I am also located in North Dakota (Grand Forks) and have had mine since Mar 2008. I have used it most every day, in every kind of weather and have put about 15,000 troublefree miles on it. Granted, this is not high mileage.
It has always started, even though it sits outside in as low as -25 degree weather. The heated seats work very well, as does the heater/A/C
I have had no problems with 4 to 5 hour trips with it, but I ride motorcycle a lot, so this is many steps up in comfort!
Fuel mileage has ranged from a worst of 22 MPG to a best of 49 MPG. My average, with 100% short trips, is 36MPG
In my opinion, there is no problem with the way it shifts after you have driven it a few days to get used to it. I leave it in "D" and let it do its job.
It is the easiest car in the world to change oil on, so the only time I took it back to the dealer was for the battery upgrade/ transmission reprogram work early on.
This doesn't mean you won't have any trouble, but I have not had to bring any NEW car back to the dealership since 1984.
Finally, would I buy another one? Yes, if need be, I would.
Just my opinions,
oldbike
2010 Smart 
1 - LT N FLFY
2 - Forests ride
3 - Little Blue
4 - Big Red
Today
Linear Mode
