A few thoughts on new smart car ownership...

[beardo]

Well, now that I have put a few miles on my car (just under 700 miles) I figured I would share what I liked about it and what I would rather see changed.

First and formost is the better gas milage. I came from driving a pick up truck. Instantly I tripled my milage. For that I am grateful while the gas prices start to creep back up.

Um, I guess I will start with the things I would like to see changed. The noise is much louder inside that cabin than I really like. This is coming from a guy who rides motorcycles more than drives behind the wheel. I might look into the mat for the back cargo area.

The wind blows me around at higher speeds. Its a strange feeling. I have never experienced that before behind the wheel. Always on a bike, but never a car. Will matching rear wheels mounted up front help that out?

The transmission is a mixed bag for me. I love the fact that I can put the car in D and drive it like an automatic. I dont mind the way it shifts. I have always driven manually shifted cars. No surprise to me. BUT, I would like more control over the trans in the manual mode. I live in Pittsburgh and we have hills. Sometimes when starting from a dead stop going downhill, I would rather be taking off in second rather than first. Why? First is way too tall, to the point of almost being useless. And I would like the transmission to shift from gear to gear faster while in the manual mode, especially from first to second. It would be nice if the TCU could 'sense' how quickly the operator pushes or pulls the gear lever. Slower, shift the car slowly. Shift faster, like a quick jab of the lever, then shift faster. Too easy. Maybe not...

I love the fact that as the miles roll on and after my 500 mile lubricant change (engine and transmission) that not only can this little car get up and go, but completely frustrates people. The see the car. Its tiny. Must be slow. And I beat them off the line (I pick my spots LOL).

I love the go-kart like handling of this like car. I finally like to drive again. For over 10 years, its been all motorcycles. With the sheer fun factor that a bike brings, no car, no matter how big the engine (think big V8) or how much forced induction, ever matched, for me, the way a bike delivers the goods. Until this car. Thats says a lot. This car reminds me of an old MGB or Triumph sporting car. Small, a bit under powered, but pure fun going around corners. Thank you smart car for bringing that joy back into my life...reliably.

And lastly, I like that fact that I can do a u-turn in my driveway. Why? The looks on peoples faces are priceless!!!

[Kermit]

Glad you're loving it. Just today I was able to pull into a parallel parking spot that everyone else was having to pass by because they couldn't fit into it. +1 for more reason I love my smart.

As far as wind goes. I felt the same way in my old K series Blazer except this I feel like I have recovery control.

[gstreetcomic]

I love the go-kart like handling of this like car. I finally like to drive again. For over 10 years, its been all motorcycles. With the sheer fun factor that a bike brings, no car, no matter how big the engine (think big V8) or how much forced induction, ever matched, for me, the way a bike delivers the goods. Until this car. Thats says a lot. This car reminds me of an old MGB or Triumph sporting car. Small, a bit under powered, but pure fun going around corners. Thank you smart car for bringing that joy back into my life...reliably.

And lastly, I like that fact that I can do a u-turn in my driveway. Why? The looks on peoples faces are priceless!!![/QUOTE]

My oh my you sound like me when i first got my Smart. It really did and still brings back the joy of driving everyday. You may soon find any excuse to go driving the Smart even if it is a trip to the grocery store going around the mulberry bush doing so.

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by gstreetcomic

...You may soon find any excuse to go driving the Smart even if it is a trip to the grocery store going around the mulberry bush doing so.

I DO do that !!!

AND, I ALWAYS take the long way

[stressed member]

Your thoughts echo mine, I am a biker also. When people ask questions about safety, I tell them not to think of it as an unsafe car, but as an ultra safe motorcycle.

[Neonspinnazz]

Having the experience of being in several vans, trucks, suvs, and other tall vehicles, I think it's safe to say that the smart may rock a little in the wind but if you notice, your path of travel does not change.

The Envoy for example, is nearly pushed off of the road when the wind pushes at it. You have to grab the wheel hard or else you and tree are going to say "Hi!". And the Envoy's crash safety is nothing to brag about.

[jimvw57]

Double check the tire pressures, if they are too high, the wind will affect you more. Otherwise, just like a bike, you have more room in the lane than most cars. You could try cracking the windows and see if it helps with cross winds.

Give the tranny a little more time to break in and you will see a difference in the shifting.

[John_H]

There's one owner who swears using stiffer springs changed his outlook entirely. I wondered if his alignment may have been a little off to get such a strong effect from the wind. I feel strong wind, but never do I feel in danger, just getting a firm "Hello!" from my car. But I've had H&R springs since day 1.

[Smart Bob]

You can double click the paddles or the shifter in manual mode to skip a gear. This may be what you are after if first is too low a gear for you?

[mvaldes]

Stock suspension and tires for 17,000 miles, mostly on Interstates at 65+. I've certainly felt the wind but haven't been blown around more than in our Mercedes SUV or the Honda CRV.