Aside answering recurring, bland or boring - not to say stupid - questions (or handing out a flyer when in a hurry), my encounters with curious onlookers have been mostly pleasant. If I feel like talking, it's my choice.
Otherwise, when driving around, I've noticed that people look at the car, not me.
Question: what gender was the driver of the wiener mobile you last saw? (if you saw one)
since there are now more smarts on the road the novelty has worn off and nobody bothers me now.
I still haven't seen another one in Panama City (though I have heard there is a red one). But, I've been driving mine so much everybody in town has probably seen IT, and half of them have questioned me about it, LOL.
David, I'm not really much of an extrovert. And, on some days the curious masses do overwhelm me. I've gotten to the point that I barely notice people staring and pointing though.
Some folks here have suggested getting brochures from smart to hand out. Sounds like a winner! I haven't gotten any yet. Just think of yourself as an introverted Rock STAR, LOL
wow, a shy, nervous pilot! (I assuming from your user id) .....who knew!
That's one of the positive things that can be said about your long wait - maybe in a year from now all of the questions and stares will subside, and the smart will just be "another car"!
I was also a very shy person before I got the smart, but I was determined to "come out of my shell" for my own good. So, I got the smart knowing that it'll generate attention. Boy did it ever... my first month everytime I drove to work I would nearly have a panic attack from realizing everyone was staring at me. But gradually I actually became more used to it, and now most of the time I welcome the attention as practice talking to people. Most people don't have the same problems talking to people as I had... growing up I was extremely shy, suspicious and didn't know how to have fun (look up Asperger Syndrome sometime - it's pretty close). Now I'm not so shy, but still suspicious and the only fun I have revolves around the car. Hey, it's a start.
I still haven't seen another one in Panama City (though I have heard there is a red one). But, I've been driving mine so much everybody in town has probably seen IT, and half of them have questioned me about it, LOL.
Funny thing is, I don't see any on the road and I cover 50-100 miles a day countywide when I drive. The local dealer said they sell one per day, but where are these cars?? In total I have seen 3 for all of Miami Dade County (population 2+ million) and it is usually the same 3 cars on a Saturday night in the entertainment district.
I guess people are scared to drive them and like the motorcycle I sold when I got this car, I was usually the only one on the road during the work week.
Some people have said they see it more as a toy and don't feel safe. Well that's is not gonna fix dependence on oil now is it!!
I see one almost every day here in Tucson....saw two different ones today. There must be plenty more up where you are....don't think you have too much to worry about.
Should be able to blend in pretty well I would think.
Last edited by 2smartArizona; 09-02-2008 at 09:58 PM.
Just get a Bluetooth headset and wear it when you're in or around your car! When someone starts talking to you, just POINT to the headset and walk away like you're on the phone with someone!! I was actually ON the phone with my wife once when some guy starting asking about the size of my tires. That's how I handled the questions! I heard him say, "Oh, sorry!", and I continued with my conversation. NORMALLY, I really enjoy talking to people in general, and talking about smartie specifically!! However, there are times when you're in a hurry.........or not in the mood......or simply don't want to take the time! Keep the flyers handy, though. They really make some people's day!!
I see one almost every day here in Tucson....saw two different ones today. There must be plenty more up where you are....don't think you have too much to worry about.
I am not worried about not seeing one, since I like the attention of being unique. I just wish everyone would drive theirs 2x a week to make a statement. the more people that drive, the more that will buy.
Now getting back to the fellow that is afraid of being asked about the car - JUST GET TINTED WINDOWS AND NOBODY WILL BOTHER YOU
I see one almost every day here in Tucson....saw two different ones today. There must be plenty more up where you are....don't think you have too much to worry about.
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"the car", "la voiture"
smart - aka Smurf
)
and like the motorcycle I sold when I got this car, I was usually the only one on the road during the work week. 
2009 Smart Passion Cabrio
I was actually ON the phone with my wife once when some guy starting asking about the size of my tires. That's how I handled the questions! I heard him say, "Oh, sorry!", and I continued with my conversation. NORMALLY, I really enjoy talking to people in general, and talking about smartie specifically!!
Today
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