Manual Windows, Sideview Mirrors & Grey Interior

[smartdabbler]

I just received my invitation to configure 3/06/08 (Res #1324) and I need some help from actual Pure owners (or first-hand experts) before I finalize my configuration.

I'm trying to stick with my minimalist inclinations, so the Pure appeals to me, however I haven't been able to actually see the trim level up close. My dealer is over an hour drive away and maybe someone can help me avoid a long drive just to answer a few simple questions.

1) In order to adjust the sideview mirrors, do you roll the window down and grab hold of the sideview mirror? Or is there a manual knob inside the door that manipulates the mirror (without electrics)?

2) Where is the window winder and how smoothly does it operate? How many rotations to completely raise (or lower) the window? Does the window go all the way down or is any glass remaining above the sill (can I rest my left elbow out the window)? Is it a real stretch across from the driver's seat to wind the passenger window?

3) Does the Grey interior have any print pattern on it (the Passion has some kind of a design). Other than the Grey color, is there any difference between the upholstery and interior trim on the Pure & the Passion?

Any help or even good pictures would be appreciated. Thanks. ~Maynard

[brian r]

Maynard,

The mirrors are moved by using a mechanical joystick at the front of the window. No need to roll the window down.

The winder is positioned inside the black plastic triangle just forward of the door pull handle. I don't have one (pure) myself so I can't comment on the ease of lowering them, but can tell you that the glass does lower all the way.

The upholstery is plain grey. The passion has a pattern in it. There is a white pure in Ebay right now, and the seller has some pretty decent photos of it. You'll find some photos of the passion interior there as well.

fwiw, the pure on Ebay does not have a/c, and the bidding hasn't ramped up at all compared to the other cars that have been selling (at a premium) on there...

[spdickey]

If you really want a minimalist car that you might be able to resell, just get a passion stripped. The pure is just too pure for the American audience. Less than 5% of the smarts out there are pures. Once you add a few things, and AC onto a pure you might as well get a passion. Also the solid black plastic roof of the pure really sucks.

[mdfortwoguy]

I tried the windows on a pure yesterday. The winder was a smidge stiff, but I would attribute that more to the build quality of these cars rather than a bad design.

The grey interior on the pure is very utilitarian, and it reeks of European small car charm - a good thing in my book (we need more small euro cars here).

I found the solid roof to look nice from the outside. It has an interesting texture to it... one would have to be careful not to get wax on it, but it doesn't look too bad IMO.

The major interior difference on the pure is the steering wheel. The pure gets a 2 spoke wheel with no paddle shifters, it is still pleasantly thick and leather wrapped though.

Is there a dealer nearby you can go to to take a look at one? I'm not sure if my dealer is a one-off or not, but they had one of each model in the showroom.

[smartdabbler]

Originally Posted by brian r

There is a white pure in Ebay right now, and the seller has some pretty decent photos of it.

Thanks Brian. I hadn't thought to look at eBay for pics. I found the Pure you spoke of and the pics were helpful. Also, the description of the joystick operation of the mirrors was great. That's what I was hoping for!

Originally Posted by spdickey

If you really want a minimalist car that you might be able to resell, just get a passion stripped. The pure is just too pure for the American audience.

Maybe minimalism is the wrong term. I'm trying to balance simplicity with utility. I tend to keep my cars for a long time, (my 2000 Golf TDI has 304k miles on it), so residual value is a minor issue for me. I've got electric windows & mirrors on the Golf and they still seem like overkill. What I really want is Cruise Control!

Originally Posted by spdickey

Less than 5% of the smarts out there are pures.

That's OK with me ... I'm sure less than 5% of the of smart buyers are named Maynard, too! :^)

[spdickey]

The passion is pretty minimal as well. But you do pick up some not over the top extras like a/c, paddle shifters and the clear top for not a lot more. The steering wheel is much nicer, paddle shifting is a real joy. There's a pure at my dealer, most have one as a demo or showroom model.