Apprenhensive

[Old-Duckman]

After reading a lot of the reviews (and my own short test drive) I am apprehensive about purchasing the Smart. I had my reservation confirmed in early Nov. Email said mine should arrive first half of 08??

Biggest concerns:
Trans
No Curise control
No spare tire
PREMIUM fuel !!
Leaks (have Cabrio confirmed)

Been researching a Honda Civic Hybrid pretty seriously last couple of weeks...Cost, low 20's. Still tax credit available. 49/51 mpg, many owners getting near and over 60 (that's with regular gas)...Honda name and reputation. Lots of advantages over the Smart IMO...???

I'm not trying to upset anyone, just voicing my individual concerns...FWIW

[SmartShanna]

Many of has some of the same, or similar, concerns, Old-Duckman. Your list is not debatable; your concerns are your concerns. I would not, nor should anyone else, try to sway you to a smart. But, should you decide on a smart you will be in for an adventure. Sure, a big part of this car will be the discovery of its capabilities and its shortcomings, but what else is life about if not discovery and adventure? Plus, that stodgy Honda hybrid will be there if you decide to sell your smart later down the line

By the way, I have sold my Prius (nothing like a pre-sale on a car that I can keep until my smart arrives) in anticipation of taking ownership of my new car. The smart will be my only vehicle.

Good luck in your decision-making process and welcome to the forum!

[bumblebee]

I think you're going to get the same sort of questions on every new car that comes into the market. The transmission is iffy since I test drove the Euro spec. But from reading the DC roadshow with the American Specs it sounds more promising. I could care less with the cruise control as this will be my daily city car. Spare tire is nice but not really necessary as this will be a second car mainly for city driving. Discount tires are everywhere and won't be that big of a hassle to get a new tire or fix a flat. I know Smart says to use Preinum fuel but most cars that are branched out from a luxury dealer uses preminum (aka MINI). I reserved the passion so I hope I don't have to worry about leaks.

just my opinion.

[spdickey]

I've driven the US spec tranny. Its much smoother than the Euro ones we drove last summer on the roadshow. Its different, but not a big problem. My thoughts are the same on the cruise control, I have it on my Prius, but in LA traffic I end up driving up the back of the car in front of me on the freeway anyway. The fix it kit under the seat has a pump and goop to get you to a tire store. I'll have to see how it runs on regular, perhaps mid-grade? Its a pretty advanced engine and is probably tuned for the high test stuff. I looked over the rag top, I think the "leaks" are an exaggeration by a member here. The rubber seals look good and tight on the rear tridion and glass window.

Stay in line, the $99 is refundable after you look over the car at your dealer next year. I think you'll love it!

[Fredvon4]

Trans This you would get used to in time....not smooth as silk automatic but still a generally good compromise

No Curise control Right now I know for a fact we can get a CC...but at the moment it is very expensive

No spare tire Not really a big deal and your dealer will be able to sell you a low cost steel front wheel tire assy for any long trips it can sit behind your seat.


PREMIUM fuel !! 8.5Gallon tank, light weight 1 liter motor needs the high test to make enough power to move the Lil bugger....

35~40MPG on $3.59 per gallon will yield about the same cost per mile of a 25~30MPG $2.99 per gallon low compression motor

There are math ways to figure your true cost of ownership between the Hybrid and the Smart.... I happen to know more hybrid owners that get much less MPG then they thought they would... a LOT depends on the terrain and environment it is used in .... all city or all hwy makes a huge difference... I think 60 MPG may be possible but it will not be the norm

Leaks (have Cabrio confirmed) Maybe as they age the rag top will have issues...we just don't know.... but at least for first two years your leaks, if any, will be repaired free

But like others have said here, only you know your desires and thresholds for these issues...

If you do not have to have the car right now...MY counsel is to hold pat, take possession of the Smart... If it does NOT satisfy your needs trade it in on the Honda... I bet you get all your money back out of it on the trade... These are initially going to be fairly high demand cars for the next two years