Smart or Yaris

[deltadart]

Right now the lack of Smart dealerships would be the reason I would not buy a Smart. I'm also at the point I would not buy any new car. Too much depreciation. If you plan on keeping your car for the long haul,that's a different story. I just don't like the fact the dealer is 300+ miles away and the Smart's(2yr-24K) warranty is the worst i've ever seen. Really,what's up with that? Neighbor bought a Hyundai Accent(10yr-100,000 mile warranty)and really likes it. I know it's a boring car.

[flywithsean]

I went through this same dilemma and I got a smart from the first shipment into the US. All I can say is that my other car is a Toyota that I love and I am very happy I got my smart and didn't get the Yaris.

[Smartfor2guy]

Also consider scion XD..........

[deltadart]

I think Ford is bringing the Fiesta to the states. I think that's the model. It looks pretty sharp.

[tishpit]

Some of you really hit on exactly what I've been batting around in my head. My Smart dealership is quite a drive... not 300 miles... but kinda long to be practical unless the car proves to be very reliable (that is still unknown). With a short warranty (unless you pay extra for the extended), I wonder about cost of repairs and parts and again, packing lunch and overnight bag to travel to dealership as most other repair shops don't even want to look at a Smart. Since I work full-time and use the car a lot for work, I need reliability and ease of service.

On the other hand... I am smitten by the convertible bug and most others are either out of my price range or sit too low for my mother to get in and out without reverting to advanced yoga maneuvers. I liked the PT Cruiser convt. but the mileage was not much better than my Jeep. As for appearance, I like both, though to be honest, I think personally I give the nod to the Yaris though I like the plastic body panels of the Smart better. Practicality vs. emotion... that's a tough battle!!!

[trauterNJ]

I test drove a Yaris as my wife and I were going to get one for her. Nice little car, does not feel as solid as the Smart, but for most people, it is more practical. It has a back seat, a trunk and a transmission, (either auto or manual) that people are used to.

For me, like most Smart owners, this all the car I need or want and I love it. If I had a second choice, it would be a Yaris liftback with a 5 speed.

[jimrb66]

Hi, before you buy a yaris do yourself a favor and test drive a honda Fit,rated the most reliable small car out there and has the highest 3 yr resale value of any car out there + they are really fun to drive also have paddle shifters !!!
Jimrb66

[vwW12]

Originally Posted by tishpit

Some of you really hit on exactly what I've been batting around in my head. My Smart dealership is quite a drive...

Even though our car has been mechanically flawless, I've gone back to the dealership eight times:


1. The day after we bought it, because a "chrome" ring around the foglight fell off and I wanted them to see it.

2. The next Tuesday, to have a new "chrome" ring put it back on.

3. A week later, to have them install the full-height safety net cargo divider accessory that arrived only then.

4. A few days later, to buy a smart (actually, Mitsubishi) oil filter, because I changed the oil at 1,500 miles even though it is not requested in the manual.

5. A few days later, on a Saturday, as a "chrome" mirror cap fell off while drying the car, and I wanted them to see it.

6. A few days later, on a weekday, to get the mirror cap re-glued

7. A couple of weeks later, on a Saturday, as I found one of the "chrome" foglight rings laying on the floor as it popped out during the night (how weird is that?) and I wanted them to see it.

8. A few days later, on a weekday, to get all the "chrome" bits of plastic removed and re-glued.


Strictly speaking, none of the visits was necessary, as all could have been handled via telephone, mail, and self-installation. Depending on the "generosity" of the dealer, perhaps visit #1 would have been required, to demonstrate that the part actually fell off on the road and was lost forever.

Then again, my dealer is 200 feet away from my office.

But if your home is 200 miles away, it might be worth considering.

[Smart Enuf]

Originally Posted by SunDiego

Mercedes engineered the Tridion Safety Cell - that little part the Yaris doesn't have.

That's the little part you'll wish you had as your spirit leaves your Yaris accident scene...

[mmmeat]

Originally Posted by tishpit

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.

If you have to ask, then you should buy the Yaris.

Originally Posted by tishpit

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?

There is a search function up there on top right of the screen. It's your friend.

Out of curiousity, did you pose this same question on a Yaris site?

Your pal,
Meat.