Ok, so some of us are getting our smart cars and others of us continue to wait. What have those of us who have our cars learned?
Well, it's a primarily plastic bodied car with a bit of a weird transmission and a little engine. Damn thing takes premium gas, only gets 35 to 40 MPG, does not have DRLs or cruise control and it has no rear speakers for the radio/cd player.
The dealers are adding exhorbitant fees, the warreny is too short, the extended warrenty is too expensive and has a deductable and the horn isn't very loud.
The wheels could be fancier, the key is too big, and the seat back is more difficult to change than in many other cars. And oh yea, the steering wheel is not adjustable.
It's hard to find insurance, the wait is too long, the tires should be a different size and it handles poorly in the wind.
But you know what????????????? I absolutely love the damn thing and couldn't be happier with it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No one should buy one of these cars without researching this site and making sure the car fits their needs. Having said that, the car was not meant to be all things to all people. It is an urban commuter! It is cute as hell! It attracts a lot of attention and IMO is an absolute ball to drive.
I was very vocal about my frustrations with smart USA communication prior to January. I felt strongly about the Orlando dealer fees and took reasonable actions with the dealer and with smart USA that resulted in improvemnets in dealer operations in Orlando so I haven't been without some complaining of my own.
But my simple message today is that I bought the car believing it fit my needs, it does fit them, it's built extreamly well, it is "as advertised" and I am thrilled with it.
If you are in need of a commuter car that is inexpensive, gets good gas mileage, is uniuqe and a blast to drive you will love this car. If you are looking for a high performance sport car with room for the family, comfort on 1000 mile trips and run of the mill economy this isn't the car for you and you should move your search for transportation somewhere else.
While everyone should be able to express their joys and their frustrations on the site, the negatives are wearing on me. Not because there are a variety of valid opinions but simply because some seem to be ignoring what the car was designed for. Take it or leave it, it's your choice but I suspect that in the long term those who take them will be having some fun that those that pass will never have.
Good luck to all and happy motoring!!!!
Big Red
R2-D2 42
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