving for when I take her out to the country. To each his own. Do the homework and make an informative decision.

P.S. Happy to have you here.

-Lindy