What's the selling point on the SMART car? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

frosty · #1 07-31-2011, 02:26 PM

At one point I considered getting a Smart because I mistakenly thought because of their small size they got around 50mpg. They don't even get near that. I think they're rated at around high 30s. They're pretty pricey for a car with little storage room and medicre mpg. Now if they actually got 50mpg, then I think it's worth buying one. You can buy a decent Honda Fit or Hyundair with more cargo space and better fuel economy. So what's the selling pint for the Smart? I've read they're safe cars, but so is the Fit, for example.

I'd like to get one if I can boast that it gets 50mpg on a regular gas engine and not because it's a Euro chic cute car made by M-B.

Joseph_Conrad · #2 07-31-2011, 03:21 PM

The European smart cars do get around 50mpg, it's just the crummy American versions that get in the 30s. I think the selling point is simply that it's a cute city commuter.

You can get the Euro versions here though. Here's one for sale on Seattle craigslist for 10k, http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/ctd/2507525681.html

I've seen a few of the Euro imports around here that came with the mercedes emblem on the front, which is much cooler than that smart logo.

pawoSD · #3 07-31-2011, 03:23 PM

The diesel smarts get in the 60-70mpg range. They're awesome for around town.....but are indeed a bit pricey. Considering you can pick up a pretty nice used 320Cdi E-class from the late 90's or early 00's....for the same or less $$......

MTI · #4 07-31-2011, 04:26 PM

Electric Smarts are going to bee deployed in San Diego by a subsidiary of Daimler soon as urban rentals.

MBeige · #5 07-31-2011, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frosty

At one point I considered getting a Smart because I mistakenly thought because of their small size they got around 50mpg. They don't even get near that. I think they're rated at around high 30s. They're pretty pricey for a car with little storage room and medicre mpg. Now if they actually got 50mpg, then I think it's worth buying one. You can buy a decent Honda Fit or Hyundair with more cargo space and better fuel economy. So what's the selling pint for the Smart? I've read they're safe cars, but so is the Fit, for example.

I'd like to get one if I can boast that it gets 50mpg on a regular gas engine and not because it's a Euro chic cute car made by M-B.

In crowded city streets where parking is a pain, the Smart car can squeeze into tight parking spots where "normal" cars can't.

compu_85 · #6 07-31-2011, 04:31 PM

Yup, it's cheap to buy and easy to part.

In the US version anyway it's driving experience and fuel economy are not good selling points.

-J

The Clk Man · #7 07-31-2011, 05:14 PM

When My clk 320 went into limp mode last year, one of those Smart Cars drove around my car and the driver was looking down his nose at me. I thought Benz people was supposed to take care of each other.

tjts1 · #8 07-31-2011, 05:15 PM

The automated manual transmission is idiotic. Probably the worst thing I've ever driven. What was wrong with a normal manual trans?

Joseph_Conrad · #9 07-31-2011, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

The automated manual transmission is idiotic. Probably the worst thing I've ever driven. What was wrong with a normal manual trans?

I agree. I've driven one too and I hated the feel of it. Either a normal manual or a normal automatic would be better.

tbomachines · #10 07-31-2011, 05:55 PM

I do like this one, but Top Gear did complain about it quite a bit until the Brabus came out, plus add it to the non-U.S. list. I'd get a Mazda2, Fiesta, Yaris, Fiat 500, Hyundai accent, Kia Forte, just about anything before the smart car.

retmil46 · #11 07-31-2011, 06:21 PM

IMO, some of the same attitude that's attributed to Prius owners - they want to be noticed - for being "green" and driving a unique car.

Given what's been said here of the U.S. version, it'd certainly qualify for having the most oxymoronic name.

SwampYankee · #12 07-31-2011, 07:35 PM

The name gives the impression that it is?

Why drive a Golf TDI when you can have less room and worse mileage?

You hope the ladies buy into "the car size is inversely proportionate to weeny size theory?"

I actually kinda like the Fit. Our bookkeeper has one that she loves. Equivalent mileage with actual usable space behind the driver's seat.

Now a diesel Smart OTOH...

tjts1 · #13 07-31-2011, 08:04 PM

There are so many good 4 door hatchbacks on the US market now that can do 30/40mpg, you really have to wonder whats the point of this thing? The only benefit is to MB by increasing its CAFE numbers.

tonkovich · #14 07-31-2011, 08:34 PM

tons of them in los angeles. truly ridiculous, as this is not a normal "city", i.e. everyone drives on the freeway. for $20k, you can get a fiat 500 that gets similar gas mileage, or some other slightly used - excuse me, "pre-owned" - late model diesel sedan or hatchback that gets better fuel economy and can carry more etc. etc. "status" trumps practicality.

raymr · #15 07-31-2011, 08:58 PM

When you sit in one, you don't really feel like you're in a phone booth sized car. But a guy at work, a 200# pound dude, drives one. When he pulls into the lot, he looks like one of those cats that was stuffed in a jar.