GM, Ford, Toyota, Honda...Who will sell you your next car?

nippononly

Rocky, it is our government's job to instill fear in us to cause us to act in ways they would like. Couldja' try not to help them out just as often as you can? ;-)

bumpy

The Smart would just bounce off the Dodge and roll over a few times. Climb out, flip it back on its wheels, and drive it home. The Dodge, on the other hand, won't be going anywhere except the junkyard. :P

snakeweasel

The Smart would just bounce off the Dodge and roll over a few times.

Did that happen to you?

Is that why you took the name Bumpy? :P

jjaxon

im sure that was the trade price.. not a cash sale... and you most likely paid msrp on the car you bought... so it wasnt such a good deal after all was it??

nippononly

Hehe. I don't pay MSRP, period.

jefferyg

Reminds me of that thing Steve Urkel drove. Couldn't you just put mirrors and turn signals on a golf cart and accomplish the same thing?

jimlockey

Who ever has the best DIESEL will sell me the next vehicle.

No one that has the best 0 to 60 speed, but one that is family size and averages 30 MPG.

gagrice

will DCX announce they are going to bring the Smart cars to the U.S. before they actually do it?

If they bring the Smart cars through ZAP using a gas engine instead of the 72 MPG diesel it will not fly. Too much money for too little of a car with lousy mileage. The ones I saw in Canada were all diesel and the two owners I talked to loved them.

nvbanker

"Rocky, it is our government's job to instill fear in us to cause us to act in ways they would like. Couldja' try not to help them out just as often as you can?"

Ditto, ROFLMAO!!!!! :P

heel2toe

"The Oldsmobile Silhouette -- it's the Cadillac of Minivans..."

(Loved "Get Shorty".)

nvbanker

Well, it DID have leather, ya know..... :P

rockylee

Okay sorry... :P

Rocky

rockylee

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=115923

I'll take one FINTAIL as a gift if your getting one. :P

Rocky

snakeweasel

IIRC Urkel drove a BMW not a Thing, not sure of the model name but IIRC the front opened up as the door. The Thing was a VW and looked like a WWII German staff car.

And its a little more than a golf cart, golf carts don't do 85 MPH.

Since the Smart is supposed to handle well in congested areas and is good on gas (over 50 MPG city) I would consider one as a commuter car. Of course that may change after I experience one.

snakeweasel

Nope ZAP grey markets the Smart which in and of itself makes them more expensive (they buy them from european dealers and modify them here). My best guess is that they will use their existing dealer network either attaching them to Benz dealers or Chrysler like BMW did with Mini.link">

nippononly

an Automotive News article today, they will sell the Smart cars through something called United Auto Group, owned by Roger Penske?

snakeweasel

Did it say if they will be the gas or diesel ones? Or both?

nippononly

it didn't say. It was just a short article. But I thought the announcement of an actual contract to sell the cars, with a specific dealer group, was a strong sign it will actually happen this time.

jefferyg

I don't believe 85 mph in a Smart car is very "smart" at all. BTW, I've ridden on a couple of gas-burner EZ-Gos that will go faster than I care to go in anything that small, and one of the larger ones was comparable in size to the Smart Car. With the right gearing and a taller, narrower tire like the Smart has on it, the EZ-Go could go a lot faster.

I just don't think I would feel safe in anything that small, especially in traffic. About how much would a Smart car sell for anyway? And considering that in the event of an accident, death is almost inevitable, don't you think insurance is going to be a bit high? :confuse:

Admittedly, I'm being a bit sarcastic, but...

snakeweasel

Just remember that EZ Gos, regardless of their size, are not Smart cars.

I just don't think I would feel safe in anything that small, especially in traffic.

DCX has crashed much larger cars into it and have reported that the passenger cage has withstood the crash. Now how well it performs in US crash tests remains to be seen.

About how much would a Smart car sell for anyway?

Well it is thought that anywhere from about $12K to around $20 depending on what you get and the options.

And considering that in the event of an accident, death is almost inevitable

Well they have been selling them in Canada for a few years now, maybe someone can look up and see if there is a greater fatality rate for Smarts in the Great White North.

Supposively they are much safer than they appear.

jefferyg

Well it is thought that anywhere from about $12K to around $20 depending on what you get and the options.

If that's the case they'll never make it. There are too many "B" cars (Yaris, Fit, Rio, etc.) out there now that fit into that same price range. They will all carry more people and stuff, and none of them are rated at less than 30 mpg city.

A new Civic would seem to be a better alternative. They are all rated at 30/40 mpg and if my prior experience in one holds true, they will do better than the posted numbers.

Seems to me the Smart Car needs a price tag of less than $10,000, to make it very smart at all.

snakeweasel

A new Civic would seem to be a better alternative. They are all rated at 30/40 mpg and if my prior experience in one holds true, they will do better than the posted numbers.

The Smart IIRC gets something in the area of 52/63 so it would be a great commuter car. That alone would save me almost $700/yr over the Civic (and even more as gas prices rise). From what I hear they are selling pretty good in Canada.

lemko

...why not just get a motorcycle?

rockylee

Exactly. Get ya a Harley-Davidson it gets the same mpg and atleast one would look cool and the Motorcycle is safer to drive because it can maneuver better. :P

Rocky

snakeweasel

Motorcycles have a few major drawbacks such as riding in the rain (especially when its 40 degrees out) or riding in the dead of winter when temps can drop below zero.

And despite its size the Smart can carry some cargo.

bumpy

You also need a different license to drive a motorcycle

gagrice

Smart will sell the next generation of its "fortwo" model, which has been popular in Europe. It gets an average of 40 miles per gallon in combined city-highway driving and will sell for less than $15,000. The company says it can get up to 69 mpg on the highway.

I would go with some other small car for only 40 MPG. The diesel Smart gets 72 MPG overall. They are impressive in crash tests. I will find the link and post it.

Smart Car Crash at 70 MPH

nvbanker

This appears to be the Smart forum -which I have 0 interest in. Can someone redirect me to a more general discussion please?

snakeweasel

Well it is the newest news in available autos and there are some that have an interest in the Smart. The topic is who will sell you your next car. If you have no interest in the Smart skip over the posts and post something more to your liking.

m1miata

Wow, that is a tough car. Too bad we have so many large Trucks and SUVs in competition with the cars on the road. The roads would be a little safer for the little guys.
That said, that was an impressive crash. At 70? I realize it is light weight mass going in the concrete, yet it seems like a pretty good speed. Looks like they did their homework for safety on this one.

I had a Corolla, and it got 36 to 40 MPG from time to time, when on the freeway. Smart would be cool, if you have the money, as a little go to the grocery store car. Kinda a conversation piece.
-Loren

m1miata

The Rabbit is back. When California allows the diesel cars again, or is it when they make something compliant (new diesel), a Rabbit diesel would be popular. VW diesels are good, aren't they?
-Loren

nvbanker

Gee, Snake - did you forget your sense of humor this morning??

nvbanker

IMO, NOTHING VW is good..... The Diesel is just slower.

snakeweasel

No but there was nothing humorous there.

nvbanker

Well then my apologies - it was meant to be. :confuse:

engnrng

Synergy technology was patented in 1974 by TRW automotive systems out of So Cal. Toyotas first roadworthy model was sold in 1997, almost 10 years ago. New technology? Not really. What is relatively new is the amount of computer controls over torque, rpm, and fuel consumption, although variable valve timing has played with that for about a decade as well. Battery technology is advancing rapidly, and probably will continue to do so for many more years. The synergy approach takes rpm and torque control away from drivers and therefore, one can expect longer engine life, possibly double the current average around 125,000 miles. Realiability of the Totyota model, now in its 4th generation has been exceptional due to their attention to detail and zealous testing.

tlong

Well, the wife doesn't like sedans. We also don't like large SUVs. So we're thinking about small SUV.

We started thinking Lexus RX. Then gas prices went up and we finalized the location of our kids' schools for next year. Ooops - the drive is quite a bit longer.

Then we thought we'd get an Acura RDX to save some money. But then the mileage was announced (24 highway) and we figured the cost and mileage weren't enough.

Then we figured CR-V (new 2007 redesign).

We also looked at Mazda 5, seats six, cheaper than CRV, and based upon Mazda 3 platform. Plus next year's model will have available leather, heated seats, nav, hid's -- all around $25K.

So it's probably between these two cars. Any other ideas?

We're at 207K miles on our 1994 Mercury Villager and it is just about time to do something! But we're waiting a few months for the '07's.

m1miata

How about the Mazda CX-7 ? Or the Rav4 ?

tlong

Wife didn't particularly like the RAV4. We've noticed that after a time, Toyotas sometimes take on this nauseating smell.

We're looking for: reliable, relatively high mileage, decent handling and refinement, and at least decent interior.

We actually like the CX-7 and may consider it. But the mileage is fairly poor.

Would love to consider an American small SUV, but I don't know of one that offers reasonable interior quality and refinement, plus reliability and gas mileage. I understand that some VUE's have Honda engines, but those are 6's, aren't they? I also like the looks of the previous VUE better than the new one.

I also like the exterior looks of the Torrent, but haven't seen the interior. I understand it has the thrashy Chinese 3800 engine, we don't really want that.

nippononly

Chinese engine isn't the 3800, it is the 3.4L - even worse!

Holy cow, everyone, we need to run out and buy something from Chrysler Group - they are backed up with overstock! I saw an article in the paper today about how they are now staging Ram and Dakota pick-ups as well as other truck-based models at the ports because they have just run out of room elsewhere, there are just way too many out there. They are also planning some drastic new financial incentives to be announced this Friday, I believe.

So then later this evening I happened down by the port, and whoa! The same is true here! (the pic in the paper was in Pennsylvania or something, not here). Acres and acres AND ACRES of Rams, Dakotas, and Caravans, just sitting there. They were parking them in the weeds and down at the water's edge as they ran out of room on the pavement, and these are overflow lots whose paved areas are ENORMOUS - I would have thought there was no amount of any cargo they could need to store that would exceed the available space.

So everybody go out this weekend and buy a Dodge minivan or pick-up, OK? That way we can all help out Chrysler in its current crisis. :-P

m1miata

A smell from a Toyota? Dad and I have owned Toyotas for years and years - cars up to nine years old, and never a smell. Maybe someone put a fish in your car, like that movie, Grumpy Old Men

I kinda like the Tribute, but not sure how well the crash test data is on that one, and it ain't for everyone. I like simple and inexpensive. The CX-7 really is a looker! I have no idea how good a car it is, but the Murano has some style going on. I take it you need an SUV or VAN for a kidmobile? Chrysler always has some deals running. Not sure about their resale value.
-Loren

m1miata

Follow up on the Tribute. Does fine with the side air bags option in the crash tests. Frontal is 5/4. Looks pretty good.

So those Chryslers are stacking up? Not selling? Ya know, in the world of mini-vans, they look pretty good. Looks like new competition from Korea though, and as always the SUV is still pretty popular. Oh yeah, then there are the Consumer Reports data which well, let's not go there. Looks like the 2005 model year looks a little more promising for reliability. What is so hard with getting these cars right? It's not like they are some new space ship - geepers.
-Loren

rockylee

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=115946

Rocky

rockylee

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=115944

Rocky

rockylee

Edmunds has some advertisement going on where you can lease a Maserati Quattroporte for $1,899 @ 48 months with only $5,057 down. I better go sell the wife, kids, a kidney or 2, and run right out and get that deal.

Rocky

snakeweasel

We also looked at Mazda 5, seats six, cheaper than CRV, and based upon Mazda 3 platform. Plus next year's model will have available leather, heated seats, nav, hid's -- all around $25K.

I was mildly disappointed in the Mazda5, and at around $25K its to much for what you're getting in the car.

The CR-V is nice SIL has one and likes it. I have a niece that has the Rav4 and she likes it, between the two I would take the CR-V.

You might also run over to Hyundai and look at the Tuscon, that would be in your price range.

Subaru has a few AWD wagons that start just over $18K, they would be worth a look at, and they should give you slightly better mileage. That being said don't discount a station wagon, usually less expensive than a SUV with better gas mileage but they do have a good deal of utility.

lemko

I wouldn't mind a Ram pickup. I wonder what they'd give me for my '88 Park Ave?

lemko

Better yet, I could wait for some mobster like Johnny Sack to go to jail and get a Maserati for only $25K! That is until the Feds sieze it from me because his wife wasn't to sell any of the frozen assets.

rockylee

Lemko, look it up on KBB or NADA. I think edmunds has a page somewhere on this site.

Rocky

P.S. Get ya a 07' Silverado/Sierra pal if you want a truck. The Tundra is going to be nice also.

Rocky

snakeweasel

How many mobsters have Maserati's?