My $.02 worth
JetJazz
First off I am a gray owner (if you search this forum for ASmartMan and AFineMan you will see how I got to where I am today), here is the trip I made to buying a Gary market model.
I searched for an electric car for my commute (19.2 miles in each direction), I quickly came to realize that unless I spent $100K+ I would not be able to rely on what was available (I live in New England SSOO cold winter mornings/nights).
I came across the Smart Car, and I put down my $99 to reserve one. With in days the reservation count went from 13K to 20+K (I figured I would have to wait till late 2008 or till 2009 to get a car) so I cancelled the reservation.
I kept researching the Zap cars, THEN I found a ZAP/Smart Car dealer 30 miles from my home.
Well in less than an hour of finding this dealer I was there. they had 2 new G&K Smarts on the lot, BUT was I NOT willing to spend $29,999, I did take a test drive. The sales man told me about 2 used Smarts they were getting back (long story) that he could deal (Price wise) on.
JetJazz I too have the same questions U have, where I own a Gray Smart, I too could be stranded (service wise), I know Mcfarland Ford will service this car (I've used them already) as well as have basic parts in stock (I bought 2 oil filters and 1 air filter while waiting).
I can't speak about the reliability of this car (too soon to tell), BUT if you read the EU threads the GEN 2 (2003-2006) seem to to be quite reliable.
Dude, it is a tough choice, no one can chose for U. I justified (in my mind) my Smart by knowing that I got a known car (G2) and I have the skills needed to do some service (if needed), BUT also knowing there is NO support (limited) for this car here. I am getting (43-48 MPG) good mileage, where I only work 4 days a week it is only costing me $11 per week to commute.
Be fore warned if you do this, the attention you will get could be stressing, Cops pulling you over to ask questions, SUVs booting it (so you can't pass them), Beeps, Thumbs UP, and the endless questions ("is that electric") at the gas stations.
I know this didn't help
ASM