Gas Milage
Well, I’ve been putting off writing anything about the Smart(just reading the forms) until I had mine for awhile. I picked mine up in Aug of 08.The first time in my life I have ever bought anything as expensive without being able to see, touch and handle it before hand. As you might expect I have been on pins and needles waiting for something bad to happen…It hasn’t!
At this time I have 7300 miles recorded. I have filled up 22 times and kept specific records. I have averaged about 40 mpg. The least I have gotten is 32 mpg and I have gotten as much as 42.8.The low end was in the summer and I used the air conditioning. I have no explanation for this as I drive in a normal way, not aggressive, very conservative but not overly cautious. Needless to say I am very happy. I have a 2005 Ford Sport Track truck that at the height of the gas price spike I was spending between 70 and 80 dollars a week to do nothing but go back and forth to work (about a 40 mile round trip).Mechanically the car has only had three problems that were corrected by the Smart dealership in Birmingham Alabama with nothing short of amazing service! The roof shade was defective from the factory, the rear window latch didn’t catch when moist and twice the gear shift wouldn’t come out of park. I was made aware of the shade before I even picked up the car. The window was an adjustment fix and the gearshift problem was related to a break light switch that was replaced. The Smart was picked up at my home and the dealer spit the cost of a rental for me to drive from Pensacola to Birmingham at day rate of $40.00(my share, 20 bucks plus gas)to pick her up. When I started my driving life all I could afford to drive was Volkswagens. I owned them for years and I can tell you the Smart is not a much different driving experience except much more comfortable and a lot more fun. I suppose it’s not for everyone but all things considered, this car is paying for it’s self and I’m having a ball!
I'm just shy of 2000 Miles on mine, pick it up January 8, 09. I have been getting low 30's for MPG and that is my fault because I am a little agressive on the gas. Other than that, I have loved the car, and it has only gone to smart for 1 thing, a wiper blade, end cap came off and they were splittling apart, they exchanged it for a new one since they had never seen it happen before.
The car IS a blast to drive! Its my 1st new car and so far, very happy for it to be.
Dec 28, 08 1700 miles.. yeah not alot to judge a car on, but it's still been great. I really like the feel of a small car than a bigger one. That's why my other car is neglected now. I went to drive it last week and nearly wrecked it in less than 3 minutes. I was so use to the small car feel, that I had nearly forgotten how to drive a big car! eep... That, and the steering wheel seemed so huge.. it was funny and akward.
Sounds like the Birmingham folks are a good dealership. I know that's a pretty good drive so it's good to hear they're taking care of you.
I just got back from having my sunscreen replaced - it works so much better now! I kept putting off driving down to get it done, but glad that I did. . .
I've just turned 2500+ miles, my smart seems to have broken in and my mileage is up from new. Absolutely no problems, no service calls, the oil is still clean and at the top of the stick. Its a great daily short trip runner, is fun to drive, and I don't mind answering questions nearly every place I park...
We're getting together the weekend after this one in Navarre if you didn't already know. Might be a good chance to interact with other Smarties if you haven't done so already.
I really need to update my gas logs. FINALLY I have a Scangauge for my other Smart - having the Scangauge has helped get about 2mpg better, mainly by making me conscious of the results from nailing the gas pedal.
My wife was about in the same boat as the you with her H3, but now that gas is lower, its making it difficult for the little bumbleflea to pay for itself. At $4 a gallon it was no problem, gas dollars saved per month made the payment, at $1.75 not so much.
We adore the car though and drive the crap out of it 13k since May? Crazy
My wife was about in the same boat as the you with her H3, but now that gas is lower, its making it difficult for the little bumbleflea to pay for itself. At $4 a gallon it was no problem, gas dollars saved per month made the payment, at $1.75 not so much.
We adore the car though and drive the crap out of it 13k since May? Crazy
Put the milage on the H3 while gas is cheep, Your Smart will last longer
As you might expect I have been on pins and needles waiting for something bad to happen…It hasn’t!
Agreed! I live about 3 hours from a dealer and have been a little anxious about something breaking, but no real problems. I've been driving for mileage and 'babying' it, but recently I've had some higher speed freeway runs (75-80 instead of the usual 60-65) and have been a little more aggressive on the throttle holding higher revs, and quicker gear changes around town (I love double downshifts in a corner!). The wider, matching tires/wheels all the way around also inspire more confidence when tossing it about. I'm paying a little more penalty in MPG, dropped to 39 on the last tank, but I'm having more fun with it!
I got to perform a 'smart only' maneuver the other day which left everyone else stuck in traffic green with envy. I was running a little early for work and decided to circle the state capitol before parking. I forgot that the legislature is now in session and traffic becomes a mess as they block lanes, etc. So, I'm sitting at a light trying to turn right onto a one way street, but traffic is just sitting there. There are two vehicles in front of me and one behind me, all trying to turn right. When the light turns green, we can't go anywhere and I'm thinking, "great, I'll be late for work now". I looked at the on-coming traffic lane and started to wonder if I could do a one lane U-turn since there is no on-coming traffic (blocked by the sitting cars). I decide, yeah, I could probably do that, so I crank the wheel all the way around before moving as I don't have much space in front or behind me and do a complete 180 with no issues. Ah, it feels great to be able to do that - smart saves the day!
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That's why my other car is neglected now. I went to drive it last week and nearly wrecked it in less than 3 minutes. I was so use to the small car feel, that I had nearly forgotten how to drive a big car! eep... That, and the steering wheel seemed so huge.. it was funny and akward. 
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