Comments on: Mercedes Smart Car – Smart Car, Dumb Idea??

By: gassaveradmin

gassaveradmin — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:19:41 +0000

It may be cute and fun, and I’m glad you enjoy it, which is what ultimately matters. However, it really doesn’t have great driving dynamics compared to many other vehicles. In addition, it is quite slow. Probably the worst thing about it though, as I mentioned in the post, is that it uses premium fuel, which has the effect of reducing your fuel economy, if not the fuel mileage, due to the higher fuel prices compared to lower grade gasoline.

By: jtb9265

jtb9265 — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 14:10:57 +0000

Here’s a biggie you missed though… I just bought a leftover ’09 Smart convertible for under $15K. I’ve owned 2 Mini Coopers before, and if I wanted a Cooper convertible, I’d be spending in excess of $25K. So at that price, I own a cute, fun convertible (built with mostly Mercedes parts) – rather than a Ford Fiesta.

By: gassaveradmin

gassaveradmin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:14:48 +0000

My main problem with the smart car is that it uses premium fuel. That imposes a defacto 10 – 15% decrease in fuel economy right off the top, compared to using regular grade fuel. Recently some parking facilities have started abbreviated Smart Car parking areas to allow for the smaller size. They are few and far between, however (the facilities, not the parking spaces).

Yes, Smart cars are inexpensive and get good mileage, but they have poor performance, don’t drive as well as many other vehicles, and have limited utility. There are other vehicles, such as the 2010 Honda Insight and VW Golf / Jetta TDi that have more utility, performance, and equal or superior fuel economy.

By: tom saroch

tom saroch — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 14:22:50 +0000

seems like somebody really did 2not do any real research, or is obviously missinformed about what the smart car really is & can & can do as far as performance & gas milage. You praise the mini-cooper, yes it is bigger, & has more performance, but the price & features can not hol a candle to the smart car. I happen to own both. In my opinion the mini-cooper is way over rated. The S model runs loke a bat out of hell, but costs WAY to much, the standard mini is no sling shot & is also overpriced, & the service @ dealers suck compared to service on the smart car

By: Festival of Frugality - Editor’s Pick | Super Gas Saver

Festival of Frugality - Editor’s Pick | Super Gas Saver — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:06:02 +0000

[...] post on Why the Mercedes Smart Car may actually be a dumb idea received an Editors’s Pick over at this week’s Festival of Frugality, the 143rd edition [...]