A Question

[Walrus]

Sadly I missed the tour stop in Buffalo New York so I never got to test one or ask questions to someone who might be informative so I figured someone here could probably answer my question.

I am 22 and currently am stuck driving around my moms Toyota Echo which isn't a bad car but I need my own and am seriously considering a smart car. I pretty much need a car to get to work which is a 2 min trip and to school which is 30 min highway drive 3 days a week. My question is how well does the engine in a smart hold up. Is it a kind of car that could withstand being driven like a regular sedan such as the echo? Im not big into acceleration and top speed, but I want to make sure that the engine wont prematurely die and breakdown due to some highway driving. I dont go faster than 70 usually but would that much use not be good? I also go on the occasional road trip and was wondering if the smart can stand something like that also.

Thanks in advance.

[lhoboy]

Originally Posted by Walrus

Sadly I missed the tour stop in Buffalo New York so I never got to test one or ask questions to someone who might be informative so I figured someone here could probably answer my question.

I am 22 and currently am stuck driving around my moms Toyota Echo which isn't a bad car but I need my own and am seriously considering a smart car. I pretty much need a car to get to work which is a 2 min trip and to school which is 30 min highway drive 3 days a week. My question is how well does the engine in a smart hold up. Is it a kind of car that could withstand being driven like a regular sedan such as the echo? Im not big into acceleration and top speed, but I want to make sure that the engine wont prematurely die and breakdown due to some highway driving. I dont go faster than 70 usually but would that much use not be good? I also go on the occasional road trip and was wondering if the smart can stand something like that also.

Thanks in advance.

The car will have a 3 0r 4 year warranty, so don't worry about the engine longevity. The engine does not rev excessively at 70 mph, so it should last just as long as any other Mitsubishi.

[Walrus]

Well then I guess I will have to reserve a passion for myself. Should be fun getting it in January with the snowy weather in Buffalo lol

[Walrus]

Oh and if I did reserve one within this week what is the expected wait?

[mfoster]

If you reserve now, the January you are referring to will be 2009.

[24-42]

Originally Posted by Walrus

Well then I guess I will have to reserve a passion for myself. Should be fun getting it in January with the snowy weather in Buffalo lol

I don't want to rain on your parade but........... DON'T expect to get your car in Janruary (Not Janruary 2008 that is). We don't know what production numbers will be.

Try to be realistic and keep your hopes up.
Be flexable with your specifications (colors accessories, etc) , become your salesman's best friend, show your dealer that you are qualified with your finances (preferably cash) and you will buy immediately upon his phone call.

This will put you on a preferred list at the dealer far ahead of those who think they are ahead of you.

I know from whence I speak. (This is S.O.P. with dealers)

Good luck

Make a 'Smart' move
Donald LaFavor

[Walrus]

Suppose I should try and locate a dealer near me although from lists ive seen the closest is a good 3 hour drive Hopefully they will have high production numbers so the wait wont be a year.

[GliderDude]

Ok, just to clarify is the one coming here the MB or Mitsubishi engine????

[SmartShanna]

The Mitsu engine

[GliderDude]

Aweseome. Thats some good news. Japanese engines are pretty much indestructable so there shouldn't be much worry with it. My Subaru engine has 145000 on it with hardly a complaint. Had to replace life-limited components (timing belts, ignition coil, battery, etc.) but so far it's never quit on me or failed to start and still sounds lively. The Japs have a knack for mechanical quality. As for high revs, may or may not be a factor. My Subaru revs fairly high: 3250rpm @ 70mph in 5th gear.

The tranny shouldn't be too much of a problem either. It's still a regular manual transmission, which have relatively simple and rugged mechanics.