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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I'm looking at getting a smart car for the price, but like the Fiat 500 better. I hope you can help me decide. I'm thinking of parking the Vision but have grown accustom to the gas mileage, maintenance upkeep and small manueverability, so I want that in a car as well. I know this may be a shocker to some, especially since I have rode a motorcycle for the past 7 years almost daily as a primary mode of transportation . But it is getting too hot out and I'm tired of sweating and trying to decide to AGATT, or go bad boy with just my vest. I'm tired of avoiding all the cagers with their too many other preoccupations besides driving and paying attention to the road. I believe most don't have any concept of what it means to drive a car on public highways. I run the risk of getting a ticket because I constantly try to stay ahead of the traffic, moving down the highway like I'm on a mission. But leave it to one misstep, bam-yow, I'm history. Or I have to stop and get gas often on trips then I have to put up with all the aggrevation of talking with total strangers who are asking about who makes my bike "Harley, Yahama, is that the new Gold Wing?" Then they don't understand what I'm saying because they never heard of Victory. I'm tired of waving at all the wanna-bees or being ignored by the "real bikers", even getting snubbed when I stop to help. Where's the so-called "brotherhood" for crying outloud. I'm on an American bike, they should appreciate that I'm taking time out of my ride to lend them a helping hand. Or then listening to all the wanna-bees who rode a whole hour to get lunch last Saturday. They have no idea what the rising sun looks like or the setting sun on a highway horizon. Besides all that, I'm tired of trying to figure out what to wear when it get's cold too. Long johns, sweat shirts, etc, and I'm too cheap to get any of that cheesy heated snivel vests or other heated wear. If I do that, I might as well get in the car, right?. Also, I'm tired of people asking me, "isn't it too _____ (fill in the blank) to ride? How do you ride in the rain? Doesn't that scare you? No, you scare me because you act stupid in your car when it rains, at least that is what I want to say. I'm tired of my wife being so jealous because all she thinks I think about is "the motorcycle". "If it's not motorcycle this or that, you just don't care!!" is all I hear. I'll prove it to her, I'm done with riding. I'm done with all the debates about what oil to use, what filter to use, what upgrade to get, or the whiney "why does my Vision pop, does yours?" posts. Or my dealer sucks, or is better than yours. Or the debates of how the tire and motorcycles manufactors are on a conspiracy mission to make you believe that a motorcycle tire is the only thing that will work on a motorcycle. I feel so inadequate riding on the OEM recommended equipment and feel sissyfied that I won't go darkside. I could go on and on, but there is no point in doing so. So back to my original question: Smart Car or Fiat 500, which would you choose? Thanks ahead of time for any input! You guys are great!!! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 233
flagstaff, AZ | Not gonna touch the "rant"... but I would buy the Fiat 500 Abarth, all day. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 94
Las Vegas | roundtwig - 2012-06-21 10:04 AM
Not gonna touch the "rant"... but I would buy the Fiat 500 Abarth, all day.
Same. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 935
Rockford, IL | Being in the collision industry I will say that the Smart car is built like a fricken tank. Search youtube using "smart collision" and there are some crash test videos that are amazing, one video shows the car smacking the wall at 80 mph and the driver opens the door and the steps out.
Another cool thing is that you can buy all of the painted panels for the car for about $1200 and change all of the painted panels in a few hours, can have a completely different color car in just one afternoon !
The Abarth is just now hitting the market so for at least the next year the dealers are going to get full retail and maybe more.
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Iron Butt
Posts: 785
Mt. Vernon, WASH. | What about a SCION? Toymotor quality and priced about the same. The SMART works until you need to drive one on the Freeway, and the FIAT looks old and dated, not iconic (and I stiil remember the F ix I t A gain T ony of my younger days) there's also the KIA SOUL. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Well, Chris. Speaking from 'experience' - I would go with the SMART. Here's one reason that the 'non-smarties' don't know about: When you go in for 'service' at the Mercedes Dealership - you are treated the same as the guy who spent $550,000 on his 'Merc. Like a GOD ! And I could give ya lots of examples of what that means .... I don't get anywhere NEAR that treatment at my Mazda or Victory dealership! Here's my fleet:
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Beauty, The Beast, and the SMART
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | And here is another thing - a parking sign in our nearby shopping area. You'll NEVER see this for a FIAT :
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Cruiser
Posts: 259
Land O Lakes, FL | I'm in the fiat camp 500 abarth all the way... |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | Are you serious Varyder? |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis) | I cannot disagree with varyder. All of it is 100% true. However, I cannot image myself parking the bike and opting for a cage. Just can't do it.
Some friends asked if the gf and I wanted to go mountain biking with them. The destination was 2 hrs away. The gf didn't feel like riding in a car for 2 hrs. I suggested we take the Vision. Her attitude instanty changed. So, we loaded up the mountain bikes on the Vision and off we went. We had a great time riding in the woods with our friends and also had a wonderful ride to and from the trail on scenic state roads. All that fun for only $17 in gas and no boring highway driving. Plus she hugged me all the waay home because she was having such a good time enjoying the day. I don't get that kind of enjoyment out of a car. I'm guessing most of you feel the same way I do and that's the reason you chose a Vision. Even with all of varyder's comments taken into consideration, the Vision is still a better means of transportation for me.
Ride on, varyder. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 188
| ? When you go in for 'service' at the Mercedes Dealership - you are treated the same as the guy who spent $550,000 on his 'Merc. Like a GOD ?
When you in as often and pay as much as a Harley owner does to keep is bike on the road, I would hope your treated well regardless of brand. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| I don't know where Lotzafun got his data..but all I have read and according to Consumer Reports, the Smart car folds up like a pop-can when hit...The guy that owns the collision shop in my area claims he would never buy one cause they are dangerous??? I really quess it is up to what fits your needs and what price you are willing to pay.......I have not been in either so my opinion is just that....Good Luck on your choice.... |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | opas ride - 2012-06-21 2:26 PM - all I have read and according to Consumer Reports, the Smart car folds up like a pop-can when hit...The guy that owns the collision shop in my area claims he would never buy one cause they are dangerous???... Pile of Poop. They are built like a race-car - and yes, if a race-car gets hit by a Semi, it will fold up. So will a Cadillac or a Land Rover. And with Lightside Tires - no one could get near a SMART to cause any damage ... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 188
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And with Lightside Tires - no one could get near a SMART to cause any damage ...?
Awesome! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | donetracey - 2012-06-21 1:49 PM
Well, Chris. Speaking from 'experience' - I would go with the SMART. Here's one reason that the 'non-smarties' don't know about:? When you go in for 'service' at the Mercedes Dealership - you are treated the same as the guy who spent $550,000 on his 'Merc. Like a GOD ! And I could give ya lots of examples of what that means .... I don't get anywhere NEAR that treatment at my Mazda or Victory dealership! Here's my fleet: ?
And charged an outrageous amount, just like the guys that spend $550,000 on there Merc!! And after the fold up comment I'm getting a Peterbilt!
Edited by MaddMAx2u 2012-06-21 5:49 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | MaddMAx2u - 2012-06-21 3:47 PM And charged an outrageous amount, just like the guys that spend $550,000 on there Merc!! And after the fold up comment I'm getting a Peterbilt! George, they charge WAY LESS than my VICTORY dealer !!! And the SMART actually IS in with the HIGHEST SAFETY RATED CARS - believe it or not. It IS !!!! The smallest car for sale in the U.S. market has earned the highest rating in front-end and side-impact testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 2008 Smart Fortwo's seat and head restraints also earned the second highest rating of "acceptable" for protection against whiplash in rear impacts.
Read more: http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Autos/20080514/smart_car_080514/#ixzz1yTIEt75W
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Tourer
Posts: 323
Troy, NY | My wife owns a Mini Cooper. It is fun to drive. The Smart car got bad reviews in Consumer Report for reliability issues. The Mini was rate high and gets great gas mileage. I wouldn't get the turbo engine. They are faster but come with more problems. The standard is pretty zippy and fun to ride....for a cage  |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | Buy another Vision Varyder... You ahve a legend to live up to.
Btw... Dontracey looks fat. Dude... get on a treadmill or something; quit making your Vision work so damned hard hauling around that extra "baggage".... |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | ...just joking Don. 
Edited by willtill 2012-06-21 7:40 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Don't be jealous, Will - not all of us can be as good looking as me. Or as muscular at my age. My Co-Pilot makes up for my extra bulk by being only 92lbs. And you 'Mercans - remember - mostly you have read stuff about the 'old' SMART - the diesel version. While we in Kanada have had the advantage of getting the new one. And when I put my Hyabusa Engine in the Co-Pilot's SMART - it will WHOP a Turbo-Mini ....
Remember - it is SMART
..... and I am LOVING the idea of going to the LIGHTSIDE
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Iron Butt
Posts: 804
Perry Hall, MD | Cute! Sounds like you're trying to answer your trailer question. The Vision would have no trouble pulling either (I would pick the Smart) and you can fill the cage with whatever you want to take along as you pass the 200k mark. Ride-on!
Edited by lennyb 2012-06-21 7:51 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | I remember reading last year that the Smart car was plaqued with a Bad transmission. Im sure you can google this.
Transmission http://blogs.edmunds.com/karl/2007/11/2008-smart-fortwo-smart-carst... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 108
Conneaut, OH | Fiat FTW |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | OLD - OLD - OLD STUFF from 2008 - WHOLE DIFFERENT CAR !!! Americans have not even SEEN the new SMART until lately - wasn't SOLD in the U.S. because it was DIESEL and not 'clean' enough. And remember FIAT??? BOY - did it ever have a great reputation ! Wasn't sold outside of ITALY it was such a dog .... While we're at it - remember VICTORY ??? The 'other' American Motorcycle? oops ... |
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Tourer
Posts: 576
, IA | Fiat 500 drove one all over europe and north africa Great little car |
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Tourer
Posts: 432
Gettysburg, 2008 Tour Premium | I have a Vision and a Fiat 500 sport. I put 25K on the Fiat in the first year. Just a little over a year old and dead reliable and the tightest car I ever owned. I liked the sport seats but the standard POP rides a little better due to softer suspension and taller aspect tires. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | And did I mention that FIAT was SO bad that it got bought by CHRYSLER - while near bankrupt because even the ITALIANS wouldn't buy one? Until it was redesigned by MERCEDES, the owner of CHRYSLER - and SMART ??????????
Goddamned confusing world, 'eh?
C'Mon Chris - let's not see the CAP'N again ... we love ya ! Keep on giving us Vision and many more stories as VARYDER !!!
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Cruiser
Posts: 135
Chesterfield, VA | Damn Chris, it's a little late for April Fool jokes...I call BS. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | this is a joke , right? Did hell just freeze over? The Varyder, the first 100K Vision on the entire planet, history maker, is really turning cage??? you really going to park her and let me catch you on my Vision? Ok, if that's what you feel you need to do, I support you and in all seriousness would not gode you into something with ribbing and peer pressure. I don't want your blood on my hands so, if you are serious , I know nothing about either car except that I think the Fiat is sexier but I have a strong conviction to buy American when possible so if the Smart car is American , I would favor it. I'm still waiting for you to say you are kidding  |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | The Smart Car and the Fiat 500 are both rated at 38 MPG highway. I know three people who have VW New Beetle TDI (Turbo Diesel) and they all get 45 to 50 MPG on the highway and seat four comfortably. Other folks around here have Toyota Prius Hybrids and get in that range too. Just thinking out loud.
Ronnie
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Iron Butt
Posts: 849
, FL United States | Chris, I don't really know what to think of this post of yours. True cagers today are just STOOPID and yes I'm getting too old to sweat so much I think it's raining and then it really does rain and sorta ruins the day (I really DON'T like getting wet). I've never tried to put my 6'3" frame in a SMART but I have driven the old Fiat 500 and it was a blast (after I figured out how to position my long legs correctly so I could shift gears). |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | Try cloudy day and in a funk! |
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Tourer
Posts: 401
| sarvbill - 2012-06-22 6:23 AM
Damn Chris, it's a little late for April Fool jokes...I call BS.
I agree Bill, but if you are serious Chris you need to get out there and drive them. Just like you did when you got the Vision.
If you think you are going to get more respect in a micro car you will be gravely disappointed. I have an 2011 Mini Cooper S, and I get LESS (yes less) respect when I drive that car than I do when I ride my Vision. The number of close calls I've had in the Mini far exceeds the ones I've I had with the Vision.
I have driven the Smart car, and it feels solid, but the transmission is a piece of garbage. It takes about 1-2 seconds for it to shift, and in traffic that is scary.
We weren't planning on getting the Mini, but we found a great deal. I never drove one before, and it is one of the funnest cars I have ever owned or driven. Sadly they are expensive, and I never considered one because of that.
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | donetracey - 2012-06-21 9:01 PM
OLD - OLD - OLD STUFF from 2008 - WHOLE DIFFERENT CAR !!! Americans have not even SEEN the new SMART until lately - wasn't SOLD in the U.S. because it was DIESEL and not 'clean' enough. And remember FIAT??? BOY - did it ever have a great reputation !? Wasn't sold outside of ITALY it was such a dog .... While we're at it - remember VICTORY ??? The 'other' American Motorcycle? oops ... ?
So they Dont use the same transmssions now? |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | rdbudd - 2012-06-22 8:41 AM
The Smart Car and the Fiat 500 are both rated at 38 MPG highway. I know three people who have VW New Beetle TDI (Turbo Diesel) and they all get 45 to 50 MPG on the highway and seat four comfortably. Other folks around here have Toyota Prius Hybrids and get in that range too. Just thinking out loud.
Ronnie
Co worker of mine just bought a hyundia Veloster and it gets 40mph highway and is alot more roomy and sporty! |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | donetracey - 2012-06-21 9:01 PM
OLD - OLD - OLD STUFF from 2008 - WHOLE DIFFERENT CAR !!! Americans have not even SEEN the new SMART until lately - wasn't SOLD in the U.S. because it was DIESEL and not 'clean' enough. And remember FIAT??? BOY - did it ever have a great reputation !? Wasn't sold outside of ITALY it was such a dog .... While we're at it - remember VICTORY ??? The 'other' American Motorcycle? oops ... ?
and this is not the OLD stuff here (2008) i found simular info on a 2011..
2011 SMART ForTwo
Base MSRP: $12,500
MPG:33mpg urban/41mpg highway
Why a Bad Choice? You may be able to park the SMART ForTwo car with no problems, but do not get into an accident--the vehicle has subpar bodyweight, and is just too small to offer plausible safety. Consumer reviews are below average, and the Smart ForTwo gets bad ratings on its transmission, acceleration, driving noise and the requirement for Premium fuel. Reliability reports are also below the national average. Consumer Reports gives the Smart ForTwo an overall score of 28--out of 100 possible points.
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Well, in the end, the wife will always wins out. She doesn't like the look of Smart Car and finds the 500 absolutley "cute". I think she was talking about the car....
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | how soon before you have 100,000 miles on it? lol |
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Tourer
Posts: 444
Bay of Gigs, WA | Fiat is the better choice than the Smart, since the Smart carries less gear than my Vic. No room at all. I have a Mini, the standard one, gets 36 most of the time and is a hoot. It's also like a magicians' hat in reverse-you can just keep stuffing rabbits (or clowns, I guess) in it, instead of taking them out. In other words, it hauls a lot of stuff. But I don't want to drive it more than 150 miles at a pop. I have my Buick LeSaber for that...it gets 27-30 on the road. And it rides like a Buick. BTW-Have you thought about putting motorcycle tires on that Fiat? Might grip better...
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I'm trying to figure out how that would work, taller tires would mean even better gas mileage. Sorry guys, I got bored the other day and my sarcasm got the best of me. It seemed a little mundane around here and decided to rant, with a twist. The funny thing is that the next day my niece drives through on her way to NC driving a rental Fiat 500. I had to carry it through to the end before I revealed my sinister plot. I surprise more folks didn't respond to the rant, but it also proves how we can gentlemen too. The Bently is still rollin' strong and hope so for another 80,900 miles at least. As far as any of the little cars, they are an option, but not anytime soon. I hope there was humor to be found, and at least one if not two, or maybe three cried "foul". Now go to Myth Busters to see if they can find out if I really ride a motorcycle or just a big kid with a keyboard. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Lots and lots of SMART 'Experts' out there. WOW - who knew?
My SMART is perfect for what we use it for - has about 6,000 miles on it in 3 years. Has never left 'Greater Vancouver'. Has never been on a freeway - never will. Just up and down north shore mountains, downtown occasionally - driven maybe once a week. PERFECT - for what we use it for. We live in one of the wealthiest communities IN THE WORLD - and there is a SMART in at least every 4 square block area - and NO Fiats. Most of the vehicles here are things like Lexus, Mercedes, Porche, BMW and the like. But people like the SMART as something to hop into, and go up or down the mountain to do a visit, or some shopping. We LOVE our SMART - and acording to others we have talked to, they love theirs.
I wouldn't want to use one for 20,000 miles/year - on highways. Wouldn't want a FIAT either, for that kind of driving. Or a Mini. What I'm saying, folks - is there are 'choices' for the kind of use you want out of a vehicle. Just as you wouldn't use your VISION to ride up a gravel logging road.
So don't get your asses in a sling over VaRyders choices. Or why our pal Chris is venting ... just support him, OK?
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Thanks Don...
I'm more educated on Smarts too. That is my thought really if I was ever to get one, just to zip around and go to work. We still we have a big car, and the bike. But right now, while the wife is not working, I've got my Smart Bike and will continue to as long as I am able. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I feel I need to level set this whole thread. I really was looking for some information on these small cars, the rant was a cover as to the truth of why. It is also something that I hope I will not have to revert to any time soon. Thanks truly for all of your input... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 125
Kerrville Texas ( now a homeowner on six acres) | varyder,
I was really worried for a couple of days!!!! You are still my hero!!!
Keep on mooovin!
Smadge |
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Cruiser
Posts: 208
Wichita, Kansas | Hey. Fiats were sold in the US years ago. I had a 72 Fiat 850 coupe fastback. 42 MPG and a blast to drive (up to a top speed of 85) and ran like a top (until the first day after it started raining and then again two days after it quit!). I only got rid of it because it blew the second gear synchro and parts were a 9 month wait since all of Italy was on strike. But aside from all that, a great little car. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | Had me worried . Ride on! |
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Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | varyder - 2012-06-22 6:52 PM
Well, in the end, the wife will always wins out. She doesn't like the look of Smart Car and finds the 500 absolutley "cute".??? I think she was talking about the car....
I have that same hat |
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Cruiser
Posts: 222
Barefoot Bay, FL United States | IMHO, the Smart car tranny sucks!! It feels like you are hitting the brakes in between shifts, which is automatic. Can't get it in a standard, cause they don't make it. The one I tried out was awful, even using the paddle shifters. You'd think Mercedes would be able to make a better tranny. Go with the Fiat. Hopefully it won't make yer butt as big as J Lo's!! witchbiker |
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New user
Posts: 3
Houston, TX | I'd go with the Scion IQ...much smarter than Smart |
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