Secondly, and I get the appeal, it’s just too expensive (like almost any other German car)! And from what I understand mercedes has never been able to make a profit out of them. Give the “real” city cars (Clio, Corsa, Punto, Fiesta et al) their proper due. They are much better than this car. And they can serve a small family, go on the highway, save gas, be green and not be a single trick pony like the smart.

Couldn’t say if I wouldn’t have tried to cash in, if that thing is hard to get in the US?
Waiting list?

Same car, same “1st smart in USA” with links to the press.

What is it about small and efficient cars that some people absolutely must reject their inherent sensibility?

The “lifestyle preference” in buying a small car is, “I buy what I need to get around” and nothing more. It might be hard to believe but not all of us derive our identities from what we buy and drive, we find our identities in and derive satisfaction from what we do.

I can buy your line of reasoning, but I would question the sensibility of purchasing a car that has no inherent niche to fill other than advertising branded ‘eco-awareness’ simply because there appears (to me) no utility value for owning the car.

Having said that, the same argument could be made against buying anything that isn’t Model-T generic, so I am willing to concede that point as well.

Also, if I gave the impression that I am criticizing this specific car purchase, let me apologize here. Judging by some of the women I’ve dated, I am prone to error as much (if not moreso) than most people, so as I try to learn new things and discuss contemporary car purchases on forums such as TTAC, I need to remember to just STFU sometimes and try and absorb others’ perspectives without sounding off inappropriately.

I do think that Nick’s new car is a nice color, for what it’s worth….

What is it about small and efficient cars that some people absolutely must reject their inherent sensibility?

The “lifestyle preference” in buying a small car is, “I buy what I need to get around” and nothing more. It might be hard to believe but not all of us derive our identities from what we buy and drive, we find our identities in and derive satisfaction from what we do.

And a Smart or other small, efficient car is a sensible economic decision, too, as opposed to buying a Super Duty to impress the other cowpoke wannabes. What do those suckers cost and what does it then cost to feed them?

And here’s a thought, how often does a Super Duty have to pass up a parking spot? More annoyingly, how often does a Super Duty take up two spots?

Here is where it was at one point–

Full fortwo review coming soon–This car is wildly appealing in many ways.

This car wasn’t designed to be gas efficient – it is so by virtue of it’s 600cc engine.

This car was designed to be cheap and easy to park. Period.

Anyone that wants to toot around in one of these is certainly going to have fun, and I’m not knocking the choice for them per se, but I have a hard time believing that ownership of that car in this country is tantamount to anything more than advertising a certain lifestyle preference. Sort of the same reason that some people buy a Super Duty just to drive to the C&W bar on weekends.

Ride ‘em cowboy.

You’re now a star on Smart Car of America http://smartcarofamerica.com/forums/showthread.php?p=23587#post23587

and Club Smart Car http://clubsmartcar.com/index.php?showtopic=13187

Congratulations on your new smart. Sounds like you had a memorable delivery experience.

Congratulations also as you are yet another guy that is actually doing something about our countries energy problems as opposed to those who sit around and whine that the government should “do something” to cut the running cost of their over sized truck or SUV.

Also, in Rome, they have a monthly color panel swap meet. Smart Car Owners all meet up and trade panels. Perhaps NYC will have a similar swap meetup someday.

Congrats on the Smart. I have a friend of mine who has owned one for the last few years out in Roswell, GA. They’re truly one of a kind vehicles and a place like NYC is definitely the right urban environment for a Smart.

Now the Ferrari’s that were raced along the side roads of Englewood Cliffs (which is their headquarters, and WAS the headquarters for VW as well before they got stupid and moved to Michigan) those Ferraris belong in a place like Atlanta. My address is…

I’d like to know more about the transmission it sounds interesting. I sure hope it’s not similar to the old VW semi-auto, what a crappy tranny. Does it have a standard H pattern? How do you work the hi/lows?

Wish I could find one to take our for a short drive.

As someone who has driven a Smart in deepest winter I can assure you it handles snow just fine. Light weight, great traction (Beetle rear engine style) and standard ESP/traction control.

At least the prices are resonable fore these cars in the US.

//sorry to be so negative. I hope you have a great experience with it.

(Though not my cup of tea).

It does have a bucking motion when the pavement is a triangle wave. And when it is a square wave input (like a 2″ cliff between road surfaces, the car does seem to drop particularly quickly in front. I credit this to small wheels and short wheelbase, but again, more soon!

eco-savvy babe magnet? Maybe, but have you seen eco-savvy babes?

Naww, it is a great looking car, and I think it will get lots of attention for years to come. I had a brabus in england a few years ago (see here–scroll down) and chicks lurved.

MPG coming soon.