Smart fortwo, most affordable car in America to operate?

[killer2021]

Factoring in the overall cost of ownership (gas consumption, maintenance, MSRP etc.) Is the smart fortwo the most affordable car in America to operate?

According to yahoo auto

new smart is 11,590 (base) and gets 36 mpg. There are other vehicles out there that have a lower msrp but also lower gas mileage, in the 28-32 MPG range. The cheapest hybrid is the prius at 22k but even the high MPG doesn't compensate for the sticker price.

[Dave Van]

Add the $11,590 MSRP to my real world MPG of 45-49 and it gets even better. Then add the fun factor and its a no brainer!!!

[killer2021]

Originally Posted by Dave Van

Add the $11,590 MSRP to my real world MPG of 45-49 and it gets even better. Then add the fun factor and its a no brainer!!!

No kidding. The smart fortwo is an eye catcher and unique. Another reason I like it. When I buy my next car it is definitely going to be a smart!

Hopefully by then they'll have a hybrid or EV version out.

[forestacademy]

This most likely doesn't apply to most Orphan Buyers since cost of ownership includes purchase price.

[BigWarpGuy]

Originally Posted by killer2021

No kidding. The smart fortwo is an eye catcher and unique. Another reason I like it. When I buy my next car it is definitely going to be a smart!

Hopefully by then they'll have a hybrid or EV version out.

I read that they are not only working on an EV and hybrid version but also a fuel cell version. I think all the versions of the Fortwo are cool.

[a2jack]

Originally Posted by BigWarpGuy

I read that they are not only working on an EV and hybrid version but also a fuel cell version. I think all the versions of the Fortwo are cool.

Also a flying car...Soon! A2Jack

[Westfield 11]

Don't forget to include the cost of premium fuel when comparing to cars that use regular.

[Macaw]

Originally Posted by Westfield 11

Don't forget to include the cost of premium fuel when comparing to cars that use regular.

assuming $4/gal premium @ 40mpg = $.10/mi
$3.80/gal regular @ 36mpg = $.105/mi

[Westfield 11]

Originally Posted by Macaw

assuming $4/gal premium @ 40mpg = $.10/mi
$3.80/gal regular @ 36mpg = $.105/mi

How much is it if you get 29mpg like we do on both our smarts?

[Dave Van]

This most likely doesn't apply to most Orphan Buyers since cost of ownership includes purchase price.

Not sure what that means???? Both my Smarts...one orphan and one I ordered 6/15/07 were bought at MSRP sticker. In fact my dealer forgot to charge me the transportation fee for my orphan and then sent me a check for a refund on registration fees.... Lower cost even yet!