Don't buy this STUPID (SMART) car

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by drmickeyer

It is useful to be informed of problems and fixes, but to bash the company and product because of a bad unit is not proper.

Agreed! But, you acknowledge that every manufacturer puts out the occasional lemon. And, we all know not all dealerships are equal in their customer support. I sense a high level of frustration from the OP. It is understandable. I'm thankful that I have had not need to return my car to the dealer. But, if I DID have to have it flatbedded due to a driveability problem (300 miles one way) and wasn't getting responses to my inquiries, was paying for a rental out of pocket, AND knew that when it was all over with, I'd have to pay for return transportation ... I think I'd be a little peeved too. And, probably not 100% objective.

[gvoeller]

I drive it every day to two hospitals that are 2 miles away and then back home. I have owned many, many cars and I believe that most people with issues like mine do NOT put them on forums like this because you usually get smart-ass remarks like MIPOD. I don't drink the Kool-Aid and blindly accept poor quality and poor service just because criticism may hurt someone's feelings. Call 1-800 Smart right now and see how long you are on hold. Three Smarts here in Memphis have all had the stuck gear shift problem among other issues. The dealer in Jackson said the windshield issue is a real problem. He told me if you think the battery problem is bad don't even think about getting a windshield.

[gstreetcomic]

I had my Smart since July and 6023 miles later no real issues. If I were you, id really give the Smart another chance. it also sounds like you don't drive the car that much, so maybe you did get a funky battery, or perhaps you might try dinscinnceting the battery, or even crinaling it everyday at least before blasting off like you did by calling it a stupid car. BTW i had a Chevy that was anything but a trouble free car, and as you can well guess, they are in major financial hock.

[gstreetcomic]

I do apoigize for my earlier commnets about not driving it much. I just read your remarks about the level of use with your car. BTW i do agree that every car maufacturer puts out lemons.

Originally Posted by gvoeller

I drive it every day to two hospitals that are 2 miles away and then back home. I have owned many, many cars and I believe that most people with issues like mine do NOT put them on forums like this because you usually get smart-ass remarks like MIPOD. I don't drink the Kool-Aid and blindly accept poor quality and poor service just because criticism may hurt someone's feelings. Call 1-800 Smart right now and see how long you are on hold. Three Smarts here in Memphis have all had the stuck gear shift problem among other issues. The dealer in Jackson said the windshield issue is a real problem. He told me if you think the battery problem is bad don't even think about getting a windshield.

[Bum-bling-B]

Quite obvious it's a defective battery, but it sounds like the dealer may be more a problem than anything. Now, that being said - the battery isn't poor quality of the Smart itself. It is poor quality of the battery manufacture. Same true for tires. It's even true for the faulty air flow valve that seems to plague some of the early cars as well (P0410 code when CEL goes on).

Some have even upgraded their batteries before their battery ever died. I haven't done it with my Smart but I've done it before on some of my other cars - bought a battery even though I didn't need it. Just upgraded to a manufacture that I felt secure with.

We do understand your frustration. No one is ever happy to loose money out of pocket. Keep calmly fighting for your money, it'll work out once you finally talk to the right person.

[Duckhunter]

Originally Posted by Bum-bling-B

Some have even upgraded their batteries before their battery ever died. I haven't done it with my Smart but I've done it before on some of my other cars - bought a battery even though I didn't need it. Just upgraded to a manufacture that I felt secure with.

I am one of those that upgraded after reading of battery problems. I did not like the fact that the OEM battery had to have its fluid level checked and what a pain that would be. Also nothing on Smart but most cheap batteries are just that cheap. Mine did not show any issues and started just fine even with the old battery.

2 mile trip might be too little for the battery to be fully recharged and could of made a weak battery fail.

[blackbeagle]

I have 10k miles on ours with no problems but I certainly do understand your frustration. Before that car leaves the lot, it should go through a battery of checks (no pun intended): tires...check, batteries..check, brakes...check....wipers..check...radio/CD....check. etc. etc. This way you can eliminate any issues, especially for people that lives hours away from the dealership. Yes, problems can occur with any new car. How you deal with the problem makes you either a great dealership or a poor dealership.

In this case, Gvoeller wants to be treated fairly. I can't say I blame him/her for the treatment so far.

[fun42]

10,000 + miles since May - no problems other than recalled sunscreen which was replaced.

not a single second of regret.

[BigWarpGuy]

I have been driving my little car since March of 2008. I am fortunate not to encounter problems some people seem to be experiencing.

[Bum-bling-B]

Originally Posted by Duckhunter

I am one of those that upgraded after reading of battery problems. I did not like the fact that the OEM battery had to have its fluid level checked and what a pain that would be. Also nothing on Smart but most cheap batteries are just that cheap. Mine did not show any issues and started just fine even with the old battery.

2 mile trip might be too little for the battery to be fully recharged and could of made a weak battery fail.

Exactly - like I said - tires and batteries are two things that people are funny about. I know some people that despise Continental tires, a reason they got new tires.

I've been strongly considering upgrading to an Optima. Need to get the measurements to see how well it'll fit. There is a car show I "might" go to in Feb that sells them for $60 each. Physical blemishes is the reason for the drastic price reduction.

Hopefully the OP keeps on the dealer about fixing it quickly. Also don't be afraid to tell us the details of how they don't help. Focus on the dealer on fixing the problem in an expeditious manner so that rental isn't going to be too much, then go after Smart for getting your money for the rental.