Ask the Car People.SM


Smart Fortwo

594 messages,  Last post on Apr 18, 2011 at 11:24 AM

You are in the Smart Car Forum.

What is this discussion about? smart formore, smart fortwo, Hatchback

Messages Page 1 of 60

#1 of 594 smart fortwo by pat

Mar 03, 2007 (11:17 am)

What do you think about the smart fortwo? Let's talk about it here.

#2 of 594 Profitability versus functionality by datlila

Mar 03, 2007 (12:21 pm)

Just my 2 cents -- profits CAN affect function in this way: If you'd bought a Daewoo a few years back, you'll have an increasingly difficult time finding spare parts and knowledgeable service.
 
That said, I already own two cars (well, right now four, but two are up for sale) and when they are available I plan to purchase a Smart cabriolet just for kicks. My youngest child will be in preschool and the Smart will be an excellent vehicle for me to have fun in, run errands, go to the store, etc. when I'm by myself.

#3 of 594 Re: Profitability versus functionality [datlila] by snakeweasel

Mar 03, 2007 (12:39 pm)

Replying to: datlila (Mar 03, 2007 12:21 pm)
The wifes and my daily drives are starting to get up there in miles and I am seriously considering a Smart as my daily commuter. I seriously cannot remember when the last time I had anyone in the back seat of my current ride so I wouldn't really miss it.
 
If its low enough in price and gets good mileage (which it is supposed to do in both) I am game for it.

#4 of 594 40MPG by stowite

Mar 03, 2007 (4:39 pm)

I can think of several reasons to own this vehicle. But, I must admit, I'm very confuesed. They say it will come in around 40 miles to a gallon? What happened. I used to own an AMC/REAULT Alliance. It was advertised at 53 miles per gallon and frankly, it measured that way all the way to 133,000 miles - when I drove it overheated and broke it.
 
If they could do that in 1987 - with a four seater - why can't we get 70 mpg with a two seater in 2007 (20 years later)? -very curious about this.

#5 of 594 Smart Car by pahefner01

Mar 03, 2007 (6:21 pm)

I saw the Smarte in Ireland back in 1999 and really like it then. I think it has a useful purpose in the USA. I also think it's cute. I'm sorry it's being sold through the Mercedes dealers. That could mean expensive service. It would seem that an economy car like this would sell better though Chrysler dealers.

#6 of 594 Re: 40MPG [stowite] by snakeweasel

Mar 03, 2007 (10:12 pm)

Replying to: stowite (Mar 03, 2007 4:39 pm)
What happened. I used to own an AMC/REAULT Alliance. It was advertised at 53 miles per gallon
 
Come on now, an AMC/Reault Alliance couldn't go 53 miles.
 
FWIW the Alliance was EPA rated at 41 highway and 34 city at best per the EPAs website.
 
If they could do that in 1987 - with a four seater - why can't we get 70 mpg with a two seater in 2007 (20 years later)? -very curious about this.
 
A couple of things. First is that there is only so much energy in a gallon of gas and it takes so much energy to move a pound a certain distance. Even if the engine was 100% efficent there is only so far a car will go on a gallon of gas and no further.
 
Secondly there is something called the law of diminishing returns. That basically says every increment is harder to achieve and more costly. In other words its faster, easier and cheaper to increase a cars mileage from 35MPG to 36MP than it is to increase it from 36MPG to 37MPG.

#7 of 594 Re: 40MPG [stowite] by snakeweasel

Mar 05, 2007 (7:10 pm)

Replying to: stowite (Mar 03, 2007 4:39 pm)
I can think of several reasons to own this vehicle.
 
So can I its so versatile.
 

 

 

 

 
And my personal favorite:
 

#8 of 594 Re: 40MPG [snakeweasel] by reuel3

Mar 05, 2007 (8:57 pm)

Replying to: snakeweasel (Mar 05, 2007 7:10 pm)
I think that last one might help me a bit with the morning commute...

#9 of 594 Heh by plekto

Mar 05, 2007 (9:12 pm)

The tank needs a turret, though. Of course, being Smart-Sized, maybe a couple of side-mounted gatling guns.

#10 of 594 US Pricing by lostchild

Mar 20, 2007 (8:02 am)

smartusa.com just posted some initial pricing for the US smart fortwo. Pure will start under $12k, Passion under $14k, and Passion Cabrio under $17k. I am thinking about getting the Cabrio. It seems like a fun car for Southern California.

Messages Page 1 of 60

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement