What is it about a smart that is special.

[curtis]

i guess since the 84 Fiero was my first car I musthave a thing for tiny 2 seater plastic rear engine cars. The first time I saw a fiero in an auto magazine in maybe 82 I Knew I wanted it to be my first car and I remember the first time I saw a photo of a smart about 10 years ago, I said I want one!

[bigcritter]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

I'm not on the fence any longer, I've decided to buy assuming the CU OK's the deal. But, his primary concern appears to be practicality. If that WAS my prime concern, I wouldn't even think about buying a smart. ESPECIALLY if he lives a substantial distance from a dealer, as I do.

Very True! That's why I said that he needs to justify for himself based upon his situation! I'm about an hour away from smartcenter Seattle, which is far-and-away better than a LOT of dealers that you hear about on this forum. I also have a 2005 Chevy Aveo, a 1994 Mazda B3000, and a 1993 Horizon 17' (Van) Motorhome, so I'm pretty well covered in packing/taking just about anything that I want. If I want to haul my Great Dane along, it's the Aveo or the van. If I want to haul trash, 2x4s, etc, it's the truck. So.........not knowing what someone's lifestyle is all about, what their finances are like (especially since "14 big ones" was mentioned, which to some people is a LOT of money, and to others......not so much), are there children to be transported, how many members of the family, large pets, etc. etc. The criteria for making that determination can be very long, and is something that's a personal choice!!

[rwjrn]

My number one practical reason for buying this car was the ease of parking. I have a garage that I park in at work and they cram as many cars as possible into the spaces. 3 days after buying my accord somebody swiped the side getting into a tight space. I won't even park my edge anywhere but on the roof away from other cars which used to make me late because I'd have to wait for a space to open up. I also used to check the car every day for door dings cause I just knew they were going to happen. Now, I park anywhere I want with two feet of space on either side even if it's between two behemoths that can't park straight. Not too worried about dings in the plastic either. The bonus is that I used to fill up an average of 1 1/2 times per week at 65-70 dollars. I still fill up the same amount, but it costs me around 30 bucks. Throw in the fact that almost everyone has a smile for you or just a flat out open mouthed dumb stare and you have a great driving experience.

[martek@wcnet.org]

I fell in love with the Smart when I first saw it. After that it really didn't matter how practical it was, just that it was for me! I also use it as my car and we kept the Wrangler as the family car. I love it for what it is, a cute, silly, attention grabbing, green, little car that also happens to be fuel efficient and extremely well made and drives like an SUV! I am a large girl and it is as comfortable as my mothers Honda CRV and more comfortable than our Wrangler. My husband and I also drive sidecar rigs and mine is a Tangerine Stella scooter with sidecar. We like to have fun and this car fits in with our lifestyle. I also agree with others. If this is to be your only car, then maybe it is not for you. And yes, if you have to ask why to buy, that is another indication that you may need to pass on by.
P.S. I am a Cat person (actually 3)!!!!!

[Sylvan]

It's cute, it gets better gas mileage than the truck I was driving, it was cheaper than a new Prius, we were able to get an orphaned one almost immediately, we should be able to attach a tow kit to it and maybe get a teardrop camper someday (♥!), or a trailer to tow our canoe, it's safe, it's got plenty of room for the groceries, I can probably bring a couple of my cats to the vet at the same time, in their crates...

[WickedMessenger]

For most people, I don't think the smart could be the ONLY car you own. I for one have to have a '84 Chevy truck for my business and I have an '89 Honda CRX that will be my car for moving around fairly large amounts of stuff at 35 mpg (anything too big for the CRX is moved in the truck at 15 mpg). Neither one of these vehicles is presentable for dates or nice occasions. They are beaters. They make me look like a homeless man. But they cost next to nothing to own and insure.

But most people drive to and from work every day with only themselves and their lunch box or briefcase. For that commute the smart is perfect. For some, the gas they save compared to their ill-considered, world-destroying SUV behemoths will pay for the car. And parking is a breeze. When you have to take the family to Disneyland, drive the Buick. when you have to take yourself to the office, drive the smart.

Beyond all the practicality and efficiency issues it comes down to this: the car is incredibly cute. Practically nobody you pass on the road fails to notice it.

[JPaul]

Because it’s a car that make sense.
It makes sense in today’s economy not to carry around unnecessary weight. As D. Schembri recently said, you don’t "go into a restaurant by yourself and order dinner for seven or eight"…
It makes sense to have a car that is a smart (pun intended) compromise for today’s traffic: it doesn’t use much essential ressources for unnecessary reasons, like (parking and road) space, energy, polluting manufacture…
It doesn’t waiste power for one’s ego. It doesn’t pretend to be what it’s not, it doesn’t make the statement of doing what it can’t and is not intended to do, while remaining reasonably safe.
All of this while being fun to use and to look at, at a sensible price and cost!
Years from now, its oddity factor will diminish, but its practicality will remain - one can hope - and still make sense.

[WhiteNBlack08]

Originally Posted by bsnyder100

Is it practical is what I am getting at. Considering every other car, what made you choose THIS one. I get that it is quirky fun and gets people to stare in awe, but what really compelled that this is what you wanted to drive every day???

I have to agree with the other posters here, if you have to ask, then it's probably not for you. No offense, but most everyone on here "got it" immediately, no need to ask questions. I saw the smart and immediately knew it was the car for me. I use it as a commuter( 87mi round trip to work every day), and when the family needs to go somewhere we take the wifes Caravan. It fits my needs perfectly, and it's fun and attention getting to boot! I already plan on ordering another one when I finally wear this one out!

[pjneedster]

Originally Posted by JPaul

Because it’s a car that make sense.
It makes sense .....

Ya, what JPaul said. And the deciding factor for me is the ease of getting in & out and sitting in it. All my life I've been plagued by ill-fitting cars. I'm not huge, 6'3" with 38" waist, but I'm tired of having to do a half squat to get in or out of a car and contorting to swing my legs in & out. And the seat doesn't hurt my back even after many hours.

[stevenvillatoro]

I bought it because it fits my attitude.