So what do you think so far? Is Smart still the car for you?

[dcrooks]

I just picked up my Passion last night in the rain and awoke this morning with it covered in ice (no garage at this time). I had no problem starting it this morning but the ice was sooo bad all day it just sat.

A couple notes that was new is that the gas tank is not 10 but 8.6 gallons and it uses synthetic Mobil 1 oil. The sales guy talked about using lower octane instead of the recommended 91 hi-octane.

I had some trouble with getting insurance but my wife finally got Geico to do it for a reasonable price.

[Karl Roth]

Originally Posted by prash

I was unsure of buying the car as it would be one of several I own. I did not really decide until I got to go on an extended test drive. The main reason I am happy is that I only paid $14.8K.....and yet the car does not make me feel like I "cheaped out" and bought some economy car. Fun to drive with touches that other sub-compact cars don't match. And it is different. My theory is that a car should be fun to own!!!!!

are you still happy
karl

[riversidesmart]

Definitely fun to own, car has loads of personality.

If you just want/expect a completely anonymous and conventional economy sedan, look for a used 2006 Jetta TDI (as new cars those were denied to Californians by our oppressive and probably corrupt bureaucracy). TDI trounced Prius and all other contenders in highway mileage in a 2006 Autoweek highway trip mileage test, burning biodiesel, no less. Actually, a decent used TDI will probably cost more than the new smart passion.

Assuming that you have actually driven and understand the smart, it is technically interesting and thoroughly entertaining to operate. Worth every dime. Yes, we have other cars (probably too many.) This one looks like a keeper.

[prash]

Karl...Yes, it is still fun...and I agree with riversidesmart!..and I am happy too.

[Karl Roth]

My wife and I are both very Happy with the car.
knock on wood, so far no problems
karl

[mfoster]

Happy enough that my wife wants one also.

[jonnysan]

Ditto to Karl's post....both the wife and I are very happy with our Smart even though I drive it most of the time ...at least while it is being broken in. After that....(break-in period was 10,000 miles....right....;) It will make more sense for her to take it to her work as she works in downtown Albany and her commute is longer than mine. Using her Acura TL is great but not nearly as much fun as driving the Smartie! Boy the sacrifices we have to make in this life!!!!

[kwagar]

two weeks, 700 miles-averaging 38.5 MPG with AC on. Shifts great in standard mode and is more than acceptable in auto mode.

Couldn't be happier with it.

The wait sucks but it's worth it!!!!!

[MinnySmart]

I apologize in advance but I need your help!!!!!!!

I don't want to change the topic of this post, but you all are talking about it being worth it or not. I've got a '95 Maxima with 180000 miles on it. Who knows how much longer it'll last, but it does run great still. I also bought my first home a year ago and I want to invest some money into it making some improvements. After spending today looking at counter tops and stone for the fireplace and lighting, etc... I'm starting to think the money spent on the smart would be much "smarter" if spent on the house. But I LOVE the smart and have wanted one for about 4 years. The price of the one I'm getting plus tax will be ~$17300 (Passion coupe fully loaded plus 6.5% tax and delivery) I'd take out a 72 month loan at about 5.9% interest for payments of about $280. I'll be selling the Max for about $3000, paying off a $2000 credit card and putting the other $1K in savings.

Most of you buying this car are in a better financial position than I am in, so I trust you are smart with your money. I would love an objective opinion. Everyone I know is so sick of hearing me talk about this car but yet excited to see it when I get it. But man I'll take heck if I don't get it. Not reason to get it, but... anyway. Please help! THANKS!

[smartlyle]

I LOVE MY SMART CAR!!!!!!!!! I've been driving around South Beach and all I get is Happy Faces. This is one happy car. The weather has been great and I’ve only been driving with the top down. I could have sold my car 500 Times. No matter what Bentley or M-Benz someone’s driving they all want a SMART NOW. It's very interesting how this car is equally appealing to the person looking for a green solution or some major Bling appeal.