My life with a new SMART car......... | FerrariChat
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My life with a new SMART car.........

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by Kds, Jul 17, 2009.

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  1. Kds

    Kds F1 World Champ

    May 1, 2003
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    #1 Kds, Jul 17, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    In late March I took delivery of a heavily discounted brand new 2009 SMART Passion coupe.

    It was time to get a cheap daily driver with a warranty and great fuel economy. The lease payment is almost the same as two monthly transit passes for me and my wife, and it has paddle shifters that actuate a clutch just like the F1 system. Lotsa fun !!

    Now that we're in the middle of July, and it's 4,800 KMS later, I thought I should l report my findings for those of you who are interested.

    - Number of times I've been in the dealer's service department - ZERO
    - Number of times something has gone wrong and I've been able to fix it myself - ZERO
    - I am getting 50 MPG in the city
    - Cost to fill the tank with 92 octane premium - currently $25 CAD
    - Fuel fill interval - once every two weeks
    - Top speed on the highway -150 KMH indicated
    - Rear trunk cargo capacity - any grocery shopping trip to Costo or Superstore has never been a problem. I brought home a huge laser printer in the box other day as well.

    The only issue I have is the amount of brake dust that the pads on the front seem to throw off. I am hand cleaning the wheels on a bi-weekly basis. Please save the uneducated comments about crash safety for another thread......there is enough factual evidence to disprove any naysayers wrong (I was one at one time) and I'll be happy to repost them, along with all the stories that exist about flammable disintegrating Ferrari's.
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  2. moretti124guy

    moretti124guy Formula Junior

    Jul 16, 2006
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    #2 moretti124guy, Jul 17, 2009
    We have been toying with the idea of trading in my wifes car and getting her a Smart, but she really wants a Volvo C30 so we may go that route...
     
  3. GG

    GG Formula 3

    Feb 21, 2008
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    #3 GG, Jul 17, 2009
    Next car is either a Smart or an MCS. Leaning towards the MCS, however.
     
  4. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    #4 GuyIncognito, Jul 17, 2009
    I find a black Brabus smart car oddly appealing. If I lived in the city (as opposed to the 'burbs) I would consider getting one for daily transport.

    if the wheels are painted, try putting a coat of wax on them to help cut down on the brake dust.

    enjoy!
     
  5. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 wax, Jul 17, 2009
  6. Kds

    Kds F1 World Champ

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    #6 Kds, Jul 17, 2009
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2009
    Thanks Wax........!!! I'll send your dog some cigars.

    Looks like it's a set of the "EBC Redstuff" pads for me when I go in for my first service next spring. If I have to go in before then, I'll do it earlier.

    Cameron.....

    Is MCS supposed to translate to Mini Cooper S ?
     
  7. GG

    GG Formula 3

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    #7 GG, Jul 17, 2009
    Yes sir.
     
  8. agup48

    agup48 Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #8 agup48, Jul 17, 2009
    I like Smarts, and like Chas said, I'd take a Brabus Smart.

    What's the difference between a regular Smart and a Smart Passion?
     
  9. Tobias

    Tobias Formula 3

    May 22, 2004
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    #9 Tobias, Jul 17, 2009
    That thing needs premium fuel?!
     
  10. Kds

    Kds F1 World Champ

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    #10 Kds, Jul 17, 2009
    The Passion has the see thru lexan roof panel, alloy wheels, air conditioning, heated seats, more color choices, a much nicer interior trim package, a much better stereo, paddle shifters, cargo cover, more options are available, etc.........

    The use of premium gas means I currently spend $6.00 more per month than I would if it ran regular.......hardly a deal breaker.
     
  11. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 wax, Jul 17, 2009
    WOOF!

    OK - so, let's say it's Spring - until then, can't be rollin' like a * brakedustbunny * - I've seen posts elsewhere seconding GuyIncognito's dare I say it -wax - suggestion, but, posts indicated it needs to be Carnauba.

    You suppose a film covering might help defend the door panels, etc.?

    *Apparently - "brakedustbunny" is already approved by this new-fangled automated Spell Checker. Go figure.
     
  12. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    #12 GuyIncognito, Jul 17, 2009
    yes, good point. nobody wants a coating of you on their car (or anywhere else, for that matter).
     
  13. Kds

    Kds F1 World Champ

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    #13 Kds, Jul 18, 2009
    The panels of the car are plastic......like a Saturn. I am not worried about water/slush marks like in the photo.

    I am not going to bother to wax those bloody wheels though, too much work with all those little spokes, and the brake dust will still be there anyways, just easier to wash off with water. Either way, putting on wax or cleaning by hand, I'd have to get down and rub the wheels by hand every two weeks or so.

    Oooops....looks like I am not Rossa anymore....have to renew my subscription.
     
  14. GG

    GG Formula 3

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    #14 GG, Jul 18, 2009
    Kds,

    Would you be able to PM me the lease details of your Smart?

    Thanks in advance.
     
  15. Neonzapper

    Neonzapper F1 Rookie

    Oct 19, 2008
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    #15 Neonzapper, Jul 18, 2009
    I drove a Smart. The paddle shifters are okay for very slow speeds, but above 40 mph leave the car in auto mode because you'll shift every second with a jerk. The interior is fashionably roomy for a two seater, and solid roll cage is a big plus. It is great for NYC type traffic or any city/country driving, but I wouldn't want to drive it on the beltway. I like it for what it is, but personally need speed to satisfy my driving pleasure. It's definitely a fun car. The side panels can be easily changed if you want a different color, and some have removable side rods for top-off open air driving.
     
  16. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    #16 GuyIncognito, Jul 18, 2009
    So I got bored this afternoon and went to the Smart dealer. Test drove a Brabus edition. Here are my impressions:

    Steering was wayyyyy overboosted. From what I understand only the Brabus edition has power steering; it doesn't need it.

    Combination of short wheelbase and high seating position (relatively) made for some uneasy handling, especially in sharp right-handers.

    the ride was very pleasant for a light, short wheelbase car, even with the Brabus wheels/suspension kit. I was expecting a crashy, jouncy ride, and didn't get that. Although I'd advise that you drive around potholes/ manhole covers.

    Transmission is pretty jerky, esp. the 1-2 shift, but after that it smooths out a bit. I found it better using the paddle shifters (esp. off the line) vs. the automatic mode, but to each their own.

    for stop and go traffic the car has decent power. Its certainly no sports car (not really intended to be) but wasn't the dog I expected it to be. I didn't go on the highway, wasn't feeling brave enough ;)

    Quality was very good, I was impressed with the materials and fit & finish.

    Car full of teenage girls smiled and waved, so that was nice :)

    The car looks really cool, esp. in black with the polished Brabus wheels.

    33 mpg city/41 highway with premium gas isn't overly impressive for a 3-cylinder car weighing 1800 pounds.

    Overall it was a fun little car. I could definitely see using this as a city car. Midwestern suburbs full of pickups and SUVs, probably not. However, to go from being more than just a novelty item, I really think they need to do something about the economy and/or premium fuel. Dealer said there is either a hybrid or full electric version coming, that should help its image with the greenies.
     
  17. 355dreamer

    355dreamer F1 World Champ
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    #17 355dreamer, Jul 18, 2009
  18. Kds

    Kds F1 World Champ

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    #18 Kds, Jul 18, 2009
    Last edited: Jul 18, 2009
    I found that the trick with eliminating the jerky shifts is the same as on the early Ferrari F1 equipped cars.......you lift your foot when you click the paddle under heavy acceleration. That solved the problem nicely.

    It can be rough on bad roads due to the short wheelbase........at first I found it a little annoying, but as I have driven lots of sports cars it really doesn't bother me anymore now.

    FWIW our gallons up here are larger than yours, which may account for some of the MPG difference. My figures are from odometer readings and fuel purchases BTW and they match European and Canadian ratings.

    I didn't buy the Brabus because of three reasons. There is no turbocharged engine over here, you get the stock 70 HP unit.....bummer.....and all the neat stuff like the Brabus steering wheel, shifter, e-brake handle as well as other bits were not on our version of the car, even though they were in the brochure. You had to buy those thru the parts depertment. So for about $5K more for just the wheels, a suspension, a muffler, badges and subtle but hard to tell the difference F+R bumper cover, I figured I'd pass.

    Cameron you have a PM.
     
  19. otaku

    otaku Formula 3

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    #19 otaku, Jul 18, 2009
    these little guys are perfect city cars I'm moving downtown where I live and the mpg and small size have me interested in one of these if I can land one at a reasonable price (12k?) I'll go for it
     

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