The Ultimate Cheapskate here - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

Ultimate Cheapskate · 10-21-2008, 07:33 AM

Hi -

I'm Jeff Yeager - aka "The Ultimate Cheapskate". If you don't believe me, just ask my pooooor wife.

I'm an author, freelance writer, and sometimes guest correspondent on the Today Show and Planet Green.

I'm interested in using a Smart Car for some of my upcoming book tours. Is it possible to rent a Smart Car? I live near Washington, DC.

Stay Cheap!
-Jeff Yeager

mike-in-sa · 10-21-2008, 07:53 AM

Welcome Jeff, I rented a smart in Europe. Sorry, but it wasn't CHEAP.Avis considered it a specialty car and charged a premium. Cost more than a "C" class Mercedes. In the USA there are not many smarts for rent. Maybe work out a deal with a private party. Personally, I wouldn't rent mine out as I'm having too much fun driving it. Might end up cheaper to buy than rent.

forestacademy · 10-21-2008, 08:02 AM

I think Mike might be onto something. See if you can pick up an orphan at the dealer and sell it when the trip is over. You will most likely make out better than a rental. Heck, you might be able to sell it to an independent renal like enterprise when you are done.

There is a used black one for sale in NJ listed here. Sorry Pre Owned.

SMART · 10-21-2008, 09:02 AM

Welcome to the site Jeff. At this point I haven't heard of any rental groups that have had the chance to pick up the smart. Right now everyone still looks at the smart as an opportunity to make an extra dollar. The resale of smarts has been hampering the smarty world all year but luckily we've seen things coming back to normal. I would say that it's probably another 6 months before you will see available units readily for sale.

Orphan-Beggar · 10-21-2008, 09:30 AM

Hi Jeff,
There are car share programs which use smarts
PhillyCarShare

BigWarpGuy · 10-21-2008, 09:39 AM

If one could get a Smart Fortwo for the tour, one could get a special wrap for it that shows off the book and/or the book cover? The little car would attract a lot of attention and it will get people to see the book wrap on the car.

Bumbee · 10-21-2008, 09:56 AM

GeniusRide, LLC. - Rent a Smart Car - New York's 1st Smart car Rental Service

they're in north NJ & serve the NYC metro area. not that this info helps someone in DC.

Ultimate Cheapskate · 10-21-2008, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumbee

GeniusRide, LLC. - Rent a Smart Car - New York's 1st Smart car Rental Service

they're in north NJ & serve the NYC metro area. not that this info helps someone in DC.

Thanks, it might be possible for me to go up there and rent one.

Also, thanks to everyone else for welcoming me aboard ... I promise to behave myself, miser that I am.

jetfuel · 10-21-2008, 01:19 PM

OK..if you are going to behave ..then... you are not welcome....J/K
..keep us posted as how it goes, where you are heading with your book and maybe someone might just pop up to say hello

jetfuel