What do you think of buying an 05-06 Smart Car instead of 08?

[mnext02]

I am considering this. I really want at least 55 mpg, and I think the mercedes engine is much better than the mitsubishi. What do you guys think?

[bmx43]

Originally Posted by mnext02

I am considering this. I really want at least 55 mpg, and I think the mercedes engine is much better than the mitsubishi. What do you guys think?

depends on where you are located. SmartUSA will not support or service these vehicles so figure that into the cost. also, that 55mpg number was based on the old math, that number has come down with the new math.

what makes you think the MB motor is so much better than the Mits? name only? if the motor was superior, we probably would have that motor in our cars. something to think about.

personally, i think you'd be crazy to buy a grey market car with no support stateside. but that's just me.

[mnext02]

yeah those are some good points. I wonder why people pay $20k for them on ebay?

[jwight]

Originally Posted by mnext02

I am considering this. I really want at least 55 mpg, and I think the mercedes engine is much better than the mitsubishi. What do you guys think?

There's a 450 section on the forum; take note of some of the folks who own those cars and send 'em a PM. They'll be happy to share what they know.

[bmx43]

Originally Posted by mnext02

yeah those are some good points. I wonder why people pay $20k for them on ebay?

people were paying much more than $20k for them new as recent as last year. the cars that are here now have gone through a conversion process that brings them into spec to meet US requirements. however, the cars are not compliant in all states. the resale price should tank dramatically on those grey market cars now that the real thing is here.

[mnext02]

Originally Posted by bmx43

people were paying much more than $20k for them new as recent as last year. the cars that are here now have gone through a conversion process that brings them into spec to meet US requirements. however, the cars are not compliant in all states. the resale price should tank dramatically on those grey market cars now that the real thing is here.

yes I am waiting to see the prices for those to tank. the grey one on ebay had a high bid of $19,6xx and the reserve was not met. It has a couple dents in it too. Is the guy selling it on crack???

[BeSmart]

Originally Posted by bmx43

that 55mpg number was based on the old math, that number has come down with the new math.

... grey market car with no support stateside

My' 06 450 Coupe gets 45 to 55 mpg.
There is a network of service for the 450's. Even some MB service centers will take a 450 in for care. They have the diagnostic software for the smart.

Mnext02, it's a personal decision. There will be no more of the original smarties. Not sure it's worth greater than $20K. The 450's were brought over at a time when there was no hope the smartie would marketed here. They are the pioneers for the smart entry into the US market.

Also "bird in the hand...." .02

[Fredvon4]

2006 good looking orange and silver 26 miles... $18+K same car $26,999 two months ago... turbo charged 6 speed.... Classic body

Worth dickering with the seller for

Seller is a advertiser here

Wink Wink

[24-42]

Originally Posted by bmx43

depends on where you are located. SmartUSA will not support or service these vehicles so figure that into the cost. also, that 55mpg number was based on the old math, that number has come down with the new math.

what makes you think the MB motor is so much better than the Mits? name only? if the motor was superior, we probably would have that motor in our cars. something to think about.

personally, i think you'd be crazy to buy a grey market car with no support stateside. but that's just me.

Personally... I think anyone who doesn't know the facts but, speaks trying to sound as if they do is the crazy one.

There is a lot of support stateside for the 450.
It's not a matter of which engine is better, it's which engine is preferred. If the 2008 Smart had the Mercedes engine, it would have a higher price. Same for the 6 speed 450 vs the 5sp for the 451.

BTW: I get OVER 55mpg when I don't drive with 'Verve'. When driving with 'Verve', I get high 40s to low 50s. This is based on the math that is learned in school.

G&K warrants the emission equipment. I also have a 4 year/50,000mi bumper to bumper warranty.

In conclusion, If I lost my 450, I would purchase a 451 in a heartbeat, but don't confuse that staement as I would rather have a 451. If I did I would have ordered last spring.

AND I like the shade of red better (Sorry Mr Cash)

I wonder if owners of later Corvettes, in the Corvette club, refer to their cars as the 'REAL' Corvettes. I wonder the same about the Mini Owners Club.

That statement " The real ones" is a 'self-serving' selfish,arrogant choice of words. (In my opinion).

I have never heard a 450 owner refer to his/her car as the real one and the 451 as a copy.

Too bad the different models aren't regarded by all on this club, as they are on the British and Canadian clubs.

Strange, I haven't seen the roadster or the fourfour trashed on this club, only the 450.

Donald LaFavor

[bmx43]

Originally Posted by 24-42

Personally... I think anyone who doesn't know the facts but, speaks trying to sound as if they do is the crazy one.

There is a lot of support stateside for the 450.
It's not a matter of which engine is better, it's which engine is preferred. If the 2008 Smart had the Mercedes engine, it would have a higher price. Same for the 6 speed 450 vs the 5sp for the 451.

BTW: I get OVER 55mpg when I don't drive with 'Verve'. When driving with 'Verve', I get high 40s to low 50s. This is based on the math that is learned in school.

G&K warrants the emission equipment. I also have a 4 year/50,000mi bumper to bumper warranty.

In conclusion, If I lost my 450, I would purchase a 451 in a heartbeat, but don't confuse that staement as I would rather have a 451. If I did I would have ordered last spring.

AND I like the shade of red better (Sorry Mr Cash)

I wonder if owners of later Corvettes, in the Corvette club, refer to their cars as the 'REAL' Corvettes. I wonder the same about the Mini Owners Club.

That statement " The real ones" is a 'self-serving' selfish,arrogant choice of words. (In my opinion).

I have never heard a 450 owner refer to his/her car as the real one and the 451 as a copy.

Too bad the different models aren't regarded by all on this club, as they are on the British and Canadian clubs.

Strange, I haven't seen the roadster or the fourfour trashed on this club, only the 450.

Donald LaFavor

sorry mr lafavor, but i do have all the facts. i've been chasing this car for 10 years. i checked into buying one here but as you obviously know, it's a boondoggle at best. the car was NOT made for this country. IT IS NOT EASILY SERVICEABLE. "a lot of support stateside" is a crock. there is not and you know it. come on man, how many of these cars are even in this country legally? you should have the number. it's very very low. i challenge you to open up my phone book in San Diego and find one dealer who stocks parts for this car. i did my homework. and i didn't like what i found.

i actually prefer the 450 to the car i can buy now. i like the body better and i like the rear glass treatment better and if i had the option, i'd pay a little more for the MB motor, not because i believe it to be better, but because the Mits is an unknown. however, i can sleep at night knowing that if my tailpipe falls off when i hit a high speed bump, i won't have to wait 6 months for a replacement.

G&K warrants the emission equipment because legally they have to so that's a moot point.

this has nothing to do with being "real" or not, they are both real, one is just built for the US and one isn't. it's a free market and you have the choice.