65 MPH on the Highway???

[avayan]

Hi guys,

I am certain this has been discussed many times. But since there is much more experience now that the car has been running on the streets for about 3 months, I ask again: Will the Smart be the car for me if I drive 35 miles to work (70 daily) and the 35 miles are based on 3 highways with speeds on the 55 to 65 MPH range? Add to that, the fact that most people drive from 70 to 80 MPH. (This is the Dallas Forth Worth area so the speed limit signs are like comedy bumper stickers)

Most of what I read is that the car is a city car. If that is the case, I see myself selling the car two weeks after I buy it. In which case I will not even buy it.

What experiences can you share with a similar commute? Thanks for the input!

[MP3SMART]

When I got mine, I drove 58 most of the time to get better mileage. After a while, I got use to 65 and now realize that my smart loves to move along at 70-75. It sounds really content at that speed. Still getting 42 plus highway.

[DavidV]

It will do 85-90 mph all day long. Ask me how I know. LOL

** DavidV

[LinuxGuy]

I commute daily about 50 miles round trip on Hwy 71 west of Austin. Wind gust are a problem in this very light car. In morning the wind is not usually a problem, but in the afternoon gusts of 15 and above cause the car to bounce around a bit and as a result, I have to slow down to 55-60 mph. You will most likely experience a similar problem in the Dallas area. WIth the high humidity we have on the Texas coast, the air is heavy and may pose more of a problem than in the rest of the country. A few people on this forum have sold their car because of the tossing around in the wind. If you have to drive 70-80 mph everyday, this is NOT the car for you!

[DavidV]

Originally Posted by LinuxGuy

I commute daily about 50 miles round trip on Hwy 71 west of Austin. Wind gust are a problem in this very light car. In morning the wind is not usually a problem, but in the afternoon gusts of 15 and above cause the car to bounce around a bit and as a result, I have to slow down to 55-60 mph. You will most likely experience a similar problem in the Dallas area. WIth the high humidity we have on the Texas coast, the air is heavy and may pose more of a problem than in the rest of the country. A few people on this forum have sold their car because of the tossing around in the wind. If you have to drive 70-80 mph everyday, this is NOT the car for you!

There are some simple after market tweaks that will be available in the coming weeks that will help a great deal with this.

The Smart is a very competent car. I had it on the racetrack last weekend, and it more than held its own - I'm sure it can handle most people's commutes just fine.



Even stock, it is far from intolerable and I personally wouldn't let this dissuade me from purchasing the car, assuming of course that everything else about it is otherwise a good fit for my needs.

** DavidV

[Arizona Smarty]

My daily round trip in Phoenix is 50 miles. In hockey season it's 100 miles. My little Smart loves the freeway and loves 80 MPH. Go for it avayan! You'll love it!

[MercuryX100]

I found myself doing 75 on the way home from the dealer and didn't even realize it. I routinely go 75+ on the freeway, no problem. Car is fine over 80 too.
Cross winds are more noticeable than in most other cars I have had, but it just requires a little more attention be paid than usual. No deal breaker.

[meaux61]

I drive 35 miles each way. 75 is no problem. Yesterday we had 45 mph gusts on the highway. You feel it, but you also feel that you wont blow away. No worries.

Meaux

[LinuxGuy]

avayan,

I love my smart and will not be selling it because of the behavior of the car in the wind. But this know problem will cause my driving style to change when it is windy and I will not be letting inexperienced drivers (like my 16 year old daughter) drive the car in on the highway when the wind is blowing proudly.

Read what others who live in Texas have to say about the smart and the wind:
<http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3111&highlight=Texas+wind>

At least you will be aware of this issue before you buy your smart!

[124tom]

Originally Posted by avayan

Hi guys,

I am certain this has been discussed many times. But since there is much more experience now that the car has been running on the streets for about 3 months, I ask again: Will the Smart be the car for me if I drive 35 miles to work (70 daily) and the 35 miles are based on 3 highways with speeds on the 55 to 65 MPH range? Add to that, the fact that most people drive from 70 to 80 MPH. (This is the Dallas Forth Worth area so the speed limit signs are like comedy bumper stickers)

Most of what I read is that the car is a city car. If that is the case, I see myself selling the car two weeks after I buy it. In which case I will not even buy it.

What experiences can you share with a similar commute? Thanks for the input!

I drive the same conditions here in Charlotte N.C. you do 70 miles round trip. I cross two land bridges at a large lake wind off water gets everyones attention. This car puts fun back in driving. Have Fun!!!!!