[MicroNut]

smart has today added official pricing, specs and options to the smart website (www.smartusa.com).

Looks as though the Cabrio starts as $16,590 (not $16,950). The silver tridion is an extra cost option ($175), and is available on all three models (in Europe I don't think you can get the Pure with the silver tridion).

 

[lhoboy]

$400 bucks cheaper than they initially indicated. Any bets on whether the dealers will stick to the no-mark-up policy?

 

[MicroNut]

Any bets on whether the dealers will stick to the no-mark-up policy?

Even if they don't add "dealer mark-up" there's more than one way of skinning a cat. Picture these items at the bottom of the sticker:

Window VIN etching $200
Crystal Clear paint protectant $150
Scotch Guard upholstery treatment $150
Puncture Proof tire sealant $300
Pinstriping $100

Not that they would, but they could....

 

[Lewis]

I like the Pure model- shame there will not be a power window option on it. Nice though they they let the Pure buyer order the panoramic roof. I was a bit surprised (but happy) that the steel wheels come without tire pressure monitors. I thought they were required on the 2008 models by federal regulations.

 

[SmartBob]

$400 bucks cheaper than they initially indicated. Any bets on whether the dealers will stick to the no-mark-up policy?

I'm thinking the sole purpose in allowing us to reserve one is to keep dealers from gouging and scaring people away. I remember Hondas back in the late 80's and a Jersey dealer ....Martin Honda did what they called "Increased Market Value" which was just a shameful ripoff to the consumer marking up the vehicles $1000+ purely to line their pockets. I walked, of course. I ordered a "Pure" but will add the A/C and put in my own CD/MP3. I DO wish they had a true manual transmission which would give a better feel and increased mileage. Boyeeeeeeeee

 

[Lewis]

I agree about the manual transmission but if they don't have it in Europe where they are much more popular they sure will not offer it in US.

 

[SmartCard]

PROGRESS!! .....I like progress!

The $850 "comfort package" looks like a no brainer....power steering and heated seats alone would cost $670.

Now I just have to sit back and hope my local dealer to be sends out a private invite when the road show hits town at the end of the month.

 

[pokeyrider]

I think they should start releasing dealership locations before "official pricing".

Looks to me like they are getting the cart before the horse.

 

[Lewis]

I think they want the pricing settled so they can get an idea of what they need to build for us. Longer lead time there probably than setting up a corner desk with a few signs in a Mercedes dealership like Catena is doing here in NJ.

 

[MicroNut]

Tire Pressure Monitor on pure

I was a bit surprised (but happy) that the steel wheels come without tire pressure monitors. I thought they were required on the 2008 models by federal regulations.

The page on smart USA's website for the pure does list the tire pressure monitors as standard equipment:

Wheels / tires
Steel wheels with front tires: 155/60 R15; rear tires 175/55 R15
Tire pressure control system

​

 

[lhoboy]

I agree about the manual transmission but if they don't have it in Europe where they are much more popular they sure will not offer it in US.

I also agree about wanting a manual transmission. However, it is actually easier to get lower emissions and better fuel economy from an automatic in full auto mode with the aide of electronic control module (especially since the car has no energy robbing torque converter). Of course, using the paddle shifters in manual mode will overide that benefit.

 

[Lewis]

I'm not really sure what that means though. On the Passion it's called tire pressure monitors- on the Pure tire pressure control systems. Why two different names?

 

[MicroNut]

The site now says "Tire Pressure Control System" for all three models. So maybe it was just a random inconsistency that someone has since spotted and corrected?

 

[SmartAmerica]

Smart ForTwo among cheapest cars in America

Peter Valdes-Dapena a CNNMoney.com staff writer...says Tiny two-seat economy car will have a starting price under $12,000.

The entry level ForTwo will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $11,590, not including taxes and destination charges.

It will not be equipped with a radio or air conditioning. The highest-priced ForTwo, the convertible Passion Cabrio, will have a starting price $16,950.

READ HIS ARTICLE...CLICK HERE

 

[SmartBob]

A true "economy car"!! Not junk like a Yugo but some quality to it. Remember, you now have options. A/C and radio/CD/mp3 can be added to the "Pure" and the price is reasonable.
A friend of mine bought a Prius and brags about his mileage. He paid $24,000 to get that mileage. Experts say the mileage does NOT offset the price of the vehicle. As far as it being eco-friendly they will have to dispose of the batttery someday. Hmmmmmmmmm....

 

[Old smart]

Economy

Another factor that adds to the measure of

 

[SmartBob]

WOW! THAT is amazing. Hard to believe the oil change would be that infrequent. I've benn doing the "every 3-4k mi. forever". Also a mechanic friend of mine goes with synthetic oil now although isn't that about $5 a quart?

 

[Old smart]

Oil

The older 450s had full synthetic (e.g. Mobil1) specified; my guess is that the new 451s will also.

It is often recommended that when using full synthetic in a NEW car, the first 500 miles be done on "fossil" oil, then replace the oil filter and go with the synthetic.

 

[shack01]

A friend of mine bought a Prius and brags about his mileage. He paid $24,000 to get that mileage. Experts say the mileage does NOT offset the price of the vehicle. As far as it being eco-friendly they will have to dispose of the batttery someday. Hmmmmmmmmm....

Priced the Accord a few years back. No way the extra cost of the Hybrid offset the fuel economy. That was before $3 g gas, but I'd bet its still true.

tm

 

[lhoboy]

WOW! THAT is amazing. Hard to believe the oil change would be that infrequent. I've benn doing the "every 3-4k mi. forever". Also a mechanic friend of mine goes with synthetic oil now although isn't that about $5 a quart?

The oil change interval on the MINI is determined by the onboard computer based on driving conditions and can range from 12,000 miles to $18,000 miles. The only engine failures that the MINI is experiencing is caused by people not checking the oil every 2500 miles. Lot's of engines have been fried because people are not checking the oil level between changes.