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Smart Fortwo
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Comments
Corolla: 28/37
Yaris: 29/36
Matrix 26/33
Civic Coupe: 26/34
Fit 28/34
Versa 26/31
Those are from manu sites that say it is an 08 mpg number, or from www.fueleconomy.gov that 'imply' it is an 08 number (can't tell for 100% sure). So - yes - 33/40 is better, but for having 'not a car' I want better than that small bump. The diesel is a great example of what the form factor can do. I still claim if they really focused on it, they could do much better from gas or a gas/hybrid.
To me, the smart comes real close to being more similar to the Gem E6 than to any of the cars listed above... To go to such a form factor, it better seriously deliver mpg for what I am giving up! And note - that isn't meant as a slight, I seriously consider buying a Gem every 3 to 4 months... The main difference (of course) is range, 40 miles only on Gem - on - and being able to drive of freeways/expressways.
Overall, however, I like the idea that it might be a conservative number and we just have to wait and see what the 2008 EPA number is for comparison purposes. I recommend that Smart have the test taken even if for some reason they don't have to so we will know what the comparo number is!!
Again, the main thing working against the smart is the slow shifting of that automatic clutch manual. But I suspect most people won't even notice the shifts after they drive it awhile.
Please provide insight regarding spare tire or lack of.
Thanks,
Sam in Anderson, SC
Funny what different things are deal breakers for different folks. Years ago, I used to change my own tires. Don't do that now. If there is a flat (I sometimes haven't gotten one for many years) the road service takes care of it. Good enough for me, but that may not be so for you.
Although I don't expect to be on trips with this car, there will be times when I go around 200 miles or so from home and having a flat would not be something I look forward to, particularly in the rain,at night, etc. Fixing a flat with the little kit would not be a big problem but one would certainly have to carry around a tire inflater ,12 volts or a regular bike pump. The real problem would be if one would have a blow out where it could not be fixed. Now that would be the pits late at night or on the road.
I would think that for a spare, the size difference would be ok for a short period since both sizes are 15". I don't even pull my boat trailer without having a spare with me. I see too many folks who have trailer flats and no spare.
I sure am going to give this spare tire business some more thought. I am sorry I thought of that.
Thanks for the response.
As far as I know, the tires aren't LRR. That would help the mileage, but would also make the handling more skittish.
I want to view the space before deciding to see if I could get a spare tire in it and still have a little room. Of course, I have a few months to decide.
Sam
I do hear that the transmission shifting has been much improved. That should help.
Thanks for your response.
Sam
- The Toyota and VW microcars will fit three people(trust me, we're talking Porsche 911 lack of space behind the driver!), but that's all you need.
- If Smart had a flatter rear floor(perfectly flat) and a bit of work, it might be possible for them to fit a third person in the rear sideways behind the passenger(6 inch thinner dash and everything moved up 6-8 inches for the passenger might be enough space)
All it really needs is 6 more inches behind the front seats and a bit of redesigning. If they can fit a jumpseat in an extended cab pickup truck, they certainly can in this with only a few inches more space.
The same I guess holds true for a lot of cars. The Porsche Cayman, for instance, would be astounding if they put a single small seat in the center or the rear area. The 350Z also came to mind. In fact, it was such a glaring problems that it forced Infiniti to make a 4 door version.
As for the 350Z, the G35 was always intended as a separate model (it was the Skyline in Japan) which ended up sharing the FM platform due to Nissan's need for drastic cost-cutting at the end of the '90s when they were designed.
Given the fact that the seats for most reasonable use/position are 6-8 inches forward of their maximum rear limit/position, how hard would it be to fit in a small racing type bucket seat for a 3rd passenger/child? If the seats were an inch or two narrower and an inch or so farther apart, you could put your feet between them I bet.
[I am 5'10"-folks used to stare in amazement when I folded up to get into or out of my tiny Honda... That was the best car of my life.]
I called my insurer to see how much money I'll save when my Yellow Passion arrives.
I almost fell off my chair when they said the Smart would cost me $320 more every 6 months than my $36,000 06 Subaru Tribeca.
If that quote proves accurate there is no savings in the cost of operating a Smart and may actually make the Smart much more expensive. I asked what a Honda Fit would be, Fit is just $16 more for 6 months.
This quote was from Progressive. Has anyone else received any insurance quotes?
It does have a jack.
annual milage 10000 10000
MPG City 33.00 28.00
Gallons Used 303.03 357.14
Price per Gallon:
Premium 3.20
Regular 3.00
Gas Cost 969.70 1071.43
Added Insurance
Cost for 12 Months 640.00 28.00
Total Cost Gas & Ins1609.70 1099.43
Smart will cost me 510.00 dollars more per year than a Fit - based on rate quote from Progressive
If you are loaded with points, no body can really help, butProgressive may be better because they specialize in high risk drivers.
I read somewhere that the Smart comes with a can of inflatable tire repair stuff. The Smart also comes with tire pressure monitors.
As I understand that - the inflator material destroys the pressure sensor. Which is sort of a conundrum.
Those extra few inches might not make practical or prudent.
In this country with so many driver using the touch system when parallel parking I don't know if I would want to nose in park.
The transmission takes some getting used to--the auto shift is jerky at first, however you soon learn to let off the gas a touch when it shifts. I like to use the shift paddles for most driving.
This s\morning at the marker, a lady in a Hummer offered to trade with me.
I'll repost once the novelty has worn off.
CONS: Edmonds rating states in part "engine is not suited for highway driving". Any thoughts on this?
Engine requires premium unleaded. Why not E-85 compatible? (Why not a deisel?)
Anybody have experience driving one of these in the snow? We live in South Bend, IN, where the roads are often covered with snow, ice, slush, etc.
We will have to wait till the second half of the year to get one. Guess this is a PRO since we may know much more about them by then.
This little critter should do just fine on slick or snowy roads, eventhough CanadianDriver.com did a test of it, about a year ago or so, and found this machine to be lacking in traction on snow...but their test was done in deep snow, if I remember correctly. Canadian winters can be quite brutal, weatherwise, especially with snow...
It's nice to know that its Mitsubishi powerplant can run on regular, though, but it WILL cut preformance...this IS true!
Peace!<-AladdinSane-<- :shades: -
0-60 times? Revving the engine to 3-4000 RPM and then manually dumping it into gear. Then they hold it in second until it hits 60mph. (yes, with an automatic!) Completely unrealistic but they all do it. I timed 0-60 in an IS300 a few years back letting the automatic do its thing and it was about 10 seconds. Their testing is just not in line with reality. If it's a manual, they redline it and dump the clutch in 2nd or 3rd. If I did that every day, I'd need a new clutch in 3-4 months.
It's not that they lie, it's that they are a bunch of incredibly jaded and geekish people after years and years of reviewing vehicles. Case in point - they think that anything less than 6 seconds 0-60 is crap.
So of course they think the Smart is worthless and underpowered. Funny thing, though... I don't need to race some guy at a light.
That is a nice rate, where do you live?
All in all I liked the car and this just confirms my belief that this would make the perfect second "Commuter" car.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
- It looks like a little bug sitting in the parking space - even the compact parking spot.
- Inside you are amazed at the room. Another employee was driving who is 6'3" and he said there is plenty of leg and head room. What's odd is when you look over your shoulder to back out - the car pretty much ends at your shoulder.
- I was able to fit my carry-on roller bag and computer back in the back... but that's about it.
- Don't expect room for anything. Even the owner's manual barely fits in the glovebox.
- Stereo is OK.
- Parking is a breeze
- Lots of waves and smiles as you zip past people
- Driving (and being a passenger) was fun!
I chuckle every time I hear this. I have not had a flat tire in at least 10 years and wouldn't be concerned if all I had with me was a can of fix-a-flat as the Smart does.
Insurance is not a bad thing. Gambling may not be bad either,but there is no assurance against the outcome.
Yes, I've been lucky in not having a flat in years and my experience makes me more comfortable even if all I had was a can of fix-a-flat.
Don't forget about the absolute garbage two year warranty these things are coming with. A brand new unknown product with unproven reliability hits the market and the manufacturer gives it the worst warranty in the business. It's one thing to make the public purchase extended 6 or 7 year warranties. It's completely another to make them buy one for three years.
I know the Smart has its defenders on this forum. But one mustn't overlook the vehicle's shortcomings. It only seats 2, has minimal storage space, no spare, it is decidely un-peppy, and the fuel economy isn't great for its size. It will be a huge failure in this market. As noted in other posts, people are just going to buy a Fit/Matrix. Heck, even a stripper Hyundai Accent for 12 grand is a far wiser choice.
This is why we have choices. The Fit or Matrix may fill the bill for some, but they are much larger cars than the smart. Unlike the smart, none of them offer stability control. Even a loaded Hyundai Accent does not offer automatic climate control, traction control, or automatic manual transmission. And only a couple diesels and hybrids offer better mileage than the smart.
All cars are compromises. The smart is a unique package and quite inexpensive, considering its equipment level. It also has a cache and fun factor the may be meaningless to some people, but is something none of your suggested alternatives have.
The smart is also an alternative (and a safer one) to a motorcycle or scooter, though it will not affect that market. People buy cycles for at least as many variable reasons as they buy different types of cars.
BTW, you are more likely to get a flat in the city than a long road trip. Getting a flat may be one of your greatest concerns. For me, it is so far down the list as to almost not be a factor (and that's why I belong to AAA). And I say that, having owned 27 vehicles, driven for decades and been both an urban and farm dweller. The smart will do ok. It is not projected to be the next Camry or anything. I'm glad it is finally here.