Disappointed ??

normana61 · 08-24-2008, 12:16 PM

Hi All, just rented a smart for two when i was in Martha's Vineyard for a couple days and was really disappointed !!!

rented a passion cabriolet

1) I could feel the automatic transmission shift every gear like i was actually shifting a manual transmission. Both accellerating and slowing down. I have never been in an automatic like that in my life.

also if going to slow ( around 35-40 ) you could feel the car vibrant as it felt like the tranny was in between gears ( just like a manual tranny does )

2) the rearview mirror is awfully difficult to see out of when riding with the top all the way down.

3) the brake pedal is more like a joy stick rather that a brake.

4) hoping they work the bugs out as i would love to get next generation ( electric ) that will be out 2009-2010.

5) i was hoping for a better car seeing that is a mercedes benz product...that vehilce is no mercedes-benz. dealers should not sell or even suggest that because it raises the bar.

jefferios · 08-24-2008, 12:20 PM

Sorry to hear your disgust. At least you had the opportunity to rent one.

SuperGeek · 08-24-2008, 12:28 PM

1) It is mechanically a manual transmission, automatically shifted. 35-40mph, in "Auto" mode it will choose 5th gear much too early, aiming for fuel economy; if you need a performance boost, shift to manual or pump the gas pedal once to downshift to 4th or 3rd as conditions warrant.

2) I don't have a Cabrio, so couldn't comment.

3) I've not seen a problem with the brake pedal, can you describe the problem you see?

4) I too hope the EV has a different transmission, because an electric motor has much more low-end torque and they have a lot more options available. A simple plug-in replacement of the engine would probably be an insult to the new engine. The new EV needs to knock it out of the park if it is to be taken seriously; competing against a $50k Volt gives them reason to bring out the best product they can for whatever price point they choose.

5) True, it's not a $40k Mercedes, but it is made by the same people, and for $12k - 18k, I think it's pretty darned good. It's not a cheap Toyota or Kia on the inside.

**Dunerunner** · 08-24-2008, 12:28 PM

normana61 - The smart is a little city commuter. The transmission shifting and all driving of the smart is adaptive. Either the car has adapted to my driving style or I have adapted to the way a smart drives but after 4000 mi, mine performs great. I like the manual-matic 'feel' of the transmission and I have to admit, I don't care if it isn't a Benz. They use those for taxi cabs in Europe. Sorry your experience was less than stellar and I hope it hasn't soured you on the car. You at least saw fit to join and post here, and that is promising.

letsgoskatepool · 08-24-2008, 12:38 PM

I am with you on the transmission... I would do almost anything to change it to a real manual.

HGB · 08-24-2008, 01:18 PM

I still like my smart even though when the transmission is in D, it will accelerate and then stumble a bit before continuing on.
So I drive as if I didn't care about the stumbling and look as if I'm sightseeing instead, and that I am enamored with my surroundings, which is really not true for I have driven the same road over and over many times. This is my personality however..for I'm sure everyone has a different outlook about this issue. I am also a bit embarassed when I drive into a cross wind and am all over the place.
It makes me feel like others a watching and commending on this phenomenon. Like...look at this ridiculous little car to begin with... it's a joke.
Yet...after everything is said and done, I am still pro smart and I have ordered another one.
Yes... I ask myself why is there no continuously variable transmission by now. I also understand that there is a lot involved when a car is developed, and I'm sure smart went thru a lot of teething problems before it was street worthy. Improvements and changes take time. There is no other vehicle like a smart!!!!

wdw412 · 08-24-2008, 03:41 PM

sorry that you were disappointed, probably the smart is not for you, but for sure many love it and are satisfied with it, as I am mine....That is what make the world go round, everyone with different opinions, different likes and dislikes, this world would be very boring if everyone was alike.
Bill

artistalana · 08-24-2008, 03:44 PM

It's a manual transmission. That's why it felt like a manual...that has advantages...it's just automated so you don't have to shift it yourself if desired. It felt the same when I drove a Corvette with automated manual transmission.

I have a cabriolet. I am ok with the window...any convertible I had had a smaller window in back actually...

I got used to the transmission quickly. I dont even think about it...

I LOVE my car. No car is for everyone...but I wouldnt trade mine for a Porsche. Call me crazy...but I mean that.

Suze · 08-24-2008, 03:48 PM

smart is a quirky little car and if you try to drive it like any old automatic transmission car (heavy on the gas, hard on the break) you will be disappointed. Knowing the way most Americans like to drive, the smart as a rental might not be very successful.

But that's ok. I'm glad the OP came on the forum and and explained why he/she was disappointed. It was a good post, well organized, clear friendly!

Kidbyte · 08-24-2008, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by normana61

Hi All, just rented a smart for two when i was in Martha's Vineyard for a couple days and was really disappointed !!!

As for the "automatic transmission"; it's NOT an automatic, it's a "manu-matic". It's an electronic manual transmission without a clutch that automatically shifts. If it displeased you, you could have always placed it in manual and shifted yourself as you pleased.

Sorry you didn't read up on it before you spent your money. If you can afford to stay at Martha's Vineyard, why didn't you rent a Mercedes Benz Maybach with a chauffeur instead?

Kidbyte