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Smart Tour USA Report

42 messages,  Last post on Dec 08, 2007 at 5:03 PM

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What is this discussion about? smart fortwo, Hatchback

Messages Page 3 of 5

#13 of 42 Mini[lostchild] by 74apollo

Jul 17, 2007 (7:19 am)

Replying to: lostchild (Jul 16, 2007 12:52 pm)
You'll enjoy the Mini. I have a Mini but my husband wants a Smart car for himself.

#14 of 42 Test Drove Smart ForTwo at Denver Tour by myst4

Jul 26, 2007 (6:40 pm)

Well, after being a long-time fan of the smart ForTwo (after first seeing it in Europe in 2001), and having put my $99 deposit down about a month ago for the reservation, I have crossed the smart off my list. They ARE cute, and the inside space for the driver and passenger is roomy enough. BUT, all I had to do was drive it a few hundred feet, and I was already disappointed! The test drive was done in the automatic mode, and as far as power goes, the only thing I could compare it to is one of the kiddy cars at the amusement park, where they limit the ability of the car to only go so fast, so you don't get hurt, even when floored. The route for the test drive went all the way around Invesco Field football stadium (probably a couple of miles), but about 1/4 of the way through, I was ready to go back. I'm a car-lover, and that's NOT normal for me. The brakes seemed to barely work as well, at least the pedal went down quite a ways before you felt anything take hold. I wasn't too fond of the steering either - seemed like only partially powered, or maybe just too loose. Anyway, I test drove a MINI a couple of months ago, and it was MUCH better - no comparison. Of course it's more expensive and not as good gas mileage, but at least it moves. Sorry - I was hoping to have good news.

#15 of 42 premium fuel? by keiko380

Jul 26, 2007 (10:28 pm)

I'm struggling over this too...I'm driving a G35 coupe. It's very powerful and fun to drive with. But the gas it takes really eat me up (especially when it's taking premium fuel only...). So I'm thinking to switch to some nice looking gas saver car!
I was looking into the spec of Smart fortwo at Edmund's review page, and it does mention "premium fuel"...I'm wondering, is it premium fuel "only" or "recommended"??
I've never test driven a Prius or Hybrid, so I don't know how it's feel like to drive something with 71 horse power...Can you guys tell me more about this 71HP Smart ForTwo car? How does it feel like when you step on the gas pedal??

#16 of 42 Re: premium fuel? [keiko380] by myst4

Jul 27, 2007 (4:51 am)

Replying to: keiko380 (Jul 26, 2007 10:28 pm)
I guess you didn't see my post - just before yours. The ForTwo was WAY underpowered. Like I mentioned, it felt like a kiddy car at the amusement park. I felt like it never went above 25mph during the whole test drive. Even when I floored it - it was unresponsive. Maybe I didn't wait long enough for it to "kick in", as mentioned by some other people (one or two second delay). However, my husband has a Toyota Prius, and he loves it. I have a Nissan Altima 3.5L, which has a LOT of power (and runs on premium only). When I drive his Prius, it still is fine and doesn't bother me as far as power. Of course it's no muscle car, but we took it on a trip to New Mexico last fall, and it was great on the road. Plenty of power to merge, pass, whatever. It was fine in the mountains too. The Prius is a GREAT car and I would highly recommend it. It runs ONLY on Regular Unleaded. Anything with higher octane can ruin the hybrid engine. We get about 45 mpg. Hope this helps!

#17 of 42 you got the point by keiko380

Jul 27, 2007 (4:55 pm)

yea, I read your post...you got the point about it...and with the problem on the brakes, I wouldn't want to have that either.
Now I'm considering Toyota Yaris. What do you think about that car then? I haven't test drive anything yet...but Yaris looks cute too! lol

#18 of 42 Re: you got the point [keiko380] by myst4

Jul 27, 2007 (9:33 pm)

Replying to: keiko380 (Jul 27, 2007 4:55 pm)
I've never driven a Yaris, or know anyone that has one. But good luck on finding a car that you will like!

#19 of 42 Re: you got the point [keiko380] by hodad66

Jul 28, 2007 (5:05 am)

Replying to: keiko380 (Jul 27, 2007 4:55 pm)
I have the Scion xA (Toyota) and think that it's a great car. I haven't driven the Yaris as it came out after I purchased my xA but both are built on the same platform.
 
If you want an economical, reliable vehicle you can't hardly beat Toyota. My complaint about the Scion line is that they "Americanized" the most recent offerings. They are larger and burn more fuel. I feel that this was a step backward but then Toyota is offering their Yaris.

#20 of 42 I test drove the Yaris by lostchild

Jul 31, 2007 (8:38 am)

The main reason I withdrew my $99 deposit for the smart car was the test drive. I love the way it looks on the exterior, but the interior looks quite cheap. The worst part was the driving. I feel like I am waiting for the car to response to the pedal. I push down, nothing happens. And when it does, the transition between gears (automatic) was really rough. It reminds me of a person who is learning to drive a stick.
 
I test drove the Yaris, which drove a lot better. But after I test drove the Mini, there is nothing can stop me from getting one. The Mini just drives so much better compare to all the cars I have driven include my wife's BMW. I think the smart car is a good car, but Mini is THE car for me.

#21 of 42 VIN and VAT by meenakshi

Aug 02, 2007 (1:05 am)

difference between VIN and VAT?

#22 of 42 Re: VIN and VAT [meenakshi] by meenakshi

Aug 02, 2007 (1:06 am)

Replying to: meenakshi (Aug 02, 2007 1:05 am)
Vehicle Identification Number

Messages Page 3 of 5

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