[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]

Originally Posted by 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!

$1.59 here in southern California

[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.


.

[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.

.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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......

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