Smart ForTwo on the highway

[HotCookCpl]

I am considering buying a Smart ForTwo this year, but I spend about half hour on the highway in New England weather (including our winters). Is this car just for city driving or is a highway vehicle as well?

I'm not really a car person but this is the first car I've ever consider "cool". If it's not really a highway vehicle I will have to look for something else.

Any comments would be most welcome. Thanks.

[smartie yank]

Hi Hot, About two and a half weeks ago I started out in Washington state and went to Tucson, Arizona passing through Los Angeles for some business, and I am now in Berkeley, Calif. visiting my brother for a few days. By the time I get home I will have put over 4,000 miles on my smart. So yes you can take your smart on the highway.

By the way I had fun this morning as I followed my brother as he took his Porsche to his special "Porsche mechanic" to repair an oil leak. I laughed as everyone in the shop, customers and mechanics gathered around my little smart for a thorough inspection.

[rrrucke]

Hi & Welcome! I strongly suggest that you reserve a car RIGHT NOW on smartUSA.com so you can get it by the end of the year or early 2009. It will take $99 but it's refundable. While you wait, read up on the forums, engage in chats and research the car. If you decide you don't want this awesome car, just cancel your reservation. And it's great in the winter too! Just my two cents, Regina

[hollywood]

a fortwo is a well commuter and a great traveller. It's a good car

[kenzukley]

About one year ago, I rented a SMART Diesel at the Montreal, Canada Airport Avis. I drove from Montreal to Trois-Rivieres, then back (about 175 km, 2 hours, each way) and filled the tank with $12.00 (US) of diesel fuel. OK, not fast on the math, but 350 km on 9 liters of fuel was truly impressive. Also, this was during a snow storm on major highways with monster passing 18 wheelers, even though I was at 100km/hr... I was impressed with the stability, feeling of security and legroom in my vehicle. I was hooked, and still am..... I still Want One.......

[hollywood]

try one and you will want one

this is the better add for the smart cars

[kev]

I had one while living in portugal and the motorway driving is fun... the only issue... you can certainly feel strong winds.

kev

[JRyan]

If your question is whether the smart is capable of being driven on the highway speed, the answer is an absolute yes (as long as lack of acceleration is not an issue). How much acceleration do you need? No one can answer it for you, you will need a test drive yourself and make your own judgement.

However, when it comes to winter driving in the New England, it will depends on how well your local DOT clears the Interstate/local highway. If you often see cars in ditches, then the smart would not be my first choice for safety reasons. It is not necessarily anything against the smart, but speeding SUVs are my real concern.

If you get into accident, crumple zone is a good thing, which the smart has little of despite its rigid tridium safety cage.

[Gortok]

Originally Posted by JRyan

If you get into accident, crumple zone is a good thing, which the smart has little of despite its rigid tridium safety cage.

I have to take exception here.
On an icy wintry road an SUV looses grip and begins sliding toward you. Since it happens pretty quickly, you can't avoid getting hit.
I'd much rather have my stiff light little car bounce off his mass and slide away than get crumpled and mangled and require lots of body shop time....

Highway, oh yeah...Can't wait...

[hollywood]

to me the best way to appreciate a smart is a sunny day, a beautifull small road accross the country, my sunglasses and strip down the roof.
at 50 MpH it is marvellous ( faster the wind is too loud)
Ho i was missing two things. first a nice girl in the passenger seat and two a reservation for a good restaurant tonight