OK this car is fun

[Richard Porter]

Just a note to report on first long trip. Took the Smart Car to Road Atlanta for Group 44 meet (British Leland sponsored Triumph, Jaguar and MG cars in the 70's, Paul Newman bought the TR6 at end of season and beat the factory TR7 for the SCCA championship the next year in an "obsolite car" ) and Mitty Racing. Drove 80 all the way there and back with no problem. First hill was a bit of a surprise but if you keep up your speed and use the toggle gears they are no problem. Great fun passing BMWs at 80 going up hill. Did not see one Smart Car until back in Indy and black/silver came up behind me on the way to Mike's to get rid of the Georgia clay. Great fun for those who like British cars.

[Bill Marshall]

Originally Posted by Richard Porter

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.

I don't find this car to be overpriced. In fact, price is one of the things that attracted me to it. I think of it as hybrid fuel economy for half the price. I can't think of another car that can match the fortwo for fuel economy, quality, & initial cost. When comparing to other cars in the same price range, you've got to factor in reliability. Smart fortwo received CR's highest rating for reliability. The cabrio is easily the cheapest convertible on the market. I just don't see how price can be an objection.

[Richard Porter]

Comment on price just an observation not an objection. You can get a lots of car for the money from Hundai etc but so far in my opinion not a better value. I thought I would make a lot of changes to the car but the more I drive it the more I am satisfied with what Smart did. Time will tell about how reliable it is but so far 6000 miles no problems.

[Richard Porter]

Car reaching 8,000 and still no problems. Next trip is to Colorado in September so I will see how it does. Should be no problem. The only change was an adaptor from Best Buy to charge my Ipod when in the car. Indy must be selling them because there are 3 in Lebanon plus mine. I do think the more in place on the road the less stares and comments. Lot of small cars coming in the pipeline. Most interesting but not enough to sell the Smart yet. I must be the only one who does not like the new Mini two seat coupe. It is about the size of the Smart but ugly and high priced. Smart is the best deal so far.

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by Bill Marshall

I don't find this car to be overpriced. In fact, price is one of the things that attracted me to it.

I agree....not overpriced by any means. It is what it is; a safe, fun small car with good gas mileage but it's not for everyone, witnessed by the number of used smarts on the market. But overpriced? No way.

If it were 'overpriced', there wouldn't have been thousands of customers waiting months, and in some cases over a year, for this car. Even today, with smart centers having inventory on their lot, there are still people putting down their $99 deposit.

Just as 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder', 'a good buy is in the eye of the buyer'. If the buyer is happy, then nothing else matters.

For the record, I'M A HAPPY BUYER!

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by Richard Porter

I must be the only one who does not like the new Mini two seat coupe. It is about the size of the Smart but ugly and high priced. Smart is the best deal so far.

Now if you want to talk 'overpriced', here's an example. Appears to be the same as a Mini 'mechanically', just a 2 seater. Not a bad looking car and as a matter of fact, I like it.

But at $36,000, I could buy TWO BRABUS', one in each color!

[jwight]

Originally Posted by Big Panda

Now if you want to talk 'overpriced', here's an example. Appears to be the same as a Mini 'mechanically', just a 2 seater. Not a bad looking car and as a matter of fact, I like it.

But at $36,000, I could buy TWO BRABUS', one in each color!

Yes, but you wouldn't get the great big go fast rear wing.

[Richard Porter]

Just got back from Colorado. 80 miles an hour all the way. No problems at all, the car went up Pike's Peak with ease. Could have gone up faster except for Jeep in front of me that was in my way. Same thing happened on a winding asphalt road but this time it was a BMW going too slow. The Smart car may not be very fast, very fast but using the gears and going around corners not much can beat it. Those who say a Smart car can't climb hills don't know how to use the gears. I bet several people were surprised to see a Smart car stay so close on their butt. Best mileage was 49 mpg. Got a lot of thumbs up from people. Most interesting was a lady from France who recoginzed the car and thought I bought it in France and imported it. Very surpised to hear they can be bought in the US.