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I was planning on getting the radio factory installed along with A/C, secuirty, and power stearing. I've seen the Pure months ago in my Cary, NC dealership and didn't think it looked bad. I'm just not a person who is into a bunch of extras.
From what you've said, it seems your mind is nearly made up. Sounds like a Pure with the extras you mentioned will serve your desires just fine. But, if you really want just the basics, PS probably could be skipped too. Others who don't have it say they have no problem ... although some say the car is less skittish at highway speeds with power steering.
For me, this was the first car I'd purchased new since 1994 and as such an uncommon event in my life I got it loaded. I like the toys.
From what you've said, it seems your mind is nearly made up. Sounds like a Pure with the extras you mentioned will serve your desires just fine. But, if you really want just the basics, PS probably could be skipped too. Others who don't have it say they have no problem ... although some say the car is less skittish at highway speeds with power steering.
For me, this was the first car I'd purchased new since 1994 and as such an uncommon event in my life I got it loaded. I like the toys.
I still have a bit of time decide. I just don't want to regret not ordering it packed later but still at same time I like things simple.
im waiting on my passion. for the little extra money i think its worth it, not to mention resell value would be more and probably easier to sell the passion if needed.
The Pure is fetching a higher profit on EBAY than a Passion. I have been watching this for awhile and since the BAD reports came out on our car from Consumer Reports and Edmunds to name a few - the general public has lost the BUZZ it had in June when gas was over $4.35/gal.
When i was going to do the configuration, i really wanted the pure for the lower cost of the car, i did not want a ton of options like a theft system which was a nightmare on my old Chevy 01 Malibu which i reffered to as a "beast of burden".
However, there was one option which is a must have in my area. Namley the Air condtioning. I also over time decided i wanted to opt for the radio, and then perhaps spring for at least one more option, recalling that my inital order was Metallic Blue, then i really liked the Yellow color, but the knuckleheads at Smart dropped that color as i thought i was going to get opted for a 2009 car. I also got on the orphan list at The Tysons Smart center, and finding myself at the top of the list to get an offer, one of the guys had sugessted i go for a passion as pures are really a pin to get on adoption. The folks at the dealership knew that i really wanted a pure, but really were out to grant me some options along the way.
Then on July 24,2008 i was sent an email alerting me of a Pure with AC and a radio in blue, which was exaclty what i wanted to get in the first place. The only other option i ended up getting was the sliver tridion shell. Ok i was not too sure if i wanted that one, but this was an issue for about five minutes max, if not even that long. All i recall was that it was like it was really meant for me to get as the orginal reservationst backed out on the deal.
Now to adress whether or not i lke the car i got. NO i don't really like the car, I LOVE IT!!!! BTW, the crank windows are no problem at all, and even though power steering is not in the car, i can live without it, as the car is small enough that it is not needed.
When i was going to do the configuration, i really wanted the pure for the lower cost of the car, i did not want a ton of options like a theft system which was a nightmare on my old Chevy 01 Malibu which i reffered to as a "beast of burden".
However, there was one option which is a must have in my area. Namley the Air condtioning. I also over time decided i wanted to opt for the radio, and then perhaps spring for at least one more option, recalling that my inital order was Metallic Blue, then i really liked the Yellow color, but the knuckleheads at Smart dropped that color as i thought i was going to get opted for a 2009 car. I also got on the orphan list at The Tysons Smart center, and finding myself at the top of the list to get an offer, one of the guys had sugessted i go for a passion as pures are really a pin to get on adoption. The folks at the dealership knew that i really wanted a pure, but really were out to grant me some options along the way.
Then on July 24,2008 i was sent an email alerting me of a Pure with AC and a radio in blue, which was exaclty what i wanted to get in the first place. The only other option i ended up getting was the sliver tridion shell. Ok i was not too sure if i wanted that one, but this was an issue for about five minutes max, if not even that long. All i recall was that it was like it was really meant for me to get as the orginal reservationst backed out on the deal.
Now to adress whether or not i lke the car i got. NO i don't really like the car, I LOVE IT!!!! BTW, the crank windows are no problem at all, and even though power steering is not in the car, i can live without it, as the car is small enough that it is not needed.
LOL! I saw your car when I was looking through gallery for pictures of Pure's ...... I want to wait so whatever I configure is what I'm going to take delivery of (still got to pay down the old car) :P
My pure steers nicely and easily, too. Also, I don't go for much in accessory; a radio and ac are all I needed in a smart, really. I did add a scangauge, a middle armrest/storage, a bootcover, two stick-um lights in the cargo area and a Daimler signature sticker (less than $2.00) in the lower right corner of the front windshield. These add-ons don't come standard with any any smart config -- you have to pay extra for them.
Last edited by wahi; 10-11-2008 at 06:04 AM..
Reason: gram
At a complete stop you can easily turn the front wheels lock to lock with such little effort that it can be done with 2 fingers. Test drive one and you will not even know it doesn't have power steering. I've owned lots of cars when you get below 2,000 lbs it's not an issue.
We've ordered a Passion with only the alarm and fog lights. I wanted the clear roof, and the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, as well as A/C. The power locks/windows is a bonus.
Everything I've read here seems to say that the upgraded, more expensive radios aren't worth it. I can deal with the two-speaker factory radio.
Power steering seems like just more stuff to take care of and fix. With a car that small, I don't see that it's necessary. I cut my teeth on small cars (1978 Datsun 510, some Ford Escorts, a 1991 Hyundai Excel) so I don't mind a little elbow grease to get out of a parking spot. As far as the car seeming more skittish on the highway, that's actually one thing I hate MOST about power steering: it makes the ride so effortless and straight that I don't actually feel like I'm in control of the car, if that makes sense. I'd rather have a car I have to "drive". (My current car, a 1999 Saturn SL2, has the best of both worlds: "power-assist" steering that does most of its work at low speeds or when stopped.)
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