Smart ForTwo USA the good v. bad

[peterbra]

I purchased the 2008 Cabriolet convertible in March. The first car I was sold, never left the dealer, as the top got stuck mid-way and even their Smart Car head mechanic couldn't find the problem. 2 Days later I was offered another that I tested and found to be excellent. But the gas milage is very disappointing. I've filled the tank 4 times, and the milage runs only between 27.5 and 32.2 - far less than the 40 - 50 expected. The dealer and the president of Smart Car USA have told me that was not unusual. Also I would have expected DRL. For the SMAR car's size is very important for out safety. And here in NY we are required to have lights on during the rain. If I forget, I can get a ticket. Yet I enjoy that the wipers go on and off automatically as needed. And at the night the lights go on, but I feel like my SAAB and Acura they should always be on as all the Canadian and European models do.
The White Plains NY Smart Car dealer, sales and management couldn't be nicer people to deal with. Friendly and honest - not what we've learned to expect from a "car dealer". I've even talked directly to the president of Smart Car USA (div of Mercedes) and he too is friendly and honest, but unable to solve my biggest disappointments - yet says that possibly the future will bring better performance. That won't help us who already purchased.
It is fun to be the center of attraction. I never park the car without a crowd, and every car that passes me has to stare, laugh or give a thumbs-up. People that come over to me, smiles and compliments me then usually asks the following questions: What is the milage? How much did it cost? Do you feel safe, and how fast does it go? The first one is the most disappointing one to answer honestly. Bottom line - I love my SMART CAR and will continue to recommend it - but I hope they can find a fix soon...

peterbra@mac.com Mt. Kisco,

[factor9]

Dear perterbra,

I'm surprised by your mileage. If you check the various posts on the Forum on mileage, most smart drivers are averaging @ 38 - 42 mpg. Of course, that depends on weather conditions, type of roads, highway speeds, warming the engine before pushing the gas, acceleration, hypermiling, tire pressue etc. There have been a few drivers who have broken the 50 mpg, but that's usually been done when averaging 45 to 50 mph and not much stop-and-go driving. Hopefully, as you break in your Smart, you'll see your mileage go up. If not, and all the above factors have been investigated, I'd suggest having the service department make sure your engine's in perfect running order.

Glad your enjoying your car, despite the problems! Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

[SmartBob]

Um..... you already have this thread/Post...... http://smartcarofamerica.com/forums/...ead.php?t=5420

[RussBarnes]

Give it a chance. I had upper 30's for the first two fill-ups but 41 and almost 43 for the last two. Drive it easy for the first 1000 miles so you don't ruin the seating of the rings and it will build the compression sealing and mileage will go up, or if then it doesn't it will need attention.

You are spoiled with drl's. I grew up in the 60's and we had a light switch that we turned on either when it was dark or later when I moved to FL and I turned lights on when it rained. Gee a smart is just like that, what an invention. THIS IS NOT A HILL TO DIE OVER. These are neat cars, but some of you don't understand that these are world cars, not U.S. born and designed to meet some of the silly stateside regs. I give smart credit for doing so much to make a car that will work in so many countries. Why do you think that we don't sell more Ford's and Chev's overseas? One reason is that our cars are built for our market and that is different than the rest of this green ball.

[CruisingAZ]

Originally Posted by SmartBob

Um..... you already have this thread/Post...... http://smartcarofamerica.com/forums/...ead.php?t=5420

Could also use help on multiple choice formatting, You need ONE best choice on the same subject matter.

[CruisingAZ]

I DO NOT WANT DRL as you do not have the option to turn them off.

IF people still went to the drive-in movies they would not want them as you would not be able to run the motor or listed to the movie through your radio as the lights would keep coming on.