Smart Car

[rshoffer]

Does anyone out there own a Smart Car or know of someone who does? I'm starting to see them frequently around TV and wonder how owners like them.

[bsliny]

LOOK AT THE CAR if your in an accident you won't need a coffin they'll put you and the car in the ground Is it really worth risking your life to save a couple of dollars on gas I've seen them on the highway and i can't believe it

[nONIE]

and by the way, isnt the price of gas way way down now? ive been meaning to ask, what is the cheapest gas prices near the Villages?

Its about 1.77 here in NY, where we are priviledged to have the highest taxes in the country so it must be below that in TV!

[bsliny]

NONIE i read your occupation you have a great outlook on life stay with it

[diskman]

and by the way, isnt the price of gas way way down now? ive been meaning to ask, what is the cheapest gas prices near the Villages?

Its about 1.77 here in NY, where we are priviledged to have the highest taxes in the country so it must be below that in TV!

$1.59 here in southern California:bowdown:

[Sidney Lanier]

We actually saw one station between TV and Ocala at $1.50/gallon last week! Couldn't believe it--but do believe that gas pricing is not just an economic issue; it's also psychological too, to keep everyone just a little off balance....

[nONIE]

Well its certainly got me tipsy Sid, and I havant been sniffing it either! LOL

[chuckinca]

$1.69 @ Arco, $1.79 or so at Shell & Chevron in San Francisco Bay Area.


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[jeffy]

I saw an article in Consumer Reports that rated cars a few months ago. The Honda Accord was rated about 89. The lowest real car , I think was the Jeep , at about 59. The Smart Car was rated at around 39. They suggested you get a Honda Civic instead.

jeffy

[nancy thereader]

I remember first seeing the Smart car in Paris where they were fine for zipping around those crowded narrow streets, but on a busy highway. I'm not so sure.

bsliny{ we are neighbors, I think . I am from Babylon.

:coolsmiley:.

[JohnN]

Gas is $1.37 at the lowest I've seen today in Little Rock.
However, I think energy is our country's weakness and we need to be serious about it as best we all can.

I read a lot about the smart car. Edmunds.com users forum folks love 'em.
I love the size and concept.

My two issues are:
1) I think it's fine for bopping around TV and maybe I'll just rent a car for longer trips. I've seen 'em on the highway, but I'm not really sure, personally.
2) the gas mileage per gallon is not impressive, high 30's. And that's the kicker for me. I can get a civic, corolla or prius and do better plus have a back seat.

Toyota is planning the "IQ" for 2010 , I believe.. .4 seater that's over 60mpg,
and I trust Toyota.

[faithfulfrank]

A good friend of mine, who actually owns the house across the street from me in The Plantation, AND works with me up here in NY...(we both plan on moving down there in 2 years)......

Well, he just bought a smart car and loves it. I went with him and I test drove one. They are supposed to have good crash ratings....the engine is in the back and it rides on rails and will go under you in a crash.

They have been in Europe for years, so they DO have a track record to study if you wish. He uses premium gas in it, but gets almost 50 mpg with it. It is amazing how much room there is inside. When sitting in one, you feel like there is a lot of car behind you, then you get out, and realize how small it is...almost magical.

It sure is a attention getter. Everyone looks, points, etc. He actually tows a trailer with it!!!

I'm not saying one should run out and get one, but to put it in perspective, i've seem golfcarts around TV that costs double what this car costs.....so it is not the craziest thing to throw money at.

I suggest one reads up on them, and go test drive one if interested. There is quite a waiting list, so they can't be all bad.

Frank D.

[woolman44]

The "real" smart thing to do is buy an american car, built in the USA, and keep the money here!! Let's stop sending all our dollars overseas......

[faithfulfrank]

The "real" smart thing to do is buy an american car, built in the USA, and keep the money here!! Let's stop sending all our dollars overseas......

I do not want to sway this thread off topic, but aren't the lines here a bit blurry?

You have Nissan's, Honda's, etc made right here in the US, and Fords, GM's, etc made in Mexico, etc.....no one knows where anything is made anymore, or where the money goes. China owns us, etc.....Global economy.

I currently own a Ford and a Jeep.....but have also owned a Nissan and a Honda and a few Volkswagens. I say the only way to keep getting quality is to expect quality and BUY quality......whoever makes it. Only then will the car makers learn.

Getting back on topic, the Smart Car has some impressive qualities......

Frank D.

[bsliny]

Yes we are neighbors My daughter lives on Cedar Lane in Babylon

[Mikitv]

Gas in Northeast Arkansas is 1.36 a gallon and if I use my Kroger discount it is about 1.26. I hope everyone remembers when gas was about $4 and still try to conserve. We don't need to be sending our dollars over to the middle east. I have a 2001 Impala and I get great gas mileage with it. I average about 22-23 around town and I've gotten as much as 34 mpg on the expressway.

[rshoffer]

I saw an article in Consumer Reports that rated cars a few months ago. The Honda Accord was rated about 89. The lowest real car , I think was the Jeep , at about 59. The Smart Car was rated at around 39. They suggested you get a Honda Civic instead.

jeffyThat's exactly what I have!

[Hawkwind]

Also the Smart can get down the road. I passed on on the turnpike on Sunday and it was traveling at 80 MPH. I checked my GPS to get a good reading as I went by and it said 81.2. I watched the Smart pass a semi and it held it's line and was not blown off the road.

[superuke]

We have had the Smart car in Canada for a few years now, As both me and my wife are Benz drivers, we go to the dealeship on a regular basis. I have talked to several owners of the smart cars, the only thing they dislike about them is that when you park anywhere other than your own garage there will always be several people wanting to talk to you about your car. They say it gets very annoying after a while.

The car does not have a spare tire and the tires on front are different size from the ones on the rear of the car. So if you get a flat, they say no problem plently of people will stop. Go figure. But within the last year I have seen lots of traded in for bigger cars.

The cars are peppy, nice to drive, the service is great from Benz as their standards are the best We think we have some experience as we are on our third big one.

Superuke Edmonton.
Regular to the Villages and moving there soon.

[Hancle704]

I have heard that like many European autos, the Smart Car requires premium fuel which is needed to get adequate performance.

[punkpup]

I know a guy who claims to get 60 miles to the gallon in his Smartcar, and yes he does use Premium. When asked about driving on the highway he responded that he doesn't give it a second thought.... anywhere he wants to go he just goes. He's selling the one he's got so he can get a convertible Smart.

[taylor1136]

i thought there was a group all ready??????????

i am interested. i have a 2009 coup. let me know.

beau1136@aol.com

[Bill-n-Brillo]

3-1/2 year old thread - many of the posters might no longer be on TOTV so I don't know that you'll get replies from them.

Regardless, welcome to TOTV, Taylor!! :wave:

Bill :)

[army one]

There is a smart car club in the Villages. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday July 3rd @ 2pm in the Bacall Rec Center.

[Matt and Gail]

Does anyone out there own a Smart Car or know of someone who does? I'm starting to see them frequently around TV and wonder how owners like them.

I do own a Smart Cabriolet (my second Smart Car). I find it a wonderful vehicle for our second car. And for the record, there is NO VEHICLE that I would care to get into an accident with. Those who challenge the safety of the car surely must not drive a Golf Cart :icon_twisted:.

Great vehicle, fun to drive, easy to park and well built! To each his own, but I highly recommend the model. Do some research online or ask some questions at www.smartcarofamerica.com (http://www.smartcarofamerica.com)

[CarGuys]

Does anyone out there own a Smart Car or know of someone who does? I'm starting to see them frequently around TV and wonder how owners like them.

My freind who lives in Spanish Springs , or should I say wise one mentor! Has a Smart Car. I absloutely Love driving around TV and the neighborhood local roads with him. Now this man also ownes a Lexus Hard Top Convertible Harley and a Golf Cart. Thats just here in his winter home not home where the other toys are. He is a retired Automotive Trainer from Nissan and started withAmerican Motors.

Now I will soon get a bazillion experts on behind me telling you how unsafe they are but in reality the safety Cage designed around the vehicle can take quite a hit. The crush Zones and Air Bags do their Job.

If you do not play golf. Or need a second fun car in TV a Smart Rules. I am waiting till 2104 when the new dual clutch 6 speed transmission will be here.

If you go to Europe or the West Coast Smarts are everywhere. Another new car that is fun is the Fiat 500. However it cannot park in as tight a space.

I repeat! I would use it in where the car was designed, In The Villages and local road trips at speeds under 60. Not out on the Fla Pike. Hmmmm new Golf Cart $11200, Used Smart Car $8500

Herv

[justjim]

$1.50 a gallon-----very nice dream. Not in our lifetime. I personally don't know anyone who owns a Smart Car but the Honda Civic I can tell you is one good vehicle.

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

LOOK AT THE CAR if your in an accident you won't need a coffin they'll put you and the car in the ground Is it really worth risking your life to save a couple of dollars on gas I've seen them on the highway and i can't believe it

Don't own a Smart, never would. I prefer large cars. But, I had to attach this Youtube crash test of a Smart hitting a wall at 70MPH. Remarkably, it held together very well. Watch the video and enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3bFhVvdlaI

[CarGuys]

Don't own a Smart, never would. I prefer large cars. But, I had to attach this Youtube crash test of a Smart hitting a wall at 70MPH. Remarkably, it held together very well. Watch the video and enjoy.

smart car safety crash test - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3bFhVvdlaI)

We should keep this discussion to a (Smart if you lived in the Villages.) Do you live in the Village now? Not future residents trying to make a claim and who still are in a working family commuting mode. Would I own a Smart in Syracuse NY No WAY!
In The Villages I would!

If you move here you will see why people love their golf carts and small cars. They are nimble people movers. Mini Coopers, Smarts, Miata's and now the new Scion IQ

Your typical Shamu The Whale Land Yact or Mini Van or 3/4 Ton Truck starts to get old at $3.50 per gallon and $200 a piece tires that love to peel off rubber in the round abouts.

A Smart replaces a second Golf Cart or fills in for a second car and that works for some families. It parks downtown easy and it does not consumer you small garage space.

Other families park the land Yacht or nice family Sedan and use Golf Carts. It all works.

But to say you drive a LSV down the street or a Cart at 23 mph on the trails with no saftey belts air bags or roll cage around you and feel as safe as someone in a Federal approved NHTSA crash vehicle is not a good argument.

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

The "real" smart thing to do is buy an american car, built in the USA, and keep the money here!! Let's stop sending all our dollars overseas......

:agree::agree::agree::agree:

[CaptJohn]

3-1/2 year old thread - many of the posters might no longer be on TOTV so I don't know that you'll get replies from them.

Regardless, welcome to TOTV, Taylor!! :wave:

Bill :)

Interesting also that gas was $1.37 a gallon when this thread started!
Since I like old cars, I think I'll find an MG Midget or Nash Metropolitan like my Mother had.