O.k., I've narrowed it down to two. It's between the Smart and the Toyota Yaris. The Smart has the wonderful cabrio (I LOVE convertibles) and the Yaris, at best, can be fitted with a sunroof. The Smart has more safety features though the 2009 Yaris will get std. ABS, side and curtain airbags. Mileage appears similar with Smart slightly better, though Yaris uses regular unleaded. I keep flip-flopping (gee, maybe I should run for President?!). Any productive opinions would be appreciated regarding the comparison of these two cars. Yeah, I know this is a Smart forum and most of you love your Smart... but I figure some must have done this same comparison and would like your thoughts as to what swayed you eventually to go for the Smart over the Yaris?
My friend has a Yaris and he hates it now. Not the mpg he thought and not as comfortable as the thought. Not really a comparison but just one man's story.
Safety. Mercedes (Daimler) engineering = above average features, safety and comfort for a low price. Low price, high mileage = low cost of long term ownership. Rarity - If the Smart brand succeeds in the USA, I can resell this for more pennies on the dollar than I could a Toyota, because it's unique. If it doesn't succeed, I've still got a fun ride. As for fun: two words... paddle shifters.
The appearance of the Smart is far more entertaining than the Yaris. Nobody stops a Yaris on the street to ask about it. Mine gets stared at by 75% of the other drivers. It makes them think twice about their current gas hog, and I, probably with too much optimism, believe that helps save the world just one click more.
Two seats - the back seat of my Grand Am has been used all of 5 times in its 11 year history. The Smart gives awesome leg room to all (both) passengers. Try fitting a 6"9' cameraman in the back seat of any other small car. For that matter, try getting the local news stations to even care about any other car.
I see quite a few Yaris on the road. I even know some people that have them. I have ridden in one, must say that the seats are uncomfortable and the interior is cheap. The exterior plain,either in the hatchback or sedan.
But if you need a car now and can't wait there are a few other small cars to look at : Chevy Avio, Honda Fit , Nissan Versa and i guess a few others.
All I know is that i want my smart so i don't have to clean out the back seat with all my coffee cups and stuff i throw back there...
Do you need a car NOW? If so you may want/need the Yaris.
If you can get a Smart now - listen to what everyone here says and then go get it. It's a fun, reliable, comfortable, safe car with character out the wazoo! What more could you ask for? (Pun intended for anyone who remembers the late 70's/early 80's - Who could ask for anything more!?)
Safety. Mercedes (Daimler) engineering = above average features, safety and comfort for a low price. Low price, high mileage = low cost of long term ownership. Rarity - If the Smart brand succeeds in the USA, I can resell this for more pennies on the dollar than I could a Toyota, because it's unique. If it doesn't succeed, I've still got a fun ride. As for fun: two words... paddle shifters.
The appearance of the Smart is far more entertaining than the Yaris. Nobody stops a Yaris on the street to ask about it. Mine gets stared at by 75% of the other drivers. It makes them think twice about their current gas hog, and I, probably with too much optimism, believe that helps save the world just one click more.
Two seats - the back seat of my Grand Am has been used all of 5 times in its 11 year history. The Smart gives awesome leg room to all (both) passengers. Try fitting a 6"9' cameraman in the back seat of any other small car. For that matter, try getting the local news stations to even care about any other car.
I like the Smart better, and that is the car _I_ would pick, however the Yaris is the better car.
1. Yaris is likely to be more reliable
2. Yaris gets similar gas mileage with 87 octane
3. Yaris has Toyota engineering, which is probably superior to whoever engineered the Smart, I doubt anyone on this forum can show me what exactly what Mercedes engineered in this car. Not the engine or transmission...
4. The Yaris is available with a 5-speed, or an automatic that is vastly superior to the Smart's ridiculous transmission (which was clearly 'engineered' by a mental defective, thank you Mercedes?)
5. The Yaris is MUCH more practical.
Again - I would buy the Smart, but it's an emotional decision NOT a logical one.
I like the Smart better, and that is the car _I_ would pick, however the Yaris is the better car.
1. Yaris is likely to be more reliable
2. Yaris gets similar gas mileage with 87 octane
3. Yaris has Toyota engineering, which is probably superior to whoever engineered the Smart, I doubt anyone on this forum can show me what exactly what Mercedes engineered in this car. Not the engine or transmission...
4. The Yaris is available with a 5-speed, or an automatic that is vastly superior to the Smart's ridiculous transmission (which was clearly 'engineered' by a mental defective, thank you Mercedes?)
5. The Yaris is MUCH more practical.
Again - I would buy the Smart, but it's an emotional decision NOT a logical one.
i would have to agree, the yaris is the better car, but smart is rare and something different.
mercedes have been known with issues lately, pretty much ever since they stopped making them in germany (for the US market). Im not sure if its the same case for smarts. I have had friends and family which had MB tell me stories that they will never get a MB again.
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