I have seen a few on the streets and I have been hearing about them a bit. Does anyone own a smart car here?
Also, is it worth getting a smart car and what is the price range like?
Here’s the one that I’m talking about: smart fortwo coupe
Re: smart cars
It starts at $16,500 before tax when brand new.
It doesn't make sense in Canada, apart from having incredibly good fuel economy - probably the best you'll find. Car size only gives this an advantage on smaller, cramped European roads where street parking tends to be very limited.
At that price, there are better, more practical cars available.
The only reason to buy a Smart is to make a statement that you care about the environment.
In the UK, a couple of times every month I'd be in a position where I would thing "Dang I wish I had a Smart so I could fit into there....."
In nearly 6 months in Canada, I've never had that feeling at all.
Re: smart cars
Similarly priced competitors include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac Pursuit.
The Smart is intended to be a fashionable "cool-in-a-wacky-way" car. It's not a car that makes any logical sense to buy.
Re: smart cars
I thought Hondas & Toyotas cost over $20k-$25k. That is the final price that one may end up paying.
Re: smart cars
Around $20000 is the price that you would end up paying after tax and delivery & other miscellaneous costs on any of these cars. Broadly speaking, they all start around the $16,500 mark and then the additional costs start piling on there.
It's one of the things that I dislike about Canada. Back in the UK, the price given for cars was always including tax and all miscellaneous charges - so you could instantly see exactly what it would cost you.
Re: smart cars
I'm concerned about the final price and not base price + 10 additional costs + taxes.
It's not that I'm looking to purchase one right now or even later. I just wanted to know if there are any real benefits attached to purchasing this car other than its size.
Re: smart cars
IMO, its the worse car to get (other than being trendy).
The 0-60 for this car is 18-20sec!!! so if you know you are goign on highway - start pushing the pedal to the metal so you can have enough speed to merge into traffic :)
Also, its turbo disel (actually supercharger). Meaning if there is a problem with it and its not covered by warrenty (and its a Car, it will break down) you will be paying arm and a leg for labour and parts
Have you seen the size of it? Imagine what will happen when a big SUV (god forbids) hits it?
We are in Canada - insurance sx big time on this (being 2 seater doesn't help either)
Space is quite limited (may not be implicible to everyone)
Now if you compare this with Toyota Echo. Echo wins in every way xcept in styling (and fuel efficiency - but comes quite close so it should be negligible). Brand new Echo is cheaper on the road than SMART car.
Just my 2c
Re: smart cars
Smart is a cool looking car by Mercedes to have presence in BMW's Mini Cooper and VW's Beatle. Its not a serious car for Amercian continent, just a trend. But it could be good in Europe's tiny countries and their streets. The only good thing is that its a hallmark for next generation fuel efficiant and environmental friendly cars.
Toyota recalling Prius from 2002-2005. The only practical hybrid in the market is Honda Civic, and from this year Honda Accord Hybrid. The pickup is great and switching from gas to electric is seamless.
Re: smart cars
Thank you all for the valuable input.
I definitely have crossed it out from the list of possible cars that I could look to purchase in future.