Thinking of buying a cabrio :)

[smartguy2009]

Hey guys im planing on buying a cabrio (orphan) in the next 2-3 weeks i have test driven a cabrio twice at the smart dealer in vegas but i havent been able to get a feel for the handling since the dealer is in the heart of the city
And was wondering if anyone can shed some light on the non brabus handling?
PS the engine and power are great for me VERY peppy.

[jimvw57]

No probem with the handling. I test it every time I dodge a pothole here in the pothole capitol of america. Lately it has been manhole covers. They chewed up the streets for re-paving and it looks like anther 2 weeks before it gets done. Been 3 weeks already!! The manhole covers stick up 3-5 inches above the street right now.

P.S. I'm driving a 2009 Pure

[MotoPC]

I had the pleasure of driving a cabrio for a week while a alternator was installed on my passion. It made me think that maybe I should have gotten the cabrio instead. I now think that my next smart will be one...

[NCC1701]

Driving The Tail of the Dragon impressed me favorably. Extremely nimble and holds the road like it has claws.

http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...ghlight=dragon

I have one single regret with regard to cabrio vs. coupe: The consensus is that rear speakers in the cabrio are not an option. In spite of that, I am very glad I chose the cabrio!


As PerryA said (below), cabrio & coupe handle the same.

[PerryA]

I suspect that part of your question has to do with driving at freeway speeds with the top down, otherwise it's the same car. You might find some input on some of the threads dealing with interstate driving-a topic that comes up often. I didn't want to sacrifice the storage space in the rear and I thought $3000 more for (basically) just a convertible top was kind of high, so I stuck with the Passion. I believe popular opinion overrules me. . .everyone I've seen who has posted here about their cabriolet has been glad they made the choice, suggesting you too won't be disappointed if you go with the drop top.

[Jeff C.]

We bought the cabrio model in April of this year.We use it as mostly a toy--much as one would with a motorcycle--we only take it out during pleasant ,sunny days to bop around in.All of our nearly 4,000 miles have been just tooling around for fun.Iwould highly recommend the cabrio.The handeling is probably no different than the other models.The fun and enjoyment factor is worth whatever additional expense outlay it takes.Best of luck and I'm sure that you will make the best decision for your own interest and enjoyment.

[Belleveu1]

We bought a new Cabrio in February, 2009, and have about 7,000 miles on it. We've drive it all over town and find it to be extremely maneuverable. We have special parking spaces at our local shopping mall and library where no one else except maybe a motorcycle could park. Just today I was stopped at a light driving back from the post office and two people gave me huge smiles when they saw the car - never have had that happen with any other car.

We have taken two 300 mile trips in it which included going from sea level over 3,500 mountain passes twice each way. We were well able to keep up with traffic though I don't like to go a whole lot of 65 mph since one of my goals was to save gas. Our best mileage is almost 48mpg.

An advantage of the Cabrio is when you find yourself at your local Home Depot and need that 2x4 or 2x6. I try to remember to keep a towel in the car which i wrap around the wood where it would exit the roof and just transport it in the vertical position with the top gently helping to keep the wood in place.