Newbie here. I've got a 2009 Smart that I bought used about 6 years ago, and was thinking of getting something newer in the near future. I understand that Smart is only going to be making electric vehicles (with a fairly poor mileage range) and the 2 Mercedes dealerships near me in Ohio are no longer going to be selling Smarts (although they will service them). I guess my only option is to pick up a fairly new used Smart. What year did Smart start making the new transmission? I think if I purchased a used Smart, I would like it to have that newer transmission. I have interest in an electric vehicle, but don't know where to get one and think the range would be a concern, although most of my driving is short trips. Anyone have experience with the electric version? Sorry for all the questions here, but I'm trying to figure out my options. Thanks!
All electric Smarts
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If you are really interested in electrics, buy yourself a gently used Volt......drive electric without the range anxiety
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To the OP, our 451 ED that we got in June was our first foray into electric cars, and it has been a revelation to us how much we love it. My wife and I have two other gasoline vehicles that we use when we need more hauling, space for passengers, speed/sportiness, or road tripping ability. But for running around within about a 25 mile radius of where we live, it is by far our preferred vehicle. There are all the advantages you've already heard about, but it's the ones that are more rarely mentioned that have really endeared our Smart to us. Unless we end up moving out into the boonies, I can't ever see that we'll be without some electric vehicle, even a very short range one like the Smart. It just fits our needs way better than we could ever have imagined.
This is true for me, as well. I have a brand new ICE car that just sits in the garage while the ED Cabrio is my go-to driver 99% of the time.
I hadn't expected to be this drawn to EVs, and am looking forward to their evolutionary foray into the sports car world.
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Another happy ED owner here. My daughter has now taken it as her primary vehicle for commuting to school, sporting events, friends homes, etc., so I don't get to use it so much anymore. Never any range issues for us, and we have the old minivan for longer trips or hauling stuff. Easy to simply plug into a normal electrical outlet; can charge it almost anywhere. Very, very inexpensive, and good safety record for a small car.
The major downside IMHO is the substantial depreciation on new electrics. Not just a problem with SMART; all brands have substantial depreciation in the first year. Take the route many of us have; get a 2014 or 2015; either lightly used (many are for sale for $5000 with less than 10000 miles); or get one with zero miles (i.e., it is several years old but considered new as no one has bought it yet). The latter is more expensive of course, but you can still use the tax refund, which brings the price down in the same range. What other car can you buy that is essentially new for 5 Grand? Factor in the low costs of fuel, maintenance, etc., and it is almost like getting a free car.
The major downside IMHO is the substantial depreciation on new electrics. Not just a problem with SMART; all brands have substantial depreciation in the first year. Take the route many of us have; get a 2014 or 2015; either lightly used (many are for sale for $5000 with less than 10000 miles); or get one with zero miles (i.e., it is several years old but considered new as no one has bought it yet). The latter is more expensive of course, but you can still use the tax refund, which brings the price down in the same range. What other car can you buy that is essentially new for 5 Grand? Factor in the low costs of fuel, maintenance, etc., and it is almost like getting a free car.
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Forgot to mention that even if you are not an environmentally conscious person, it still makes you feel good to know you are cutting down on pollutants. Also, you mention the transmission, which is problematic on some ICE SMART but not the ED, and also no issue with the gas tank or engine. Of course, if you need the range, then the ED is not an option.
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