It may look dumb, but 2008 car of the year is smart - Scripps News Service 12/27/07

[spdickey]

http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/29422

Ideally, a "Car of the Year" should stimulate our auto emotions and mark our place in time.

Historically, cars that have redefined motoring include the Ford Model T, the Chevrolet Suburban, the post-war Jeep, the Volkswagen Beetle, the Chevrolet Corvette, the Ford Mustang, the Honda Civic, the Dodge Caravan, the Nissan 240Z and the Mazda Miata, just to name a few.

For 2008, Motor Trend magazine chose the Cadillac CTS as its "Car of the Year." That's a sensible selection, but I'm going with the Smart Fortwo.

[kmeinhold]

Did someone put coal in this guys stocking? If this is how Mr. Williamson writes about a car he thinks should be car of the year, I can only imagine what he would write about a car he hates.

[Carnut]

I think it is a realistic appraisal based on the current American car psyche.

[sharonlee]

Could use some more of your valuable info. I put a call in to the Smart dealer but this might be faster.

Question: On the computer conf. form they have added elec. power steering and heated seats, neither of which I had asked for but might want the power steering...not the heated seats...my buns are warm enuf thank you very much. Can either or both of these be removed and what do you think of power steering?

Question: Is regular car heater part of air conditioning as it is with other cars (I think)...have never paid attention because I don't use a car heater.

Question: Just curious about this one...anybody know what dealer shipping etc charges are? May depend on location?

Anybody want to take a shot at this, I would appreciate it. Thanx

Sharon

[mdfortwoguy]

If you picked the comfort package, you get power steering and heated seats. Living in MI, you might be glad you did. It does have a heater in any guise, Pure or Passion.

[kmeinhold]

Your kidding right?

"endure minimalistic motoring, the Smart Fortwo will be a hard sell..."
"is a big step down from, the similarly priced Toyota Yaris..."
"The Smart Fortwo asks a lot of its driver..."
"Critics say the fuel economy is disappointing"
"provided your luggage is not much bigger than a couple of backpacks"

I was genuinely surprised he didn't bring out "you cant repeal the laws of physics - safety issues"

His descriptions seem a bit excessive. I looked up his other writings after the post, all seemed to be laced with negativity, I guess its his way.

[spdickey]

Originally Posted by kmeinhold

"endure minimalistic motoring, the Smart Fortwo will be a hard sell..."
"is a big step down from, the similarly priced Toyota Yaris..."
"The Smart Fortwo asks a lot of its driver..."
"Critics say the fuel economy is disappointing"
"provided your luggage is not much bigger than a couple of backpacks"

I was genuinely surprised he didn't bring out "you cant repeal the laws of physics - safety issues"

And even with all the above (most of which is true, btw) over 47,000 (per Roger Penske) have signed up to at least be contacted by a dealer next year to complete a purchase.

A Yaris is bigger. The smart's transmission takes some getting used to. We've seen the fuel economy critics here on this forum. And just how much more luggage can you get in a Kia?

The smart is different. It requires a different attitude, a kind of style that may be lacking in the vast majority of Americans.

If I wanted to be totally practical, I'd take my $15,000 and get something with a rear seat and a torque converter. I really don't have problems finding a parking space, even here in L.A. And that is the #1 purpose for being for a smart.

We who are going to be on the bleeding edge in this car are doing it not just for the practical reasons. I'm getting it most of all for being different, driving something different, and making a fun statement (not sure what it is yet).

But at least a lot of people will be talking to me, for once!

Ideally, a "Car of the Year" should stimulate our auto emotions and mark our place in time.

I'm marking my place in 2008. >> open your mind.

[spdickey]

Originally Posted by sharonlee

Could use some more of your valuable info. I put a call in to the Smart dealer but this might be faster.

Question: On the computer conf. form they have added elec. power steering and heated seats, neither of which I had asked for but might want the power steering...not the heated seats...my buns are warm enuf thank you very much. Can either or both of these be removed and what do you think of power steering?

Question: Is regular car heater part of air conditioning as it is with other cars (I think)...have never paid attention because I don't use a car heater.

Question: Just curious about this one...anybody know what dealer shipping etc charges are? May depend on location?

Anybody want to take a shot at this, I would appreciate it. Thanx

Sharon

You want leather, you get the comfort package with the power steering and the seat heater along with the other extras for $850.

I've driven the car without the electric assist steering. Its pretty easy either way since its so light up front. It may help turning the wheel while stopped for parking, but that's about all the difference you'll see.

The heater is just like any other car, turn the dial one way for hot the other for cold.

Destination charges are expected to be around $650 nationwide.

[sharonlee]

spdickey,

Again you come through....Consultation Fee????

A 77 year old man wrote to Det. paper auto guys asking if he should buy a small car at his age. He wanted a Cooper. Answer was "Absolutely...Live it up for once in your life." I'm still fighting my practical side but that was not bad advice....and neither was yours. Thanks again.

Sharon

[SmartBob]

A car that looks dumb doesn't get into a famous art museum.
The mileage is great for the price.
I'm not afraid to be different.
As with any car....you need to get used to how it handles.
This car is going to be a blast.
I want mine NOW! (still worried about the cost of the extended warranty)