Is Buying a smart really smart or really dumb?

vibrato · 03-04-2008, 01:10 PM

Hi All,
I've been thinking......so I've got this smart passion almost here in my garage; (about another 4-6 weeks I think) but I've been on this web site less than a week and I am reading so much extraneous negative information regarding this smart car and I'm getting paranoid. For example:

1. dealer doc fees - anywhere from $50 - $699 (mine to be about $400)
2. financing fees - 5% - 7.5%
3. buy a spare wheel & tire - $200 - $250 (really no place to store a spare)
4. buy a jack for $50 -$100
5. buy a lug wrench for $20 - $40
6. need to buy a torque wrench if you want to change your own oil - otherwise dealer wants $80 - (whew, what happened to $25 oil changes?)
7. buy a wheel and tire service add on contract ~$300
8. Poor or Limited spare parts inventory
9. Transmission linkage problems
10. High service maintenance fees
11. Poor insurance coverage
12. Limited 24K or 24mo warranty
13. Buy floor mats at $75
14. Storage shade or privacy curtain $130
15. No known resale value
15. And all the negativism on this site. Seems I could get another car with a lot of dealer incentives thrown in for probably less money.

OK then. I'm taking my delivery and going forward with my reservation and purchase - but if anybody wants this yellow/black passion that much and really soon - I might make you a deal...(with a premium added of course), but I will do my deal, and you would have to buy it as a (slightly) used vehicle.

I'm not 100% sure what I'm going to do but I just might give it up.
You can contact me privately if you want.

angel · 03-04-2008, 02:22 PM

vibrato,

Certainly the smart isn't for everyone. And the hype that had many making initial reservations has worn off for some. Some have made a profit from selling their smarts and others have barely broke even by looking at the auctions on ebay. Good luck with whatever your decision may be.

Amethyste · 03-04-2008, 02:33 PM

May I ask you why you bought it in the first place?

vibrato · 03-04-2008, 02:39 PM

Well, I haven't bought it yet!!!!......... I reserved one! I like the car overall, I think it is a smart idea and product. But now, I'm having some reservations. I'm not reading much here that is positive. Lots of glitches, etc. Maybe I'm just reading the wrong stuff in this forum.

dcrooks · 03-04-2008, 02:46 PM

It is a free market. So, what are the alternatives? I talked to a guy who has a VW TDI that he claims get 60mph. But it is diesel. Only 50% of gas stations have diesel and it is like $3.60 a gallon.

There are some holes in your list. I think the issue boils down to are you willing to take on "new to USA" car?

MarkB · 03-04-2008, 02:56 PM

Why does anyone pick the car they drive? Because THEY like it and that's all that matters. Don't ask us if it's smart or not, just drive what makes you happy to drive. It's pretty simple really, after all it's just a car.

Gortok · 03-04-2008, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcrooks

I talked to a guy who has a VW TDI that he claims get 60mph. But it is diesel.

I may be wrong, but I believe even a diesel will go faster than 60 MPH...

Just kiddin'...

Most posters will talk about problems. Not so many will share their GOOD experiences...JMHO

kwagar · 03-04-2008, 03:00 PM

This is the internet and you can likely find support for any position you wish to take. It is surely not the car for everyone and there are some "new car- new model" issues but for the most part the people who have got their smarts and are driving them all love them.

Undoubtedly you can spend more and get more, not so sure you can get as much for the same money at least not with the same "fun" factor.

Don't dwell on the negatives**buy the car and drive it for a month then decide if you want to sell it. My guess is you just may fall in love with it!

mvukovich · 03-04-2008, 03:03 PM

I agree, the wife and I love our Smart car........

CruzinSusan · 03-04-2008, 03:05 PM

I'm really smart and I bought one. I paid top dollar for an Orphan, it's loaded, and I love it, love it, LOVE IT.

Only you can make this decision. If you're not comfortable with the decision to purchase, then don't. If you're going to make a profit off selling yours, bully for you. If, on the other hands, you want a GREAT little ride, that is FUN to drive, and don't mind the 'ifs' of owning a 'new' car to the USA, then get it, drive it, and love it.

Oops, sun's out, top's down, and I think I need a widget that must be on sale across town. Gotta go.

......................................... ...........something on sale