09 Two Week report - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

Cyberbug · 08-11-2009, 08:53 AM

I figured the 09s are pretty new so I'll post my two week impressions.

Mine is a older 09 or later 08 - it came into the dealer late 08 but is a 09. So couple of differences.

It is a Passion Coupe with the comfort package - but no fog lamps as at that time fog lamps were not included in the comfort package - don't care - how many actually use fog lamps for what they are intended

What it does have is the rain sensing wipers and auto lights so I like that. No longer available in the 09 comfort package.

Plus it was a few $$$ cheaper, lucky me it was still there.

I bought the smart because of the clunker deal it was a on the spot decision, traded in my truck which used to give 17mpg that was pretty good for it. Got $4500 for it applied directly as a down payment.

Mine also has the silver cell option so black with silver line looks good to me.

I have been reading on the forum and have learned a lot.

I love the peddle shifters and how I can go in and out of auto mode with the peddle shifters.

No issues so far.

It has over 600miles on it right now.

First tank I filled up with two bars left - filled it up with 6.7gals and had run 255 miles - I have a feeling the dealer had filled it up with regular gas.
Filled up with Shell premium which was $2.85 more expensive then other brand premium gas but already saving much don't need to go cheap

filled up my second tank today - with again two bars remaining - filled with 7.7gals and had run 325miles for an average of over 42MPG

So things are looking up - so far all my questions have been answered on this forum through search.

I will be changing the transmission oil this weekend with motorcraft 75w90 I have had good experience with this oil in my other car which initially came with GL5

I understand it takes 2.3 liters

I was hoping to change the engine oil my self as well but resetting maintenance light issue needs to be seen.

Only money I had spent so far is rubber mats, rear window tint and I made a rubber liner for the engine cover. The last will be winter tires/wheels. This car is all about saving. ;)

Will report again if I have something new

Oh wanted to add one thought all those fuel gauge threads well Don't know how to say this but as you can see I filled up with 7.7gals without topping off and still had two bars showing so go figure

Chris Wurgler · 08-11-2009, 09:41 AM

It has a magic tank/gauge and will fill itself in just a bit.
Magic takes time to make gas.

dcrooks · 08-11-2009, 10:04 AM

The only way I know of to go to auto from paddle is to move the shifter back and forth. I would be interested in any other ways! That is one feature I could have done without as I keep hitting the paddle when turning the steering wheel. PITA!

deltadart · 08-11-2009, 10:10 AM

Are you supposed to change the transmission oil this early?

John_H · 08-11-2009, 10:45 AM

If the maintenance indicator isn't showing, is there a need to reset it?

Kermit · 08-11-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcrooks

The only way I know of to go to auto from paddle is to move the shifter back and forth. I would be interested in any other ways! That is one feature I could have done without as I keep hitting the paddle when turning the steering wheel. PITA!

To go from auto to paddle hit the paddle + or -. To go from paddle to auto just hold down the "+" paddle for a few seconds and it will go to "D" (auto).

Good for you Cyberbug on your decision. Its a fun, practical car. Prepare yourself for the haters out there but they are outnumbered by the lovers 100:1. Shouldn't pose to much of a problem.

**jwight** · 08-11-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcrooks

The only way I know of to go to auto from paddle is to move the shifter back and forth. I would be interested in any other ways! That is one feature I could have done without as I keep hitting the paddle when turning the steering wheel. PITA!

Did your car get the 2.0 update? If so, your dealer should have explained the paddle technique to you.

Cyberbug · 08-11-2009, 12:09 PM

Like our friend said - I did the search on the forum and found out last night how to go back and forth auto/manual with just the peddle shifters its perfect.

Changing the transmission oil has nothing to do with time or mileage - I just want to put in full synthetic. motorcraft 75w90 is manual transmission oil which the smart has, My miata got the same treatment and it did make a difference in that case.

The maintenance wrench will come on in 10Kmiles I am just preparing for that.

Everyday I get people giving me smiles, waving and giving me the thumbs up - I may be driving in better parts of NJ

forestacademy · 08-11-2009, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyberbug

The maintenance wrench will come on in 10Kmiles I am just preparing for that.

More likely it will come on in a few months. Since yours most likely had an original delivery date around Nov, the wrench will come on at the one year point in Nov. Unless you manage 10K first

Padawan · 08-11-2009, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyberbug

Changing the transmission oil has nothing to do with time or mileage - I just want to put in full synthetic. motorcraft 75w90 is manual transmission oil which the smart has, My miata got the same treatment and it did make a difference in that case.

If you are going to use Motorcraft, make sure it is their SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 Gear Oil.

SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 Gear Oil