Picked up an "orange" 2008 Cabrio Tuesday

[dixehwy25]

Browsing the internet, I came across it at Carmax in Louisville. It had only 1200 miles on it- virtually new. A few thousand less than the new cabrios and many of the coupes at the Louisville and Cincinnati smart agencies.

I'm old enough to remember Fiat 500 Abarths and Renault Gordinis when they were new. I first was turned on to driving small two seaters with a spin in a Bugeye Sprite. A test drive in the original CRX kept my eyes open over the years for an agile, efiicient two-seater. I'd followed the 450's progress in CAR from the late 90's. I took a test drive in the 451 last fall and was hooked. I went ot Carmax to honestly just look, as it was in the showroom. They offered me the keys in 20 minutes and I took it home that night.

My father is nearby visiting and over a couple of days I've put a few hundred miles on it. I usuualy take him back to my sister's in Georgia. Once he was in it a few minutes, he was wanting to go there back in it. He's been so intersted he's been entertaining getting one for himself. he as well as other seem pretty surprised I fit in it, but it feels more spacious than my company Vibe.

I'm going to to get my Sport Pilot License this summer, and had planned on getting a suitable plane, but no one seems to be lending on them. Hence I started looking at cars- something different as I have the company car if I need a back seat or a lot of space (next one will be a minivan or crossover). My Cabrio came "stripped" so I've visited the Louisville agency and picked up a couple of accessories with a few more in mind.

Carmax offered a 5- day return policy.... but that won't be happening...

[forestacademy]

Welcome

Join in the conversation, Post 2 more times and then upload some photo's of your new ride.

[SubSlr88]

Hi Dixe - you're gonna love your "new" cabrio, if you don't already~! Yust for the record, however - it's not "orange" - it's red metallic. Yeah, I know it looks orange - but stick something really orange by it, and you'll see what I mean! Tough color to accessorize, too, so I stick to black or silver.... I just installed the instrument pods and fog lights.
Enjoy your new ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mvaldes]

Congratulations and welcome to the forum. I love my "orange" passion coupe and know you'll have just as much fun with your cabrio.

[samiam]

Hi DIXE,
I too just picked up a used '08 cabriolet, with 3500 miles on the odo. You said you were given the "keys", did you get one or two, as I only got one, and the salesman said that was all there was with the car. I didn't get the car from a Smart dealer, but from a Dodge dealership, that someone had traded it in. I asked the salesman about there only being one key, and he said that the sales manager had handled it and was off for a few days, and he'd ask him about a 2nd key when he gets back to work. I'll have to look into getting another, as I'm a bit paranoid, if I lose it, I'm up the creek without a paddle. Good luck with your car.

[fpage77]

Late congratulations and welcome to the forum.

[Bum-bling-B]

Welcome

My father did something similar. After riding in mine so much he wanted one for himself so we got one for him but ow he wants a cabrio.

A few cars back I had a Matrix (same as Vibe) - loved it and it served its purpose for which the Smart is different. A few members here have Vibes and Matrixs as their other cars.

As far as that 2nd key - make them get it for you. Replacing it yourself isn't cheap. On average around $250. Some places more, some slightly less but not much.

[pastalorenzo]

first post-
whats up!


to bum-bling-b how did you get those color panels?

[Bum-bling-B]

Originally Posted by pastalorenzo

first post-
whats up!


to bum-bling-b how did you get those color panels?

I have a friend at the factory - Maurice and he talked to the president of the company over there who in turn.........oh I can't lie. I painted them that color. Simple process.