New member trying to decide between a 450 and 451 - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

rocketjon · 02-21-2010, 12:42 PM

FIVE YEARS AGO I WAS INTRODUCED TO THE 450 SMART AT ABOUT $23000.EVEN WITH IT'S 45+ MPG I THOUGHT IT TOO PRICY. THEN WHEN THE 451 WAS ANNOUNCED I PUT $99 DOWN THRU PENSKE. WHEN DETAILS OF THE CAR BECAME APPARENT I FOUND IT HAD A DIFFERENT ENGINE,TRANS, AND WAS A LITTLE BIGGER AND GOT ALMOST 10 MPG LESS. SO I GOT A REFUND AND FORGOT ABOUT A SMART. RECENTLY MY INTEREST WAS RENEWED AND I LOOKED INTO WHAT I CONSIDERED THE ULTIMATE CAR TO BE - A DIESEL SMART. APPARENTLY IT'S NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO BRING A USED CANADIAN ONE IN,ALTHOUGH I BET YOU COULD PULL THE ENGINE OUT AND BRING IT IN IN 2 PIECES,WHICH SOUNDS LIKE A HASSLE.I HAVE A FEELING IT WILL BE IN THE US IN A FEW YEARS BUT AT MAYBE $3 K MORE.THEN I STARTED THINKING THAT A GOOD COMPROMISE WOULD BE A LOW MILEAGE 450. AS NEAR AS I CAN TELL THE MPG FALS IN BETWEEN THE 451 AND A DIESEL BUT PARTS, SERVICE, ETC IS BETTER. MY WIFE LIKES THE STYLING OF THE NEW CAR BETTER BUT I THINK SHE WOULD ACCEPT THE 450. CAN ANYONE SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS ON A COMPARISON OF THE TWO CARS AND SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH THE 450 AND ALSO DEALING WITH THE GREEN CAR COMPANY IN BELLEVUE,WASH.I AM CURRENTLY CONSIDERING A LOADED 2009 FO $10.5 K AND A 2005 450 WITH 1800 miles FOR $11K.

**rfernatt** · 02-21-2010, 01:26 PM

This discussion came up recently in another thread. Try reading here for some thoughts between the two: Diesel Smart ForTwo (college plan)

But, I would recommend a 451 if warranty, service, and parts are a concern.

LTDThree · 02-21-2010, 01:52 PM

I have owned a 450 pulse and traded last aug. for a 2009 LTD THREE and I really enjoy the new451. I would go for the new one with warranty. Plus you would have a difficult time getting a 450 serviced in the USA

**jwight** · 02-21-2010, 01:57 PM

rocketjon, looks like your Caps Lock key is stuck...

rocketjon · 02-21-2010, 02:08 PM

You are right. It was a mistake.My wife just told me this is uncool-considered "shouting". I am not that kind of person. Please accept my apology.

**jwight** · 02-21-2010, 02:21 PM

No apology needed.

John_H · 02-21-2010, 03:58 PM

When someone asked for opinions on the differences before purchasing a used (gas?) 450, we gave our full, honest opinions. After he got the 450, he came back pissed saying that the 450 he just bought had issues (no cup holder!) and listed the items. Everything he listed was discussed in the thread or would have been obvious to anyone sitting in the car for a test drive. He probably should have gotten a 451.

It's difficult to register some 450s. I know of a few Washington folks with 450s but few (any?) Oregonians. Depending on whether the car is aG&K conversion or a Canadian grey market vehicle, you might have success in Oregon or you might find hurdle after hurdle.

Some day there may be diesel. I'd love to see it.

Portland is a pretty green town; if they had the electric smarts show up there, would you be interested in buying one? It would mean "new" pricing rather than the discounted versions.

.

**jimvw57** · 02-21-2010, 04:30 PM

It has been discussed on other threads about bringing in a foriegn car with the motor removed and then re-assembling it in the US, they closed that loophole a few years ago. The car would still have to meet all the emissions laws and would have to go therrough an importer and modified. That could cost more than the car is worth.

I'd suggest saving the money and buy a 451. I'd think you would be ahead with the warranty and parts availability etc.