Here are some answers as to why i landed a Smart car, and hopefully this will help you with your decison. BTW it really helps if you get to be pals with some of the folks on this forum, and see some of their cars and even ride in them. I was very fortunate to have done so, and the two guys i rode with let me drive the car, making my decison easy, and prepping me for my car.
1. what is your motivation if you want to buy a smart car?
I was drivng a very ill fated 2001 Chevy Malubu
that was getting at best 21 MPG and was a mechanical nightmare. The Smart is not your typical gas saver car, and it appeals to my creative side. The greater MPG is a really sweet perk, and it is really unique in it's cute look. Very reminiscent of the old school VW Beetle.
2. What problem did smart car solve while the other car not?
It is a lot more fun to drive, and it has a huge amount of space inside for the size of the car.
3. What need did smart car fill?
Saves me a ton of money on gasoline, and it is very practical for a sinlge guy like me.
4. If you already have one, what role does smart car play in your life in practical and emotional terms?
The little Smart car brougt back the joy of driving all over again, something i had missed out on since my younger years. I also find that less is more. I can make really great use of the little tiny space behind my seats. It also has all the fun of a two seater car, but without the exrta insurance hikes that come with one IE the Mazda Miata, Chevy Corvette. 
5. Does smart car allow you to connect to others?
Id say yes. I work in three Home Depots in my area as an in store service rep/merchandiser, and i get a lot of questions, good comments, and some sinde remarks. I am also very active in the Smart Enthusiast group growing in my area, and had made a lot of friends there. A lot of friends in church want to ride in the car as well.
6. Did you consider other cars to buy before you decided to buy smart car if you have one? How did you evaluate it?
I looked at the Chevy Aveo, the Nissan Versa, The Toyota Yaris, and the Hundayi Accent. The Aveo was clastrophobic, the Versa had some blind spots that i could not deal with even though i had owned a Nissan long ago and had really good luck with it. the Yaris is butt ugly and the Accent was junky
As far as my rating on the Smart, id give it a 9. The car is really tight in the turning radius, it is very stable on the highway, and is a really comfortable car. You may have read in this forum about the transmisson as being a little "different". That is something you get used to in a little time.
7. How was the final choice determined?
The Smart is more than just an economy car, and the above mentioned cars are just that. I got it for the unique look it has. I am a cartoonist and a part time graphic arts student. The arts have been in my personality for a long time, and the Smart for two is an exentsion of my creative side of thinking.
8. How important was price to your decision?
The price, especailly for the Pure, which is what i drive, was the strongest draw for my decison in buying a Smart. There is not a car ever with the starting price of $11,500 anywhere in the US, however, if you go for the Pure, get the AC, especailly if you live in a warm climate.
9. Are there factors you may think were more important than price?
The car has to have AC and did not mind paying for that luxury for my Pure.
10. Did cultural background affect your decision?
Not really
11. If you want to buy a car, which will come first, the decision where to buy or the decision what to buy?
Where to buy was the next big factor. There are two Smart centers within 6 miles away from my home in Virginia, and one in Maryland. The one in Alexandira came across as really rude aholes, while the one in Maryland would not even talk to me without a reservation number. The one i bought my orphaned Smart from in Tysons Corner was really the only choice for me, the guys there are reallly pleasant and will go out of their way to make you a satsified buyer.
12. after you bought it, if any, how does you feel about your decision?
No regrets whatosever. id reserve a passion for my next car when the time comes unless i marry and have kids later in life.
13. Has ever your attitude toward the smart car changed?
Well when it came out, i was not too sure of it, when i tested it out, i was really impressed. Now that i own one, i really don't like the Smart car, I LOVE IT!!!!!
14. What, if anything, would you do differently next time you want to buy a car?
Have a bigger pot of money for the downpayment or take the money saved on gas as to buy one outright.
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