[adeleb]

I am thinking of buying a smart car for use in the villages. Any owners out there willing to comment on their experience ? Any advice?
Should I go new or used? Are they reliable? I am thinking of the cabriolet model , gas powered in a light color.

FYI..We have a full size car here and a golf cart. It would be for me and I'm 5 ft tall so I will not be bumping my head. We are here intermittently on vacation since I am still working back east so car would be idle for long stretches.

Also can they fit with a golfcart in a parking spot and are they easy to park and drive? I would not be driving it on highway .
I thank you in advance for any advice!

[TNLAKEPANDA]

A few things about Smart Cars. They do not get great gas mileage for the limited size and space. Not very good on a highway. You don't want to be in a accident. They could be really hard to sell if you don't like it. On the plus side easy to park as it is about as long as a golf cart. I would suggest you buy a pre-owned one if you do buy. You might want to look a something like a Fiat 500 first.

[Chatbrat]

The smart car has the same foot print as a golf cart--drive one before you buy--the transmission is awful, also it uses premium fuel-the engine is inside the passenger area, the brakes stink in an emergency--a 15 minute test drive was enough

[memason]

I owned a Cabrio in Germany for a couple years. Was a great work car, but we took it everywhere [local], due to its ease of parking. For autobahn travel, we took the BMW....

Mine was a 3 cylinder diesel and was fairly economical, but here, I would only purchase a gas model.

They are surprisingly roomy on the inside. However, there is practically no space for luggage, but we did get golf clubs in it a couple times. Took a little bit squeezing, but we got them in. We could use it for trips to the grocery, but only if we didn't need too much.

They are safer than most people think. Their passenger compartment is a cage design and is very strong. I'm including a video of some crash testing. You might be surprised at its strength.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGtWc4m8Z2E

Personally, I wouldn't have another, but it was fun while I had it...I have nothing bad to say about Smart Cars...

Good Luck in your search and research....

[adeleb]

Thanks for those opinions. I will be test driving one this week.

[The20Percent]

Friends of ours have one and they complain about the high service costs through Mercedes. They said they were never told of these high yearly costs when they purchased it new. They now have over 100k miles on it and the paint is pealing off the sides from having sat outside. They said they would be lucky to get $2,000 trade in value for it now! They do like the gas savings but say they wouldn't have another one. They are now looking at either a Fiat or a Ford Fiesta as a replacement.

[MoeVonB61]

Wanted one for myself until I signed on to Consumer Reports...The Smart Car is rated in the top 3 worst in it's category for many reasons.....your better off with a Toyota Scion...

[2catsmeow]

I LOVE my Smart Car - I bought it new in 2009 and it is a perfect car for driving in the villages. I consistently get 45 miles to the gallon, sure it takes premium fuel, but with that kind of mileage not a big deal. We have only had to take it to the dealer for the annual check ups - have had no problems with anything. My husband is 6'3"" and he fits in It fine - plenty of head room. The Tridion steel safety shell makes it a much safer car than many other small vehicles. I would not hesitate to get another. Mine is a 2009 and I just turned over 20,000 miles.

[OpusX1]

I think a Mini Cooper is a much better choice even if it is a little bit bigger.

[pbkmaine]

Honda Fit gets great reviews from everyone.

[Northerner52]

I would not buy one if the consumer report readers have made it such a bad choice. Google 'review smart car' and read a few reviews on it

[bobbym]

A smart car will fit in a golf cart spot but remember you have swing out doors

[blueeagle65]

Just sayin.....

[Northerner52]

How about a Mazda Miata for a fun car?

[jpvillager]

Take a hard look at resale value. The depreciate quicker than most cars.