I drove my buddys New Smart Car

Premium gas for that dinky car? When I bought my Prius a couple years ago, I specifically did NOT want a car with premium gas. There went my dream to buy the Infiniti G35. I'm so glad I went with the Prius.

As others have stated, the "Smart" car is perfect for dinky Europe with their dinky streets, and dinky cities. Not everything the Euros do works well in the US. Maybe in San Francisco or New York it'll be more popular where parking is at a premium. Everyone who took a trip to Europe always took a picture of the Smart car in wonderment at this dinky Euro car. It's a gimmick.

 

Smart car is a pretty smart solution for European driving conditions. Not sure how smart it'd be in much of the US. Certainly would fit a niche market, but definitely not for mass use or appeal.

 

You obviously have to factory it in when computing cost per mile. In the Prius' case, its ability to run on regular unleaded gives it even a greater advantage over the Smart.

 

My Consumer Reports just came and it gave the Smart Car a really bad review. It said you might as well get the Honda Fit - same price, same MPG (although the Smart Car stupidly requires premium fuel), and the fit seats four.

 

I keep seeing articles that use the Smart Car in comparison to the Prius and other Hybrids and fuel efficient cars. Often the point is, that cheaper gas cars can save you money in the long run over a hybrid. Talk about comparing apples to oranges. What if you have a family of 4 or occasionally go grocery shopping and need enough cargo space for a 12 pack of soda? If they are going to use that car as a comparison, they might as well throw in a motorcycle or scooter.

 

Sounds like pretty much everyone agrees the smart42 & the prius isn't for everyone

 

again.. the smart if perfect for a congested city with limited parking.. exactly what it was designed for.. america?? maybe a handful of cities..

they are currently testing 50 electric versions of the smart in london... VERY SMART

and in europe they also have a smart for four.. looks totally different, but is WAY cool... why didn't they bring that to america?????

 

In Europe, not only is gas at $8 per gallon, but parking in most major cities comes at a premium. When we were in Paris in March I saw their crazy parking firsthand. Most cars are very small, and people park so close to one another they have to bash the bumpers of the cars in front and behind them to get out.

 

You're probably talking to the wrong crowd. If any of the users on this board were so concerned about "raping" as you call it we would probably save the 30 grand for a Prius and just buy a Hayabusa for 10 grand and "rape away"

But it seems as though the Prius crowd is happy with the slow car that does on average 50mpgs, seats 5, and is suitable for longer trips unlike the Hayabusa.

 

I actually have one at the mo.

It's not bad if it's just you in the car, but the moment you have a passenger the space starts getting a problem - that's probably why they have triptronic gear shift (semi-auto or full auto) so you don't need to change gear.

The major benefits have already been stated many times in this thread - they can park anywhere.

Driving in any EU city is fine - but the freeway/ motorways are a bit of a struggle if your going any real distance (do not recommend my usual round trip from Geneva - Manchester - Geneva)

I got mine as a first car (I was also in a bit of a rush to get a car before moving to France) and DO recommend them as a city get around / first car.

Just can't wait till I get my Prius though - only 3 weeks to go....

 

Its not just a car, its a fashion statement, no more silly than a 7 passenger escalade for trips to Trader Joe's, and a lot less money. More power to them, if that's what someone wants.

 

The Smart 4 2 has no spare or jacking equipment, instead has run flat tires (I guesstimate the new Prius will do the same) sounds like a good way to save money & weight to me, is it needed ? ( on another subject the Obama sig is ok by me)

 

We saw a Smart car this weekend, the owner was parked waiting for his wife. My husband went over to talk to him about it and look at it. The guy told him it got 50/75 mpg city/highway. I don't know how long he's had the car, but he's in for a big surprise. Or else he just likes to tell fish stories and other tall tales.

 

50/75 per entire tank probably when he is flooring it to the floor (8 gal tank capacity).

 

I drove a 5-door in Italy in 2005, and liked it. I don't understand why they didn't choose to import this model also. It's one heck of a lot better looking, and more practical.



... Brad