Should I buy a Smart Car?
Discussion
Yes, the Copen is a very smart alternative but it is more complex with that folding roof.
Another benefit of a Smart is the plastic panels. No worries about scraping them or denting them.
I say go for it. If you don't like it, you can always sell it on. They are always in demand.
Those of you who have owned them long term, is it really reliable? That gearbox gives me nightmares and whilst it feels pretty solid, can the engine really take hammer?
Another benefit of a Smart is the plastic panels. No worries about scraping them or denting them.
I say go for it. If you don't like it, you can always sell it on. They are always in demand.
Those of you who have owned them long term, is it really reliable? That gearbox gives me nightmares and whilst it feels pretty solid, can the engine really take hammer?
My Smart is the car I have owned longest of all, and I've had quite a few. I always smile when driving it. I've done 28000 miles in 4 years alongside a few other cars. It gets used for a reason.
I've driven in towns and on motorways and whilst it has quirks it's a great compromise for what it offers. Compact space, pleasant environment, the upright high driving position is very comfortable and easy and economy (dependant on model) pretty good. Reliability has been spot on and I regularly drive it like I stole it, part of the fun of the Brabus. Going past people in a smart is amusing
I love mine, still have it, can't imagine selling it.
For what you are suggesting I can't imagine a more suited car.
I've driven in towns and on motorways and whilst it has quirks it's a great compromise for what it offers. Compact space, pleasant environment, the upright high driving position is very comfortable and easy and economy (dependant on model) pretty good. Reliability has been spot on and I regularly drive it like I stole it, part of the fun of the Brabus. Going past people in a smart is amusing
I love mine, still have it, can't imagine selling it.
For what you are suggesting I can't imagine a more suited car.
I had a Smart (450) and it was brilliant. It's the one in my profile. I've now got a 451 convertible with paddle shift.
I'd swap back in a heartbeat.
The 450 is a car that people are happy to let in. It's a bit like a modern classic Mini in that it is classless and loved by more people than hate it. The 451 is just another car.
If you want really quirky you could consider a Crossblade.
Personally, I'd go for a classic Mini.
I'd swap back in a heartbeat.
The 450 is a car that people are happy to let in
. It's a bit like a modern classic Mini in that it is classless and loved by more people than hate it. The 451 is just another car.If you want really quirky you could consider a Crossblade.
Personally, I'd go for a classic Mini.
bozzy101 said:
....just gonna leave this here.
Not sure if they're available in Portugal but I have a worrying obsession with the VW Lupo. I'm on my third now. They fit four reasonable sized adults (admittedly without luggage), variety of engine choices to suit tastes and are more or less bomb proof. I've been driving mine with a 'broken' starter motor for 2 years without complaint.
What about a fiat 500, modern and funky
Personly I loath the smart they always seem to be driven
Aggressively and the only person I know with one is a bit strange and was bragging about how cheep it was to run but a little put out when told you can get a real car with free
RFL and better MPG for similar money, but hey if a smart works as a run about in narrow streets then why not !!!!
Personly I loath the smart they always seem to be driven
Aggressively and the only person I know with one is a bit strange and was bragging about how cheep it was to run but a little put out when told you can get a real car with free
RFL and better MPG for similar money, but hey if a smart works as a run about in narrow streets then why not !!!!
powerstroke said:
Personly I loath the smart they always seem to be driven
Aggressively
Whenever I got a hold of the company's Smart I drove it like a tool. What's worse I drove it like a tool in built up areas. It's not poor driving inspired by anger because I was in a car I hated. They're great fun about town, quite intoxicating and just bring out the boy racer in their drivers. For me the cars that drivers tend to drive aggressively are the ones I'm drawn to.Aggressively
KFC said:
I'd perhaps consider the 1.1 Panda http://portocity.olx.pt/fiat-panda-1-1-economico-2...
There is absolutely no interest whatsoever in the 100bhp version though
I learned to drive in one. They're excellent go cart like cars. I'm reliably informed the 1.2 engine is more economical in the real world however, something you might want to consider. There is absolutely no interest whatsoever in the 100bhp version though
Mrs prolexuk has just bought one. It's the 84bhp one think it's great fun myself. The MHD ones have issues so best left alone.
Only down sides are gearbox is a bit pooh and other road users take exception to being overtaken in it.
Her car is a black one with ph sticker on its rear end .... Seen flying around se London.
Only down sides are gearbox is a bit pooh and other road users take exception to being overtaken in it.
Her car is a black one with ph sticker on its rear end .... Seen flying around se London.
Had one as a courtesy car a year ago. Was really looking forward to trying one and did sometimes think about buying one as a kinda modern Mini which I used to have. Drove it and knew within the first 2 mins it wasn't for me. Was more toy like and didn't drive like anything else, and not in a good way. As a previous original Mini owner, I remembered thinking how great that car was and what a disappointment the Smart was.
BritishRacinGrin said:
Personally I wouldn't. Do Smart engines still expre prematurely? I think I'd keep it simple. Panda? Twingo? Fox? all of these will ride better and probably be more reliable.
What do the locals drive?
Cars are far more expensive than in UK but the wages are lower... so often you'll see locals driving around in things that would have been scrapped long ago in UK. What do the locals drive?
I'm not so sure what locals drive is going to be a brilliant comparison anyway really - they're all likely to need to have considerations of going on motorways, carrying passengers, boot space, etc - none of them are applicable to me.
I've been in a Twingo recently - completely unmemorable really (I can't even remember what colour it was) but it would certainly do the A>B job.
A couple of people now have mentioned reliability.... just how bad are we talking here?
Tannedbaldhead said:
Whenever I got a hold of the company's Smart I drove it like a tool. What's worse I drove it like a tool in built up areas. It's not poor driving inspired by anger because I was in a car I hated. They're great fun about town, quite intoxicating and just bring out the boy racer in their drivers. For me the cars that drivers tend to drive aggressively are the ones I'm drawn to.
yes guess that's it must be like a go cart however I guess the last thing that would go through your mind in a serious accident would be your asshole!!Merc 190 would do it - there's thousands of them still trundling around, and I'm guessing they're no longer than a modern Focus. Bulletproof and you'd blend in great. Or original Mini Cooper for the Italian Algarvian Job around the cobbled streets.
Or as suggested a Panda/Polo/Twingo or something similar that the hire companies used to use - that way you'll know there's loads of spares available and the local mechanics know what to do with them - I suspect a Smart could outfox them as Smarts are a bit 'special'.
Or as suggested a Panda/Polo/Twingo or something similar that the hire companies used to use - that way you'll know there's loads of spares available and the local mechanics know what to do with them - I suspect a Smart could outfox them as Smarts are a bit 'special'.
KFC said:
Background - I live in Portugal, in a small fishing village........ Its not helped by the fact I live in the city centre
I'm struggling to understand where you live, is it in a village or in the city centre? If you live in the centre of a city then I'd buy a bike or moped for getting about I'd fail to see the benefit of spending more money on a 3rd car which you'll still struggle to find a parking space for no matter how small it is!
Edited by Rammy76 on Sunday 4th May 19:34
Edited by Rammy76 on Sunday 4th May 19:35
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