Purpose designed- A bit of a rant

[Suze]

Originally Posted by forestacademy

Here is how our 4 person Family breaks down auto needs

Smart = meets 60% of miles
Versa = meets 30% of miles
Pick up = meets 9% of miles
Garden Tractor = 1% of miles

Wow - seems like a lot of miles on the garden tractor!

For me, the fewer internal combustion engines to maintain the better. The smart is perfect, the 19 year old pickup is another matter.

[jsenka]

I don't advocate squelching the reporting of problems with the cars. Yes, there have been a number documented and getting a heads-up from these forums are very beneficial.
I think the point is this; don't knock us or our cars because you don't like them or you simply don't understand why other people do. So what if it doesn't handle like a high end (or low end) sports car, or it won't haul a family of four or a pool table? That does not justify negative reflection on the vehicles or their owners.
It all boils down to personal preference and/or opinion as to whether the car suits the individual's needs. If I choose to use this car for hauling gold bars up and down logging roads in the rockies, or making frequent long distance trips, and it works out for me, then so be it. If I try to use the car for those purposes and it doesn't work out so well, I should not have the audacity to complain about the vehicle being "deficient".

[dichrodave]

That's why I will still keep my 2000 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab, 2001 Grand Caravan, John Deere Lawn Tractor. To fill those other niches I need when called upon!

[Dunerunner]

Ken, Great Job!! That post speaks volumes about what we as smart owners have thought in preparation for purchase of our vehicles!! Thanks for your insight!!

[sk8ndad]

It's probably not worth mentioning it, but what the heck...it's just a few bits I plan on using my smart mainly for urban commuting, but here, cruise control helps a great deal for keeping us out of trouble, so I think that at least that is a valid area of concern

[forestacademy]

Originally Posted by Suze

Wow - seems like a lot of miles on the garden tractor!

It would be more but the truck gets getter MPG for hauling things around the yard than the lawn tractor. If I could get a deck for this Im sure my milage would be better.

Speaking of Purpose built, I dont get this JD Smart?

[SubSlr88]

Originally Posted by forestacademy

Speaking of Purpose built, I dont get this JD Smart?

Two mower blades underneath, and a hayrake in the rear! Perfect for that back forty mowing job. . .
My neighbor said my red smart looked like my Sears mower since they were nearly the same size. I agreed, but told him the mower did a better job on the lawn. . .

[KarenS]

kwagar what you said!Exactly on target!

[BigWarpGuy]

I bought my little car because I like little cars, travel alone when I go to and from work, do not need much cargo space since a murse and a couple of bags do not take up much space, do not travel far from home when going to and from work and it is rare that I carry more than one other person. When there is a need, my Dad has his Ford Focus that we use. It fits my need quite well. As they say 'the right tool for the right job'. Not every needs or wants such a small car. This is why there are so many types and models of cars out there.

[jetfuel]

Originally Posted by kwagar

racing on the tail of the dragon,

...can't freaking wait 'til spring ...we'll show them what it can do....

jetfuel