OK this car is fun - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

Richard Porter · 01-07-2009, 05:43 PM

Did not want to hijack someone else's thread but I do have some thoughts about this car that may be of interest and if not so be it. First I have not experienced a significant problem with the transmission and its surging for want of a better word. I have driven manual transmissions all my life and the surging is really is no different than a manual shift but it is hard to predict. I found the paddle shifts to be very easy to use and easy to result in well timed shifts in relation to the engine speed. Plus great fun. Using the paddle shifter no one is going to push you out of the way on an Interstate ramp. In fact with little effort you will be going too fast very quick.
When I got the car Indiana was experiencing strong winds and the car really got knocked around. It was so bad my wife made sure I was aware of her poor opinion of the car. But this was a fluke and the car is as stable any other car in normal weather at speed. I only have gone 80 but it handled fine. I hesitate to change the tire sizes as some have suggested. Mercedes put these tire sizes on for a reason, we just do not know it.
Snow is no big deal. The car drives just like any other car but not as good as if it were front wheel drive.
I do not want to bore anyone with my ramblings but I like the car. I first saw them in Paris and wanted one then. I went to a French dealership and got all the brochures and price list which just shows how nutty I am. I do not regret this car at all but it is not for everyone. It is overpriced for what it is in this market and this economy but if you can afford it and want it then buy it and enjoy not going very often to the gas station. Finally get ready for people to stare at you as if you were an idiot.

SuperGeek · 01-07-2009, 06:03 PM

Yup, it gets knocked around in high wind, but if you trust the car, it'll prove to you that it's up to the task. Whatever systems are involved, something seems to correct for the wind just after it's noticed. Maybe one of the alphabet soup of safety systems... maybe power steering, sheer luck or something. Any 1800 pound car will be pushed around; a Geo Metro is hell to drive in windy conditions. The Smart feels the wind but holds the lane pretty well, in reality.

Macaw · 01-07-2009, 06:04 PM

Is that a TR6 as your avatar?

jetfuel · 01-07-2009, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Porter

just shows how nutty I am.

...you are home now....not some in here but ALL in here are...

...welcome to the padded room...

jetfuel....join SCOA...you'll be glad you did.

NeWave · 01-08-2009, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Porter

Finally get ready for people to stare at you as if you were an idiot.

Or just watch for spontaneous laughter. at least until people in your area get use to seeing your car...

Dave Van · 01-08-2009, 03:54 AM

I agree its fun. I have had MANY cars over the past 38 years but this one is as fun to drive as any. I love my 60's and 70's high performance cars but today I am almost scared to drive them at times. Between high HP and no so hot brakes they can be exciting! But the Smart is just fun to drive!

pdboilermaker · 01-08-2009, 05:34 AM

These cars are fun, that is why there really isnt a demographic for them other than people who like fun. All types of people love and drive them, from pizza delivery people (hello buck creek pizza) to CEO's, farmers, factory workers, young, old men, women, rich, poor, and in between.

Enjoy, we love our little bumbleflea

aerocrew · 01-08-2009, 07:03 AM

Not only is it fun to drive, but it is fairly cheap entertainment. Fill up your gas tank and just drive around, stop a few places and see peoples reactions as well as the dumb questions and stares you get. My hubby and I really enjoy doing that, it is very amusing to see peoples reaction to such an awesome and unique car! We luv ya Bumble Flea!!

paroyboy · 01-08-2009, 08:21 AM

Other day we went to lunch and got a space right in front of the restaurant. It was busy so we opted to sit at the sidewalk window. I knew the car drew some attention but over the 30-40 minutes we sat there, we did more laughing than eating! Double-takes, neck whipping, and staring were just the beginning. Saw a guy double park on the other side of the street, run over and circle the car twice, then leave. It was hilarious. I think the old ladies walking were the best!

Richard Porter · 01-08-2009, 03:27 PM

Yes sir. 1976 TR6 with overdrive and the car of choice to drive and gets as much attention as the Smart. More fun than the Smart but not quite the thing in the winter. For real fun I also have an MGB GT V8, bit of a gas hog but perhaps the Smart is giving me some carbon credit.