long test drive with the wife today

[JerryP]

Took a thirty mile test drive with the wife today, she thought it was OK, which is pretty good for her, SHe does not like micro cars
I enjoyed the ride, and found the power convertible to be an absolute delight, That push button top is a marvelous design.
I did not mind the shifting, as the more time I spent in the car, the more use to, and understanding of it I developed.
I used the shift paddle some, and the only issues I had with the shifting were caused by me.
Heater was quite adequate, and got turned down rather quickly, it was 32 degrees outside.

I did not mind the manual steering, power steering might make a difference in a parking lot, but I quickly got use to the manual, and did not notice it.
love that small turning radius, what a hoot.
The car rides just fine at 80 mph on the highway, people just need to get out of the way.
The smart is a car I can easily imagine as a daily driver, and a fun little weekend "get about". The wife even said it would be neat for weekend drive up, and down the local eclectic strip for people watching.

I think the cabrio is the way to go, because I might as well get what I really want the first time.

Something that sort of disoriented me, was backing up, and turning around to see behind me was freaky, because the rear window is right there. It is something I would get use to, but it is really weird having the rear end right there in your face, so to speak.
I took nto a few parking lots, to test the steering, and parking ability, and My wife , being a smart-alec said, "finally a car you can park"


The key fob roof opener is an excellent feature. I can imagine how convenient it would be to pop the roof on the way top the car on a hot summer day in order to let the heat out.

The dealer seems to have an over abundance of Brabus, and only had one base pure, with ac, in all black, and a standard cabrio in white with black tridion, and an odd sort of black, and tan interior.

The particular Cabrio does not appeal to me though, so I think I will pass on it, and hope the incentive continue, or come around again.
I have established communications with 2 other surrounding dealers about 120 miles away
And will contact two, or three others
The wife said go ahead and buy it. I think it appealed to her more than she let on.

I really did not like what I read on the other thread about the 13k engine, and the long wait for parts.
That seems extreme on both counts.

[tinysmart]

The engine by itself likely does not cost that much, but being a new car, and dealers being greedy, as well as shipping cost etc probably made it cost more.
Also, in the post in question, the engine was tampered with by a body shop, so as long as you just do routine maint and keep it at that, you'll be fine.
Long wait for parts depends on where you go.

hope this helps!

[rfernatt]

Glad you enjoyed the test drive! There will always be extreme or odd situations that pop-up and those are the ones that are likely to be repeated in a forum like this. You don't hear that 99% of the cars are doing well. My car has not been perfect (AC and fan problem early on), but mechanically, it's been a champ (knock on wood) and I'm at 30,000 miles.

I did hit a deer with mine the day after I got it and busted the driver's headlight in Sep 2008. Thank goodness for those plastic panels - no body damage! I got on the phone with a dealer and had a headlight shipped to me and I was back on the road after fixing it myself (I'm too far from a dealer to bother going there). I either do my own maintenance or coordinate a dealer visit when I'm traveling for work or pleasure. Speaking of traveling, consider a cruise control if you make any long trips. I enjoy the cruise on mine when traveling.

It sounds like you have the right expectations of the car and will enjoy it, so go for it! Here's a video of my first year of ownership if you haven't seen it already: YouTube - A smart story - celebrating one year of ownership

[Smart Enuf]

From the title, I thought you were test driving your wife, not a car...

By the way, the cabrio is the only way to go (in my view)!

[Kermit]

Sounds like you're going to be a new owner soon. Just curious as what does appeal to you? Color? Options? The heated seats are awesome and I really wish I had them in mine. I like the alarm system but I gave that up when I gave up my other car to my daughter. BTW - I own a smart, my dad has one and my daughter has one.

I wish I could of talked my wife into a convertible but she is thick headed at time and wouldn't go for one. What she says goes. Did you drive one with power steering yet? Test drive one and see if it is for you as it takes getting used to after driving a smart without one.

[Smart Enuf]

Originally Posted by Bum-bling-B

Did you drive one with power steering yet? Test drive one and see if it is for you as it takes getting used to after driving a smart without one.

One person's anecdote: Even if you don't think it might happen to you, a shoulder or arm injury or even the normal joint pain that comes with aging will make you glad you got power steering. I'm due for surgery in a bit, but I realized the other day how much I take the power steering for granted and how glad I am I ordered it from the factory. FWIW.

[Kermit]

Originally Posted by Smart Enuf

One person's anecdote: Even if you don't think it might happen to you, a shoulder or arm injury or even the normal joint pain that comes with aging will make you glad you got power steering. I'm due for surgery in a bit, but I realized the other day how much I take the power steering for granted and how glad I am I ordered it from the factory. FWIW.

I like the power steering (my car doesn't have it). However my 70+ something year old father doesn't care for it even though he has it on his car. Whenever we caravan together he prefers to drive my non-power steering car because he prefers the car without it. I rarely let him drive it since he doesn't have cruise, DVD, GPS, Sat. Radio etc - his car is pretty boring to drive, you have to focus on things like the road I'M KIDDING YOU NON-SENSE-O-HUMOR people!!!) What I'm getting at is a test drive should be done to see what is for you. IMO I think at speed the power steering seems to take more out of me, I like loose steering.