Is SMART really worth it?

[jennyricky]

Hi, I'm new Member Jenny and I really want the smart car Passion for it's looks and because they claim to save lots of gas, is the gas issue true? and is there any way to get it sooner than 12-14 months besides Ebay ripping people off?

[SunDiego]

If you want to get one sooner go to your local Smart Center and get on their Orphan list. Most dealers install aftermarket parts (ex. leather seats, navi system, low jack) which bring up the price a lot. Some Smart Centers don't add these parts, it depends on your dealer. Expect to pay more, but you don't have to wait 2 years.

[jennyricky]

well they say its a 12-14 month wait but i would HATE to wait that long and then not save the gas it says i will save Etc. do you own a SMART and do you save a lot in gas or is a gimmick? which i have heard it is but I LOVE the SMART its adorable!

[jefferios]

Jenny, I have been averaging around 43mpg with mostly highway conditions/driving. But do I "save" gas...well maybe not. I drive it everywhere I can think of becasue I love the car so much...I drive to compensate the gas I've saved...lol

[SunDiego]

Originally Posted by jennyricky

well they say its a 12-14 month wait but i would HATE to wait that long and then not save the gas it says i will save Etc. do you own a SMART and do you save a lot in gas or is a gimmick? which i have heard it is but I LOVE the SMART its adorable!

I'm not sure about the current "official" wait - but I've seen that people have been told up to 22 months.

I'm getting about 40mpg.

I own a yellow/silver smart, I love it. The mpg with the smart is just a bonus for me. It is such a blast to drive. It's more fun then any car I've ever owned. My two other cars have been sitting in the garage since I've picked up my smart. The first week I got it I had to make excuses to drive somewhere, just so I could be in my smart (and I still do)!

[theguywiththelongestname]

i get between 36-42 mpg....depends on if I'm racing around the surface streets, or cruising the freeway...also whether I'm blasting the AC here in the desert.

my advice is to get on the list and wait it out. that way you can get your smart just the way you like it without paying exorbitant ebay or dealer-orphan price tags...

[rawlus®]

~ about 43mpg here over several tanks.
mpg figures will vary depending upon a number of factors, most notably your driving style.
IMHO, it is not a prius. if you're looking for record-setting MPG numbers, this is not the car for you. the very small engine can be pushed from being efficient to being rather inefficient quite readily.

MPG as a consideration for buying a smart is good.
MPG as a requirement for buying a smart is iffy.

[Boomer'sRock]

Buying any car only for the gas mileage, in my opinion, isn't a great idea. If it doesn't perform to your expectations, you will hate it.

[Pam S.]

I've had my orphan, The Red Baron, two weeks. I Love driving it. Filled up for the first time today. I'm getting 37 mpg of city driving and it's been performing beautifully. I couldn't have dreamed how much I love this car. My wait period was 18+ months that's why I bought the Red Baron. He has lots of upgrades but I knew that when I went to buy. I still have my original Smart on order and I'm probably going to buy that one also.

[faith in dc]

Most of us had to wait, though I know with the gas problems it's really increased the reservations.

Anyway had mine a day and wouldn't change a thing.