Smart in TX

[jpmcdonough]

My wife has a smart fortwo which she picked up last month. It's a real head-turner, and is fun to drive. The headroom (I'm 6'1") and comfort are more than I expected.

But there are a couple of negatives to report.

The car has already had the dreaded 'check engine' light come on, which, according to the dealer, required some hardware and some software. They never did tell us what it was.

The mileage, well, sucks. Most recently we got 29 mpg for mostly city driving. I'm not sure what we are doing wrong.

[craven3557]

The check engine light is no big deal. It just means a sensor has picked up something wrong with you pollution system. It should not effect the way your car runs. Sometimes it can be as simple as the gas cap is not on tight.
As far as gas mileage it probably will get better as time goes by.

[jpmcdonough]

Originally Posted by craven3557

The check engine light is no big deal. It just means a sensor has picked up something wrong with you pollution system. It should not effect the way your car runs. Sometimes it can be as simple as the gas cap is not on tight.
As far as gas mileage it probably will get better as time goes by.

As it happens - she hadn't messed with the gas cap at all. The car had not been refilled (by us) yet. Not sure what to make of the mileage. I assume the prior fillup did not get it filled all the way. (Hmm - I may have done that one my own self.)

[Bum-bling-B]

I notice you're in Texas. Do you do a lot (excessive) of idling with the A/C on? That coupled with jack rabbit starts could be a contributor.

[jpmcdonough]

Originally Posted by Bum-bling-B

I notice you're in Texas. Do you do a lot (excessive) of idling with the A/C on? That coupled with jack rabbit starts could be a contributor.

I'm not the primary driver. We had some warm days lately but not anything like what we will be getting in summer. I am concerned about the smart in the TX heat, because the a/c is not that strong. And my wife's car is a dark color. Fortunately, she has covered parking at work, and of course the car sits in a garage at home.

Her commute is mostly through rotten traffic.

[Bum-bling-B]

I'm in Florida and I'll be going for a light tint here in a few weeks.

I'll bet the rotten traffic is the culprit. She may only be getting 29mpg but those Tahoes and Suburbans are only getting an honest to goodness 12mpg or less in that same horrible traffic.

The winners are the hybrids with the Electric A/C, their engines shut down at the lights but the A/C continues to cycle.

[m7977]

I would have to think the SMART has to get better than 29 mpg given the motorcycle sized motor my 06 Sonata will get 29-34 easy

If the SMART don’t get 40 no matter how hard its driven (with better mileage to those driving more conservative) then what’s the point?
seems the reasons for buying a SMART are being held up on fluffy smoke

I’ve bought plenty of new cars, never had a check engine light come so soon

Even with some doubts, I put in a reservation for the PURE no extras but air conditionare and sun roof


Regards

[bumblebee]

I've been averaging 39 mpg in mixed driving. The last tank was at 36.2 mpg that was probably due to driving into the wind the past few days and with the a/c crank up and getting it to 75-80 mph. My best mpg is 43.

[bottlerocket]

Before anyone starts making assumptions based on ONE mileage report, I recommend you go look at the mileage thread.

Most people are getting at least 35mpg and some are well over 40mpg

[StevenM1TX]

I must say I am quite satisfied with the a/c. Rarely have I had to turn it up over the second notch on the fan and even then not for long at all. Oh if you aren't using the shade and the sun is right overhead the top of your head and shoulders can get a bit warm, but that is just the direct sunlight. If anything I usually have to take it off the direct in your face mode since the air coming out is so cold.

MPG still running 38 to 41 for me with the a/c on. 5000 miles on her so far and no issues. If your MPG doesn't improve pretty soon I would take yours back in.