2008 smart fortwo passion

Pros

Can park in the same footprint as a motorcycle. Small size make it fun to drive like a go-kart.

Cons

Needs premium gas.Only 29mpg city.Lacks sufficient power.2yr/24k warranty is a joke.$100 visits..

I've had this car now for 2 months and although at first it seemed like a good idea and was fun then, I can say its exhausting to own. I had a 2000 Toyota Echo which was totaled by a snow plow on RT 59 here in NY and I needed something reliable and economical to replace it since I do a lot of driving back and forth to work. The smart seemed like a good idea and the sales rep talked me into it. However, once you get passed the cuteness of it, its really a glorified golfcart.

For example, my Toyota consistently got 42 mpg. The smart is only getting 29/30 city and highway combined. The Echo had a peppy little engine as does the smart but the smart only has enough power for 0-35 MPH bursts. After that you hope a tail wind will help push you along. On hills the smart looses momentum and you are forced to pull over to the right lane and put your hazard lights on, especially when going up a long steep incline like over here in NY. I never had this problem with my 2000 Toyota Echo. I am not a speed demon but really, this has insufficient power and the transmission makes things worse. The 1st to 2nd shift is rough and lethargic. It feels like it is slipping but its not. The sales rep told me everyone gets used to it after a few weeks-- well now its 2 months and I hate it!

On the highway at 65 mph, the engine is spinning at 3500 RPMS which eats into the fuel economy. I have noticed with a friend in the car, the fuel economy drops another 5MPG which then brings me down to as low as 24 MPG. I think my wifes 2008 Chevy Malibu gets 29+ on the highway and she IS A SPEED demon.

The ride is a bit rough but I have gotten used to the beating. My kidneys will thank me later in life.

The interior is ok and well built but there are a lot of cheap plastics. I guess thats what $16,200 buys you these days.

On the plus side, I am 6'2 and I fit in length wise pretty well, but when a passeneger is sitting next to you, shoulders will touch. Also on the plus side, I can park in very small spaces and this is the easiest thing to park since a baby stroller. Its small size a low weight makes it fun to drive when you are in the mood to drive so but after a long day at work, its exhausting.

Safety is a concern. I know the dealer talked up the safety ratings as passing every government test but the real world has already shown this tips over too easy and a small accident with a SUV will send you to the hospital ICU. I will not bring my daughters in this car.

The warranty is also a joke- only 2 years/24k miles and every visit to the dealer will run you $100. I guess I didn't do my research and I regret it. I would not recommend this smart to anyone, except perhaps my mother-in-law!