smart gearbox: light at the end of the tunnel?

[homeslice]

Originally Posted by Padawan

For me, the gearbox is actually one of the top 5 fun and unique things about this car, and if smart "smoothed it out" by making it feel more like a traditional automatic, I think the beloved Fortwo would lose quite a bit of its character.

As it stands now, I think the Version 2.0 (2009-spec) program is just about a perfect match for the 3-cylinder Mitsu.

I only like it because it's cheap to maintain compared to a regular automatic. I just want to know how I could buy a clutch in the future when it starts slipping.

[fortow]

Originally Posted by Padawan

For me, the gearbox is actually one of the top 5 fun and unique things about this car, and if smart "smoothed it out" by making it feel more like a traditional automatic, I think the beloved Fortwo would lose quite a bit of its character.

As it stands now, I think the Version 2.0 (2009-spec) program is just about a perfect match for the 3-cylinder Mitsu.

Yes the car is different. I wouldn't characterize it's differences through its flaws though, also, there are many other reasons for liking the car but the auto mode of the transmission certainly isn't one of them. The manual mode is great however.

It should have been a dual clutch transmission originally if they wanted to make it into an automatic. Maybe it will come to that since the current transmission is the single most negative factor that reviewers and many owners have complained about.

[sunnyokanagan]

Dual clutch - twice the weight and twice the cost. In a smart? Doubt it...

[Padawan]

Originally Posted by fortow

Yes the car is different. I wouldn't characterize it's differences through its flaws

That's just it though, I don't see it as a flaw at all, but actually a positive aspect of the vehicle that adds to my enjoyment of driving it. There is nothing defective or substandard about the unit, it's just "different". As with anything, some people like it and others don't. Most owners I run into, as well as anyone who has driven or ridden in my car, find that it's perfectly acceptable once they get used to it, and some think it's downright cool.

[Duckhunter]

Love it, just do not use the fake auto mode.

[chieftmc]

I too love the transmission and see it not as a flaw, but part of the character of the car! [It's NOT an automatic; get over it people ! ]

I KNEW exactly what I was buying when I bought it; if others did not, then that's on them NOT the car

[Godfather]

Just one silly question. A smart beats the new mileage standard right now. The transmission, while quirky, works fine. People are still buying them. Why would Daimler change it now, before a new redesign of the entire car? (Keeping in mind that the American market is but a wedge of total sales)

[Duckhunter]

Please do not change the car every year as replacement parts will get more expensive and lower stock levels for limited space for more parts. I am not saying to keep it forever but remember the old beerle or checker, they remained basically the same for years. Changing cars every year could have also hurt the auto industry as it cost a lot to change vehicle lines.

[homeslice]

Originally Posted by Duckhunter

Please do not change the car every year as replacement parts will get more expensive and lower stock levels for limited space for more parts. I am not saying to keep it forever but remember the old beerle or checker, they remained basically the same for years. Changing cars every year could have also hurt the auto industry as it cost a lot to change vehicle lines.

I could not agree more. By the time a car maker finally works out the bugs on a model, they go ahead and re-design it and create all new problems.

I just wish they would get window motors to last forever. For the life of me, I don't understand how car makers have been making cars for over 100 years and refuse to make a car that will just last without breaking down.

Where can I buy a new clutch for a Smart fortwo if I have to? The last time I bought a clutch and pressure plate for my old Corolla back in the 1980's, I paid only $29 bucks! It took me only 30 minutes to drop the transmission, change the clutch and put it back together.

I do major city driving in Miami. I would think the clutch would eventually start to slip with the high miles down the road. How much will it cost to replace the clutch? Is there a web site that sells them?

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by homeslice

...For the life of me, I don't understand how car makers have been making cars for over 100 years and refuse to make a car that will just last without breaking down....

TUCKER did it and look what happened to him