Took delivery On January 19th, 2008 at Lincolnwood Smart Center in the Chicago area. Recieved a Passion. Silver with Black Tridion, Comfort Package, CD Changer, fogs and alarm system.
I got lucky in that while I reserved late and had yet to recieve a chance to do the real order, I was able to get a Smart the 1st weekend they were in Chicago. Seems the person who had reserved it wanted to export it and that is a big dealer agreement no no. So, they had an orphan and I adopted it.
As far as the dealer experiance, I thought it was 1st rate. I have done several deals at Carmax and really liked their no nonsense aproach. Buying a Smart is similar. The price is the price, so no one gets a better deal, or can give one. It's tax, title, license, and your done.
I did take an extended warranty of 5 years/ 75000 miles, but that was it. Finance was a snap, and they all seemed really happy to have things rolling.
The car feels good. More solid that you expect and in my opinion, you can tell it is a Daimler product. Drives very German (as in solid). The interior does NOT have plastic for miles, almost seems plush. The top speed is 90 MPH, but if it were not limited to that I'm sure it would go faster. For me that is important because you can cruise at 70mph all day and have power to pass and the engine does not seem to be working too hard.
It is very quite until you get past 70 mph and then it is wind noise that ramps up higher then I'd like. So I'll drive 70, ok?!
Does well in the snow, with the traction control etc. It reminds me of an old VW beetle in that with the rear drive and engine it will just go where you put it in the snow.
No oil use, and 35 MPG in mixed driving.
Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE says it is "Cute".
They are also surprised by the price. One guy guessed I payed twice as much as I did.
So after a week, I am driving it every chance I get, and I'm more impressed each time.
Oh and filling it with gas is less then $30. My Durango cost $70. The Durango is spending more time parked lately. (-;
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