I'd looooove to have a little more insight into Scott's background. What I get a kick out of now is the mentality that EVERY _______ vehicle produced has to fit EVERY _______ scenario you could image. Would, to take my stable for example, an F350 crew cab 4X4 long bed with the footprint of the smart (mileage and real estate) and the track performance of one of my 911's (let alone the Radical) still be enough for guys like this? Doubtful.
Sharon - If you have doubts then don't buy it. The last thing you need to do is buy a car you will regret. Just why did you decide to get this little car in the first place? Examine your reasons. If you wanted a performance car - well, this ain't it. If you wanted to be able to tote around a washer & dryer - again this ain't it. If you wanted a commuter car the gets good mileage, takes up little space, has a small footprint on the planet, and is very reasonable priced - THEN DON'T LET THEM WIN !
I picked up Klaatuu on Feb 29th, have driven in several snows, drove down I-75 to Menards and spent $100 and still had room left in the back, get taken out to lunch in exchange for a free ride in the Smart, and have to fight my husband for the keys all week-end long. We feel safe and secure, and it has plenty of gitty-up. Only you can decide what is best for you. Terry and I know that we made a good decision.
PM me with your number if you want to talk more - See you on the 19th!
Theresa
Thanks, Theresa. I still think it fits all of my primary reasons for getting it ** the mileage, its eco-friendliness, etc. and the fact that I could get most of the options I like in a car at a good price. I definitely wasn't looking for a performance car, nor do I need to tote around a lot of big stuff! I'm also alone in my car 95% of the time.
I'm still a little nervous about the transmission, but it seems like everyone who posts here who has gotten delivery has adjusted to driving with it and I haven't heard many complaints about highway driving either.
I won't be able to attend the event on the 19th ** Our Democratic district convention is that morning. Hopefully I'll be able to attend the May event, and I'll definitely have my car by then. I should have it next week or, at the latest, the following week. It arrived in Baltimore last Friday.
I'd looooove to have a little more insight into Scott's background. What I get a kick out of now is the mentality that EVERY _______ vehicle produced has to fit EVERY _______ scenario you could image. Would, to take my stable for example, an F350 crew cab 4X4 long bed with the footprint of the smart (mileage and real estate) and the track performance of one of my 911's (let alone the Radical) still be enough for guys like this? Doubtful.
Absolutely. Reviews for my Wrangler Unlimited have been horrible. What are they comparing the Jeep to, the Lexus SUV? Comments like - harsh ride, noisy, lousy gas mileage, no power, crappy interior (sound familiar?) I find its power sufficient, it gets 20-23 mpg driven below 80 mph. Its ride is smooth and comfortable with a well designed / made interior and its by far the most refined Jeep ever made. Its a JEEP and a convertible, don't compare it to other SUV's.
...tnt0604, and coudn't have said it better myself!
SharonRB...you know you can't walk away! What's your twin gunna do?
I guarantee we all will be laughing about this nimrod's article a few month's from now when we're having a leisurely Saturday afternoon lunch at (you name the place)!
Call up your nearest dealer and make an appointment for a test drive. Then you will know what you think of it as opposed to people that love their HUGE V8 SUVs. As for me I love the little thing.
Funny, as I grew up in Michigan—I can say that this is quite true.
Certainly there isn't the mix of cars in Michigan as here in Phoenix. In Michigan there seems to be all GMs and Fords (I always notice that on a yearly basis when I go home to visit family). They do have that BIG power car attitude which I find ironic as the auto industry there has contributed to a huge economic downturn.
Reviews of cars made outside the Detroit auto industry usually don't fare well. The guy even had to make a jibe about Toyota...
Regardless, test drive one for yourself to see if it's for you. Never let a critic make the decision for you. They hammered my electric car—(I had an EV1 before GM killed the program**will never buy a GM car again because of it) —it was the most enjoyable car I've ever had.
Last edited by sparkyAZ; 04-02-2008 at 11:57 AM.
Reason: typo
Actually it was a pretty fair analysis. Let's face it, all of us on this forum are pro smart, or at least used to be. The advice to test drive one is 100% on the money, BUT how many dealers will allow you to test drive it over a week end? You REALLY need to live with the car for a day or two, trying out in highways as well as streets without a salesperson yapping in your ear. Yes, the car has both its virtues and faults, but only a comprehensive test drive will help you decide.
...tnt0604, and coudn't have said it better myself!
SharonRB...you know you can't walk away! What's your twin gunna do?
I guarantee we all will be laughing about this nimrod's article a few month's from now when we're having a leisurely Saturday afternoon lunch at (you name the place)!
I'll buy!
See you then!
Believe me, Billo, I'm not planning to walk away, I'm just getting a little nervous. I'm still planning to take delivery very soon. Any word on when yours is supposed to arrive?
...but only a comprehensive test drive will help you decide.
I was able to go in during slower hours and take an extended test drive during a Twin Cities rush hour... I was able to drive in everything from smooth new pavement to old broken pavement. bumper-to-bumper stop n' go and 70 mph free flowing traffic. both modes of the transmission were used. When I was done with the drive, I was convinced it was the car for me based on that drive. It was about a 20 mile circuit. The only time I wasn't able to fluidly operate the car was at a ramp meter. Light turned green and I floored it and it wasn't the smoothest shifting job by yours truely. Other than that, it was flawless.
This gave me the confidence that I'd actually like the car instead of their pre-programmed test drive route (which is decent for curiousity drivers, but not quite long enough for final decision people). Anyway, might want to ask your smart center what time would be acceptable to take a slightly more extended test drive.
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1976 Rover Mini
2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec (SOLD)
2009 smart Passion (Gone)
2011 smart Passion
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