What is it about a smart that is special.

[bull8042]

Originally Posted by sbernali

.....People like you who call other people trolls for something so petty are just sad......

OUCH! You trolls don't play fair....

[RussBarnes]

I bought a 451 because they wouldn't service a 450 here. I need a short car, one that fits crossways on the back of my truck to haul our fifth wheeler when we retire. The 450 was 98" and legal loaded flat. The 451 is 106" and I am making an inclinded ramp so that it will only take up 102" of space to be legal. When we retire we plan on traveling the country full time and need something smaller than a 16,000# Kenworth that is over 24' long to get groceries to take back to the trailer parks.

This is something that about a dozen or so of us are doing around the U.S. and so far I only know of two others with the 451.

In spite of that need, I also bought it because it's fun and great to be a rock star.

[doenut]

Originally Posted by bsnyder100

I really want to know what lead you guys/gals to buy your smart. I have seen demoed the car and am impressed, but not to the point of forking over 14 big ones. What caused you to buy the car? Please try to say something besides gas mileage.
THANKS FOR YOU R TIME ;-)!

Okay...I'll take a stab. 1. - IT's CUTE!
2. - It (and you) get LOTS of attention!
3. - It has a ton of personality.
4.- It really is a safe vehicle (boring, but true)
5.- Compared to alternative cars, it really is VERY
economical. Check out Yaris, or any Hybrid.
You'll see.
These are (obviously) not scientific observations. Just my very SLANTED opinion!

[PerryA]

Originally Posted by bigcritter

Also.........off topic........filled up yesterday at the Shell station, and the attendant was admiring smart e. He asked me the usual "What's it get for mileage?" I told him I was getting around 40 mixed! He says "You mean.......you have to mix the gas??" He thought it was a two-banger!!! ROTFL!! DUHH!! I said, "No, I meant MIXED DRIVING......city & highway!!" "Oh!"

I thought you were going to say he asked if it was electric!

[bull8042]

Originally Posted by bigcritter

Also.........off topic........filled up yesterday at the Shell station, and the attendant was admiring smart e. He asked me the usual "What's it get for mileage?" I told him I was getting around 40 mixed! He says "You mean.......you have to mix the gas??" He thought it was a two-banger!!! ROTFL!! DUHH!! I said, "No, I meant MIXED DRIVING......city & highway!!" "Oh!"

Oh that is GREAT! You should have told him you have to mix milk with the gas because it is still a baby and it's tummy can't tolerate the stuff full-strength yet!

[trauterNJ]

Originally Posted by PerryA

It makes a statement that I am willing to buy what I need, not just consume for the sake of consuming.

Wow. You hit the nail on the head with that. I'm the same way. Most of my driving is to and from work and running around here and there on days off. The rest is with my wife to the grocery store, out to dinner etc.

I really have no need for a car bigger than this one. The wife drives a Rav4 so if we need it, we have a larger vehicle.

[theguywiththelongestname]

i bought the smartmobile because of the heated leather seats and fog lights. Oh yes, and the panoramic plexi-roof....and, of course, let's not forget the guage pods. And the AC kicks-ass!

seriously, the smartmobile serves me well: it adeptly fulfills 99% of my personal transport needs. the purchase price and operating cost are very very reasonable, and for me that was an important deciding factor.

philosophically speaking, the smartmobile represents a shift towards more-sustainable personal transportation. for me, deciding to buy a smart, was an appropriate decision which makes a tangible political/social/economic statement. owning a smart is good for me, while it also serves to influence others to consider their mode of personal transport. Being a teacher, things like influencing others positively and being a good example (or role model) are important to me.

what do I not do with the smartmobile?
1. drive on crazy off-road adventures through the Mojave Desert.
2. carry bags of compost and steer manure and concrete home from the hardware store.
3. pull tree stumps out of the ground.
4. take the whole family out for weekend romps to the Mall and Cineplex.

like I said...about 99% of my driving is in the Smartmobile.
...those other activites still happen in the Jeep.