[Mr Pink]

Well, it's finally that time, and it came way too soon. I'm left with the decision in the next week or two to buy or turn the lease in. Residual is a little over 10k which seems to be at or below market value for a 2016 Passion with 25k miles and in perfect condition. I have a $395 turn in fee or a $150 buy out fee

Cons
I don't know about the long term reliability of this car (this is my MAIN concern)
I'm having the roof replaced under warranty as we speak an wonder if it will crack again in 3 years
Only under warranty for one more year
Nearest dealer for last year of warranty and recalls is 2 hrs away

Pros
Love driving it
I know the history of my car
Low miles

My alternatives are to buy a used car around 10k and after checking, there's not a lot I like around that price point. I'm also looking at a Subaru brand new. Lease for 280 then I would likely buy it and keep it long term

 

[Snowball]

If you like the car then buy it! We only get to go around on this Earth once so make the most of it.
Smart's are pretty reliable vehicles when properly maintained. Find a couple of shops that service European vehicles and ask if they will service the car. If yes, then no worries! If no, contemplate if you want to do the work yourself. If you like turning wrenches from time to time on the basic stuff (oil changes, brakes, tire rotation, light bulbs, etc.) then keep the car and enjoy it for the years to come.

 

[Bob Denman]

I agree: buy it if you like it!
But this $150 buy out fee: tell them to forget about it!
Good luck!
By the way: we bought our 2019 Prime for just over $7100... But we've put about $3500 into it so far.

 

[Mr Pink]

Sad, but I've pretty much decided to buy a forever car and that's gonna be a Subaru Crosstrek. It's bittersweet but the size limitations will be gone and I can actually tow something. They hold their value very well and I can always get rid of it for a good price. Lots of leg room and a high stance that I'll be able to take in the mountains for camping.

I love the Smart and have lived happily with it's limitations for 6 years (451/453), but I think it's time to get a more versatile ride

Haven't done the deal yet but I put down a refundable deposit on a Crosstrek that's enroute to the dealer

 

[Snowball]

Sad, but I've pretty much decided to buy a forever car and that's gonna be a Subaru Crosstrek. It's bittersweet but the size limitations will be gone and I can actually tow something. They hold their value very well and I can always get rid of it for a good price. Lots of leg room and a high stance that I'll be able to take in the mountains for camping.

I love the Smart and have lived happily with it's limitations for 6 years (451/453), but I think it's time to get a more versatile ride

Haven't done the deal yet but I put down a refundable deposit on a Crosstrek that's enroute to the dealer

What a coincidence, I've been looking at the Crosstrek's for my daughter. She needs a newer car for going away to college.

In any case, you are probably making the right decision for your situation. Good luck and enjoy the Crosstrek!

 

[Bob Denman]

Don't forget to post a picture of the new Suby; when you get it. 👍

 

[Mr Pink]

Don't forget to post a picture of the new Suby; when you get it. 👍

This is what it will look like. Dark gray. Hard to find these unless they have a ton of premium packages (that I don't care about and don't want to pay for). The base model automatics are in high demand and don't last long on the lot. My biggest dislike is the CVT. But they have been doing them for a long time so I guess I'll get used to it.

 

[Miss Mercedes]

There's a guy that seriously offroads an orange Crosstrek in my state's Gambler 500. It's quite the capable vehicle! Good choice!

I was going to say that your new roof will deteriorate too, just a matter of when...

 

[Mr Pink]

There's a guy that seriously offroads an orange Crosstrek in my state's Gambler 500. It's quite the capable vehicle! Good choice!

I was going to say that your new roof will deteriorate too, just a matter of when...

Cool!
And that roof was a major factor in my decision.

 

[Bob Denman]

Their CVTs are probably some of the best ones our there. 👍

 

[n9tlf73]

Well, it's finally that time, and it came way too soon. I'm left with the decision in the next week or two to buy or turn the lease in. Residual is a little over 10k which seems to be at or below market value for a 2016 Passion with 25k miles and in perfect condition. I have a $395 turn in fee or a $150 buy out fee

Cons
I don't know about the long term reliability of this car (this is my MAIN concern)
I'm having the roof replaced under warranty as we speak an wonder if it will crack again in 3 years
Only under warranty for one more year
Nearest dealer for last year of warranty and recalls is 2 hrs away

Pros
Love driving it
I know the history of my car
Low miles

My alternatives are to buy a used car around 10k and after checking, there's not a lot I like around that price point. I'm also looking at a Subaru brand new. Lease for 280 then I would likely buy it and keep it long term

I turned in my 2016 about 6 months ago when the 3 year lease was up. I liked the car but they wanted $11.000 to buy it with 36k miles and I just didnt think it was a good deal. I then leased a Honda HRV with all wheel drive so it should do a little better than the smartie did in the snow. But admittedly I still miss my "baby"

 

[NW453]

Well, it's finally that time, and it came way too soon. I'm left with the decision in the next week or two to buy or turn the lease in. Residual is a little over 10k which seems to be at or below market value for a 2016 Passion with 25k miles and in perfect condition. I have a $395 turn in fee or a $150 buy out fee

Cons
I don't know about the long term reliability of this car (this is my MAIN concern)
I'm having the roof replaced under warranty as we speak an wonder if it will crack again in 3 years
Only under warranty for one more year
Nearest dealer for last year of warranty and recalls is 2 hrs away

Pros
Love driving it
I know the history of my car
Low miles

My alternatives are to buy a used car around 10k and after checking, there's not a lot I like around that price point. I'm also looking at a Subaru brand new. Lease for 280 then I would likely buy it and keep it long term

If you are purchasing the car, you will be buying it directly from Mercedes-Benz Financial (they own it). The purchase price will be the 'residual amount' found on your original purchase agreement. I did this with my 451 Brabus and sent my daughter off to college with it. Easy peasy!

 

[Mr Pink]

Got my Crosstrek yesterday...It. Is. Amazing. I definitely made the right choice. If I had an unlimited garage I would keep the smart, but I don't, so turning it in was a no brainer in hindsight.

As far as the cracked roof, it's still in the body shop so I'm waiting for it to get back to the dealership so I can officially end the lease.

 

[Bob Denman]

Congratulations on making the right choice for you!

 

[Mr Pink]

Congratulations on making the right choice for you!

Thanks! I am very happy with the crosstrek.

 

[Bob Denman]

But it's so..... HUGE!