Did alot of research and decided on/bought an 05 passion with 200 miles, it's a new car at a used car price. Brought it home this past weekend. However, having insurance issue's - I called my insurance co day before picking up, for coverage. But, Monday morning, insurance co called, having problems getting it insured because it's a European model. Only Progressive will insure, at high premium. Anyone having that problem? Any suggestions, or insurance co can suggest? THANKS much for any help. We love our Smart - everyplace we go we have people just coming up, wanting to know what it is, talk about it, look it over, etc.
I use Progressive, I have a russian motorcycle made by Ural and they insured it with relatively no problem.
It took a while as the rep never heard of Ural (I had to give him the web site addy to prove they existed !). They had the best prices, I called around, everyone else wanted to label it an "exotic", which REALLY increased the yearly payment !!
But, my Ural isn't a "true" European model. It's imported for the U.S., so it meets all U.S. import standards.
Sorry to say this, but maybe there is a reason your smart is nearly 5 years old and only has 200 miles. The previous owner may not have been able to get insurance in your state. Some states are more strict than others.
Thanks for the messages. My insurance agent has me thru Progressive, under as you say, a specialty car rate of course is much higher than anticipated! I will do as you say and try other companies. Thanks for that advice.
Mudpie: I verified where this car came from before I bought! A guy in Texas bought 30 of them for research/testing of the entire car - engine, fuel, body, interior/exterior, etc. All were stored inside a warehouse where testing was done by his crew. The dealer I bought it from bought 4, keeping 1 for himself, selling the other 3. You can see where things were hooked up, one had some strap chafing on front window pillar paint, etc. I had a 100 mile drive home so was watchful of varying speed, etc, until I get about 1000 miles (recommended by Smart owner for breakend?? hopefully he is right?)
There are 1026 of these European models in this country. These 30 were among the last to be sold. Liberty Mutual is probably your best source for insurance.
I love the European Smarts, I almost purchased one for $22,000 then I heard bout the US version with a larger interior coming here. I still wish they would have used the Mercedes engines. I seen the Smarts in Japan in 2001 and thought wow cool Mercedes, why cant they bring that to the US? I have seen some European cars with the Mercedes emblem n the front?
I still wish they would have used the Mercedes engines.
Actually, sadly the Suprex engines were not that durable. They are typically good for 60,000-75,000 miles before needing rebuilt. The Mitsu in the 451 should have much longer of a lifespan assuming it follows suit of their other 3 and small 4 cylinders.
I'd still like to have a 450 though as well as my 451... I have a friend with a Canadian 2006 Pulse Coupe cdi - the driving experience is quite different than the 451, but is just as fun (if not more).
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I have seen some European cars with the Mercedes emblem n the front?
A few people here have rebadged theirs with 3 pointed stars... it's something that has been hotly debated on forums since the cars started getting here. No production smart has ever been badged from the factory with a Mercedes emblem... sounds like some collective rebadging has been in effect.
Last edited by mdfortwoguy; 09-05-2009 at 12:10 AM.
Actually, the Suprex engines were not that durable. They are typically good for 60,000-75,000 miles before needing rebuilt. The Mitsu in the 451 should have much longer of a lifespan assuming it follows suit of their other 3 and small 4 cylinders.
That is scary, who in the US can rebuild them and how much would it cost? I hope the Mitsubishi runs 100K plus. Mobil one and keeping it tuned and maintained out to help a a lot.
Progressive's prices have always been ridiculous and on motorcycles their pricing is practically a deterrent model (even though they claim to want to insure bikes). They pay claims quickly (had a car messed up bad from thieves) but State Farm does too (and they're much cheaper but maybe you've tried them already).
I'd keep shopping around...maybe find a kit-car insurer...and try State Farm too. I went with E-surance on my smart but I swear by State Farm for my motorcycles (and may go with them for my smart next round).
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, who in the US can rebuild them and how much would it cost? I hope the Mitsubishi runs 100K plus. Mobil one and keeping it tuned and maintained out to help a a lot.
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