Choosing A Companion For Our Smart.

[a2jack]

As our Smart is almost out of warranty (23k on ode), and our Subie is almost ready to be turned out to pasture (190k on ode). It's time to buy another new car.

The Smart has spoiled us, as there is no car out there that is as fun to drive, or attracts as much attention as our Smartie, it's a keeper.

With CATS, it's best to have more than one. As working cars, one Smart is enough.

A big car, or SUV is unthinkable. And even though we live here in Michigan we can't chance a big three offering (we run 30k+ a year and can't afford down time on our cars). We have been test driving all the small imports and they are all dull as hell. What to Do?

In spite of the rough ride, the summer car of choice is still our Smart car, But 300 mile work days do take a toll. The winter ride is, hands down, our old Subi Outback.

So far the Suzuki Sx4 looks good. All comments, suggestions welcome. A2Jack

[Ronin]

Originally Posted by a2jack

And even though we live here in Michigan we can't chance a big three offering (we run 30k+ a year and can't afford down time on our cars). A2Jack

Wow. Just wow. Research much?

[jwight]

Cooper S Clubman.

[MB DNA]

2009 Honda Fit Sport!

[Dan500]

I was checking out the SX4 before I got my smart,just not a 4dr fan. I think it`s a good choice. I know the crossover comes with 4wd standard along with a abs and a few other goodies.

[bumblebee]

Originally Posted by jwight

Cooper S Clubman.

I 2nd that. Saw it at the auto show and it grew on me. But then it didn't take much since I used to drive a MINI

[Carl242]

Have you test-driven the new VW Jetta TDI SportWagon?

[rfernatt]

Love the look and setup of the SX4. We test drove one and would've bought it, but they couldn't get the package we wanted in a timely fashion (not released yet) so we bought a Civic coupe instead.

I owned a Subaru Outback Sport in the 90s and loved that car as well. The SX4 could possibly be a better 'spiritual' successor to that Subaru than later models of the Outback Sport. Suzuki has that killer warranty too...

My smart's stablemate is a Nissan Frontier 4x4 CC since I always seem to need a truck, it can haul more than two people, it can tow heavy equipment, and it has 4WD. It is the polar opposite of the smart and they serve their respective purposes well. I do think the truck is a little jealous about how much the smart is driven though - a little sibling rivalry...

[Okie Boy]

I like the SX4 but have been considering the new 2009 Vitara with the new I4 engine, 5 speed manual, with the single mode 4x4. I would rather have the four mode 4x4 but it is not available with the manual transmission.

[ssppxyz]

Originally Posted by Carl242

Have you test-driven the new VW Jetta TDI SportWagon?

My thoughts exactly...