Smart Car....opinions?
Discussion
Cheers Bodo,
I've just read the road test and the posts made, think I'll get in contact with hertsbiker.
It's insurance group 2, and does 60mpg, that's my kinda car, not fussed about heavy steering, I owned a long wheelbase Series 3 with NO power steering, no worries.
Cheers again and best wishes for 2003 mate, have a good christmas too.
I've just read the road test and the posts made, think I'll get in contact with hertsbiker.
It's insurance group 2, and does 60mpg, that's my kinda car, not fussed about heavy steering, I owned a long wheelbase Series 3 with NO power steering, no worries.
Cheers again and best wishes for 2003 mate, have a good christmas too.
Sorry to hear about your dad graham, I hope he finds something as good if not better in the new year.
You should be able to get a cheap LHD smart car, which are great fun. Don't buy new RHD they are over priced for what they are. The only problem I have with them is the length of time it takes for the auto gearbox to change gear. I have taken this up with a couple of smart owners who admit it is slow but my technique was wrong (I'm disputing this theory!!).
DAZ
You should be able to get a cheap LHD smart car, which are great fun. Don't buy new RHD they are over priced for what they are. The only problem I have with them is the length of time it takes for the auto gearbox to change gear. I have taken this up with a couple of smart owners who admit it is slow but my technique was wrong (I'm disputing this theory!!).
DAZ
As has been said before the smart is a city car, does great work in central London cutting through traffic. Salesmen tried to convince me it was "pleasant" on the motorway and it is very reliable long distance but it doesnt feel great when a big lorry runs by you. I love the seating position and it has lots of space inside. You can park it with your eyes closed and power slide it into a space if you fancy it.
As a run around/city/second/student car I give it thumbs up.
As a run around/city/second/student car I give it thumbs up.
marcusl said: Drove a Passion some time ago and I can quite honestly say that it was good fun. Also, I don't think headroom will be an issue Graham. By the way, I think the Pulse has the most powerful engine (60bhp vs 55bhp in the Pure and Passion I think).
Marcus
Marcus you are correct there are engine variations.
:anorakon:
Initially Pures had 45bhp and Pulses and Passions had 55bhp.
Then they changed it a bit by keeping the pure and passion at 45 bhp and 55 bhp respectively, and raising the pulse to 60bhp alledgedly making it the "quicker less luxorious vehicle".
Then to make things even more complicated there are various companies including Brabus and Digitec who do power upgrades for the pulse and passion to 70bhp (they don't alter Pures, because Pures have different turbo gubbins making it cheaper to change vehicle to a pulse or passion, then reprogram) by mucking about with the software. Digitec also did a turbo induction kit chucking out 84 bhp combined with their software upgrade.
If you go for power upgrades make sure you get bigger wheels first.
DAZ
:anoraknowtakenoff:
PS - A buddy of mine used to chip these buggers and it's previous demo cars of his that I've driven.
>> Edited by dazren on Wednesday 25th December 20:42
Graham.J said: Thats good to know...but erm.....at 6'3" will I fit in it? (probably a stupid question) they just seem so ikle!
6.4" with 35" (inside leg) here and in perfect shape. No problems at all. You need to go and sit in one and you'll find it is very comfortable as it is like siting in a chair. Much bigger inside than outside.
I usually have problems with knees around the wheel as I usually have to contort and slide one leg under the wheel first for any hope of getting in. In the mini my knees are above the wheel and it feels/looks like a go-cart. In the F40 my right leg goes numb as it is crushed between wheel and gear lever.
Graham.J said: The model I'm looking at is a Pulse
And brabus are 10miles from me, for when i have enough money, har har.
Leave Brabus for Mercedes. They kind of missed the point that it's supposed to be an economical car. Seen a few at 16k. TVR anyone?
As it is so small the LHD doesn't make any difference(to me anyway). You can get through gaps that really do look too small to make just remember to think twice when you get back into a full size car
Cheers for both of those reply's mara.
I'm realy starting to like these little cars, I sat in one at the motorshow when it first came out and wasn't that impressed, now I am.
I'll leave brabus well alone, after all it's really only a run-about car to get me some no claims discount and not cost too much while I have it.
Thanks for all your help everyone, it's much appreciated.
I hope I do get it, only has 9800 miles on the clock and is just what I'm after.
I'm realy starting to like these little cars, I sat in one at the motorshow when it first came out and wasn't that impressed, now I am.
I'll leave brabus well alone, after all it's really only a run-about car to get me some no claims discount and not cost too much while I have it.
Thanks for all your help everyone, it's much appreciated.
I hope I do get it, only has 9800 miles on the clock and is just what I'm after.
I've just been on the Lloyds TSB insurance quote thing and for TPF&T on the smart I'm looking at would be a stonking £2730.47. 
Edited to add: Just done a quote for my old 2.5L Turbo Diesel Land Rover 90 would be £1840.60
I really don't understand.
>> Edited by Graham.J on Wednesday 25th December 22:43
Edited to add: Just done a quote for my old 2.5L Turbo Diesel Land Rover 90 would be £1840.60
I really don't understand.
>> Edited by Graham.J on Wednesday 25th December 22:43
Graham.J said: I've just been on the Lloyds TSB insurance quote thing and for TPF&T on the smart I'm looking at would be a stonking £2730.47.
Edited to add: Just done a quote for my old 2.5L Turbo Diesel Land Rover 90 would be £1840.60
I really don't understand.
>> Edited by Graham.J on Wednesday 25th December 22:43
Graham.J said: I've just been on the Lloyds TSB insurance quote thing and for TPF&T on the smart I'm looking at would be a stonking £2730.47.
Edited to add: Just done a quote for my old 2.5L Turbo Diesel Land Rover 90 would be £1840.60
I really don't understand.
>> Edited by Graham.J on Wednesday 25th December 22:43
Fcukety Fcuk!!! Your driving record must be worse than mine
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