Power steering Yes/No?

[Big Panda]

if i had had my 'druthers', i would have elected NOT to have the Electric Power Steering.

BUT i DID want the leather interior and since the only way to get that is in the Comfort Package which includes the EPS, then looks like i'm getting it.

i've drived both and i agree with you "smartNup" that a car that only weighs in at 1800+lbs and has the front to rear balance the smart has, really doesn't need any kind of power assist for the steering.

[bikerboy]

Anybody knows how much a shop would charge to replace the cloth with leather? If it costs anywhere near $500 or less then I'll just skip the comfort package. I want leather but I really don't care for the power steering. From what I understand it decreases the power of the engine and thats why race cars don't have it. Apparently it adds weight as well.

[Kermit]

I've got 2 Smarts, one was an orphan that didn't come with it and on my ordered car I opted not to have it. 20k miles under my belt with no power steering, my parents have a Smart that does have power steering, I've driven it about 300 miles and I'm on the fence. For being included in the comfort package I wouldn't mind having it, paying for it outright I just can't justify that amount. This is coming from someone who has justified $450+ for cruise control for my Smart and seriously thinking about it for my other Smart too.

Personally, I don't find power steering that much of a needed luxury for that amount.

[Kermit]

Originally Posted by bikerboy

Anybody knows how much a shop would charge to replace the cloth with leather? If it costs anywhere near $500 or less then I'll just skip the comfort package. I want leather but I really don't care for the power steering. From what I understand it decreases the power of the engine and thats why race cars don't have it. Apparently it adds weight as well.

Even electric power steering? Why do the hybrids have EPS versus regular?

[imcquade]

Originally Posted by smartNup

Our smart does not have power steering and both my husband and I agree that it really does not need it. We've driven smarts with power steering as well.

We were just wondering how many out there opted to not get power steering. If you don’t have it are you happy that you don’t have it? If you had to do it over again would you get power steering? And if you have power steering are you happy with it?

I don't have it in this smart and wouldn't put it in my next one either....

Cheers

[jetfuel]

got it...like it...

jetfuel

[windscythe]

I have it and feel that it was well worth the cost.

[smarties]

Originally Posted by bikerboy

Anybody knows how much a shop would charge to replace the cloth with leather? If it costs anywhere near $500 or less then I'll just skip the comfort package. I want leather but I really don't care for the power steering. From what I understand it decreases the power of the engine and thats why race cars don't have it. Apparently it adds weight as well.

EPS will not decrease the power of the engine, it is electric opposed to being belt driven by the engine.

[Smart Enuf]

I have it and like it; no squirrely steering here.

[smartHHO]

I test drove one with and without, and I configured without. I don't see paying the extra $ when it does not make much difference. I was told by someone that has both, that you might notice a slight change at very High Speed. This being 80mph. Well I don't drive faster then 65 now in my Kia. That is because I found that if I drive 60 on the Freeway and about 55/60 on the side roads. I get optimal MPH.