- #139 of 491
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Re: 2008 Smart Passion Owner Comments [tiff_c]
by scwmcan
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Mar 23, 2008 (5:46 am)
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Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 22, 2008 1:35 pm)
Yet I saw them all the time on the roads in the snow and the drivers weren't having a problem that I could see, there are also reports from owners (on forums in Canada) that say the car is good in snow so I guess it may be that familiarity with the car makes it at least drivable in the winter. (also it may be that snow tires used in the test weren't very good).
Scott
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- #140 of 491
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Re: 2008 Smart Passion Owner Comments [scwmcan]
by tiff_c
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Mar 23, 2008 (6:04 am)
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Replying to: scwmcan (Mar 23, 2008 5:46 am)
Yet I saw them all the time on the roads in the snow and the drivers weren't having a problem that I could see, there are also reports from owners (on forums in Canada) that say the car is good in snow so I guess it may be that familiarity with the car makes it at least drivable in the winter. (also it may be that snow tires used in the test weren't very good).
I have no idea, I posted the link after I read that article. That site is very reliable and realistic. They don't drive their cars in sunny california and Florida. They drive them in the snow and ice and slush.
No idea how good a smart would be in snow until i drive it myself. I'm 4 hours drive from Montreal. We get awful weather here as well.
I love seeing the pics of the cars as they truly are in the winter covered with salt and road grime and reviewing the cars based on real world for the snow belt versus 75 degrees and sunny with occasional rain. 
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- #141 of 491
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Re: Mixed Feelings after Extended Test Drive [stanwict]
by prosp
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Mar 23, 2008 (6:04 pm)
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Replying to: stanwict (Mar 19, 2008 6:44 am)
Here comes the “but”: But, #1 I don’t like the transmission. I’m 40, lazy and I want a real automatic. You drive the SMART like it’s a stick that you don’t change the gears but you have to back off the gas when the gears change else your in for a rough ride. Maybe it’s something I could get use to but I can see me getting in our other two cars and start driving them like the SMART!
I drove the car a few weeks ago, and the transmission is what caused me to cancel my reservation. I'm not sure that I can describe it that well, but basically it is like having a manual transmission (without the clutch) as you still have to still take your foot off the gas when the transmission is upshifting. So, it is easier to work than a manual transmission, but it seemed odd to take your foot off the gas without needing to depress a clutch. I also drove the car in the paddle shifter mode, and you still have to take your foot off the gas when shifting. The salesman said "shift and lift", it sounded like they made up that catchy phrase to make it sound a little more fun.
Bottom line was that it was not bad to drive, it was roomy, but I didn't see myself in the car. I think a lot of potential owners will be surprised by the feel of the transmission.
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- #142 of 491
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Re: 2008 Smart Passion Owner Comments [tiff_c]
by scwmcan
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Mar 24, 2008 (5:25 am)
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Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 23, 2008 6:04 am)
I have yet to drive one either (even in non snow conditions) I need to be able to go in with the funds for one before I do (I know I don't have to be buying one to drive one but if I really liked I I would want one) but they have been up here for a few years now and I have seen them in the snow, so I don't think they are completely undrivable in it, that said they may be among the worst cars available in the snow, but I am sure that as with any car once you learn its limitations you can drive it sqafely (if not swiftly) on the snow. I think I might try to find better snow tires than the ones offered by the dealers as well (I think that may have been part of the probelm in the test, but who knows for sure) I am certainly not saying the test is invalid in anyway.
Scott
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- #143 of 491
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Re: 2008 Smart Passion Owner Comments [scwmcan]
by tiff_c
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Mar 24, 2008 (6:19 am)
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Replying to: scwmcan (Mar 24, 2008 5:25 am)
I have seen them in the snow, so I don't think they are completely undriveable in it, that said they may be among the worst cars available in the snow, but I am sure that as with any car once you learn its limitations you can drive it safely (if not swiftly) on the snow. I think I might try to find better snow tires than the ones offered by the dealers as well (I think that may have been part of the problem in the test, but who knows for sure) I am certainly not saying the test is invalid in anyway.
I think the comment made does sum it all up. The problem is lack of weight and there is a limit to what snow tires can do. Imagine driving a motorcycle in the snow. Yes it can be done with super studded tires or spikes but not what you'd want for your daily commute. The Smart would need really good studded tires for starters and how well it would be, i can't say but if the Canadians don't think much of it in the snow (and they have the diesel version) then how good can it really be?
I thought their test was very fairly done.
If you do get one and drive it in the snow I would be very interested to see how you make out with it. 
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- #144 of 491
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Re: 2008 Smart Passion Owner Comments [tiff_c]
by scwmcan
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Mar 24, 2008 (6:27 am)
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Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 6:19 am)
Well I am a Canadian, and as I said I have heard different opinions than this one, found another link from a real world test in Ottawa conditions, so as I said opionions seem to vary, I think I wopuld just need to see for myself. Just FYI here is the link ( and again I don't means to say the first story is wrong at all just want to put up a different perspective), again I think I would have to try it for myself to say wether I would be comfortable with it or not (though unlike many people I have lots of expeerience driving RWD cars in the winter (old Volvos) so I am not as intimidated as some others.
(BTW the link worked for me, but not until I hit the back button on the browser, don't know why just letting you know)
link title
Scott
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- #145 of 491
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Re: 2008 Smart Passion Owner Comments [scwmcan]
by tiff_c
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Mar 24, 2008 (11:08 am)
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Replying to: scwmcan (Mar 24, 2008 6:27 am)
Well I am a Canadian, and as I said I have heard different opinions than this one, found another link from a real world test in Ottawa conditions, so as I said opinions seem to vary, I think I would just need to see for myself.
Good link, They did in fact mention the 2006 Traction test that I linked to and I believe it's the same one.
I was unaware that it failed the Moose test, so much for autocross.
Also they didn't spend much time discussing how good it was in the snow, not considering the articles title.
I figure it this way, if it was good in the snow they'd be very happy to discuss it at length and not just a few lines. Overall they panned the car and while it might actually be a good little car. I think until owners are posting about their own experiences in the snow there isn't any way to be certain if it's good or not.
I hope if you get one it's good in the snow.
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- #146 of 491
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Smart cars in the snow
by tiff_c
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Mar 24, 2008 (11:17 am)
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Just for fun, the first one the snow is like our unplowed roads up here where I am but with hills.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ87pJpz4Ik&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HMmixk35kg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8POixMxNVdU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCiSSuqSgb8&feature=related
Oh and whatever you do, don't try a J-Turn in a SmartQ!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uOoMVlTd1g&feature=related
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- #147 of 491
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Re: Smart cars in the snow [tiff_c]
by scwmcan
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Mar 24, 2008 (11:34 am)
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Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 24, 2008 11:17 am)
Well to be fair to the smart it doesn't look like the one in the first video had snows on, and I know my current mazda 3 would not be much better in that ind of snow with it's all seasons on (from experience this year). But it does look like deep snow wouldn't be great for the smart (and I would not be surprised by that either). Thankfully the major roads are kept much cleaner than this so it would noly be a problem getting down the side street to my house (which doesn't normally get plowed unitl at least a day after the storm (if alt all). But of course someone with an SUV almost aways puts ruts into the piles of snow. In any case thanks for the well wishes about the smart if I get one (if I do it will be a used diesel model instead of the new gas model, I like many don't see enough advantage in fuel milage with the gas model). I will also probably keep either my mazda or the old ford ranger pick-up I have for days when I know there is going to be a storm anyway (provided I can afford to keep the Mazda too it will be that choice for the extra seating and utility for when I need them too) so hopefully I won't need to worry about the snow capabilities too much.
I hope all the curent owners will be happy with them in the snow (though I hope they don't need to find out this year, we've had enough already ).
Scott
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- #148 of 491
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Re: Smart cars in the snow [scwmcan]
by tiff_c
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Mar 24, 2008 (11:41 am)
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Replying to: scwmcan (Mar 24, 2008 11:34 am)
Well to be fair to the smart it doesn't look like the one in the first video had snows on, and I know my current mazda 3 would not be much better in that kind of snow with it's all seasons on (from experience this year).
Hey Youtube had only so many videos of Smarts in the snow. It's just for fun anyway. If someone would decide on buying a car based on stuff like that alone they're crazy.
Also my Civic has gone up hills like the first video with no snows but it wasn't fun or quick. With snows, no drama.
You are so lucky to be able to buy a diesel version, not here in the US tho. 
I think as a good weather car it would be ok. Nasty weather is a problem for most cars.
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