Too Negative? - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

kwagar · 03-04-2008, 04:07 PM

I am wondering if we are doing a dis-service to readers of this forum with some of our negativity? I notice a growing number of reservationists starting to question the wisdom of purchasing the smarts they have reserved.

We have all had issues with dealers fees, lack of communication, delayed dealer openings and deliveries etc, but once we have the cars are we happy?

There have been reports of linkage problems, check engine lights etc but has anyone who has taken delivery been realy dissapointed in their car?

I have been as vocal as anyone regarding pre delivery issues but since taking possession I have been very happy with the smart. I am not at all dissapointed in the car and am very happy owning it.

So, I am curious! If you have taken delivery how do you now feel about the car? Are you happy? Would you recomend one to a friend? Have you had any major dissapointments.

I think we owe it to those who are yet to recieve their cars to provide a balanced review of our impressions.

I am very happy with mine and think anyone interested in an urban commuter car, an economy about town car and or a unique and interesting run-about would be thrilled with one.

If you have yours, weigh in with your thoughts. Let's make sure those still waiting know how those of us with cars now feel about them.

bobnyuma · 03-04-2008, 04:17 PM

Good point. I suspect there will be alot of good comments. For the price and what you get it is still a respectable deal.

angel · 03-04-2008, 04:27 PM

I don't think it has anything to do with being "too negative." It's a matter of taking everything here into perspective and with a grain of salt. In the end the smart isn't for everyone. And some will use what they learn here whether it's positive or negative in their decision making process.

What might be a good idea is to have a section for those who want to give their reasons for why they cancel their reservations. Then the powers that may be won't have to scour all various sections of the forums. They can just look in one place.

I really think better communications would have solved a lot of fears or perceived issues. Communications is one of the reoccurring themes coming up from many who have canceled.

RLove · 03-04-2008, 04:34 PM

I have been considerably less active on this forum due to exactly this. It became a downer to read the thread titles and see primarily negative comments, worries, obsessing over EVERYTHING. I have become more active on **************** as a result. It's not as active - yet, but a lot more positive.

I get on here from time to time to see if there is anything of interest.

Just looking at the title of the threads right now, "Is buying a smart really smart or really dumb?", "May I whine?", "Has anyone got their deposit back?". Whether or not the smart is a smart purchase depends on a lot of factors, none of which will probably be addressed in the thread., (just looked over it - more negative obsessing over NOTHING topics..."do I buy a torque wrench"...please). If you're gonna whine, get in the corner and do it quietly, and if someone has gotten their deposit back, they probably aren't on here anymore.

Give some thought before you start these kinds of threads and this forum may survive.

SmartIsland · 03-04-2008, 04:36 PM

For one, I'm totally happy with the car. I LOVE 'different' concepts in transportation, hence ownig rotary-powered cars, commuting on a boat and a bike, etc. smart is great for non-conformists. OK OK, it's a good economy car, too.

vibrato · 03-04-2008, 04:36 PM

I agree 100% with Ms Angel's comments and perceptions!
Thank you for your insight!

bumblebee · 03-04-2008, 05:06 PM

I too haven't been visiting this site as frequent as I used to due to the negativity that goes on here. I guess it's human nature that when people hear negative things about something they tend to dwell on it to a point that really turns me off. I know there are a few who feel the same as I do. I don't mind hearing your negative experience with the car or the dealership or the lack of aftermarket stuff for the smart. But when you read some of the negative stuff around here it seems like the world is coming to an end. Another thing is that when you see someone post something that's negative but you experienced the complete opposite of their point of view they get very touchy and abrupt like I've completely piss them off by the positive experience I had. I've really gotten to a point where I don't want to post anything here about my experience with the car or my dealership anymore. I feel by doing so I'll just give reasons for people to be ticked off and start more of the negative vibe in this forum...just my thoughts.

angel · 03-04-2008, 05:19 PM

Okay. I'm done with my PMS now and I'll try to be more positive and nice.

SmartyPants25 · 03-04-2008, 05:23 PM

While my smart didn't come perfect and I did have to take it back to the dealer for some minor issues I am VERY happy with my smart, and come home every day with a huge smile on my face saying oh that was such a fun ride. Every new car has its issues, this I take into consideration, and I make sure to stay on top of everything as a result. But I don't regret for one second purchasing my smart, its something I've wanted for a very long time and I've finally got it.

BandSofC · 03-04-2008, 05:24 PM

I've been very happy with my 451. Just over 1000 miles. No problems at all.

I sort of wish it had a manual clutch - there would be nothing wrong with that for me. It's all I've ever owned. But when I think about it, the odd transmission is part of the charm and uniqueness of the car. At least that's how I justify it.

The manumatic works fine (I know how to use it), but I'm not sure why I need to learn a new transmission on such a simple car. This forum would have 25% fewer posts if smart had used a conventional transmission.

Other than the transmission, it feels like a normal car to me. Sometimes I forget why people are pointing and laughing at me.