lunartraveller Posted August 17, 2006 Share Posted August 17, 2006 Smart car; is it any good ,not got one yet but tried some insurance quotes and was not impressed (over £300) but there appears such a large model range. Anybody out there had first hand experience,and is it true it is due to be dropped from production by Merc. Geoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted August 17, 2006 Share Posted August 17, 2006 I understand that the Smart range is a non profit maker for Merc and that they do plan to discontinue it soon. But when? If we wanted something to tow than perhaps a VW Polo, Vauxhall Corsa or even a Ford Fiesta would provide better accomodation for less cash? Currently we have a Vauxhall Agila which could be towed if necessary. None of these have engineering that might suffer if towed via A frame. The debate on the Smart car on the A frame continues. But the Smart does look cheeky behind a motorhome I would agree, but would you be seen dead driving a smart car? Its your money! C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Newell Posted August 17, 2006 Share Posted August 17, 2006 I don't own a Smart but drove one once afterfitting cruise control to it (not a fun job). I have to say that while the Smart looks "cheeky" I was less than impressed with the driving comfort. I found the auto gearchange to be very jerky and on a short run on country roads felt quite sea sick. Handling seemed ok but I thought the ride quality was a bit harsh. That's about all I could say because it was a five mile trip about four years ago. no doubt some Smart people will be along forthwith to disagree with my apraisal but I simply didn't like it. D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Madge Posted August 17, 2006 Share Posted August 17, 2006 [QUOTE]lunartraveller - 2006-08-17 9:59 AM Smart car; is it any good ,not got one yet but tried some insurance quotes and was not impressed (over £300) but there appears such a large model range. Anybody out there had first hand experience,and is it true it is due to be dropped from production by Merc. Geoff[/QUOTE] Geoff, They don't carry a spare wheel and the rear wheels are a different size to the front ones. 8-) I hate to think what happens when you need a spare wheel. *-) Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hymer634 Posted August 17, 2006 Share Posted August 17, 2006 There's a new one out in April 2007. Very slightly larger with a better gearbox - all aimed at the American market. Roumered to be available in diesel as well as petrol versions. Check out the various Smart forums - e.g. http://smartmaniacs.co.uk/forums/. You can also do a search for towing on that Forum - some interesting opinions . I also asked about Smarts on http://www.motorhomefacts.com - look in the Forums on General Topics for the replies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnsandywhite Posted August 17, 2006 Share Posted August 17, 2006 [QUOTE]hymer634 - 2006-08-17 1:17 PM There's a new one out in April 2007. Very slightly larger with a better gearbox - all aimed at the American market. [/QUOTE] 8-) From what I have seen of MOST of the RV drivers in the USA. The Smart Car will have to be around 3 times as big as they are at the moment to make them of any use. (lol) (lol) (lol) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vicwo Posted August 17, 2006 Share Posted August 17, 2006 I paid £260 fully comp this includes breakdown and recovery for europe and a performance remap. Thats for a 2003 Cabrio. Been to tax it today and paid my £40 for the year. I agree with Dave Newell on the ride. My 1999 bought from new was pretty hard at times but from early 2003 when the 7 series came out the suspension was changed, now much softer. I think sometimes people miss the point with the smart, why compare it with a four seater car?. I agree its not the best for luggage but its only 8 feet long so what do you expect? My cabrio has a cycle rack and I transport my partners disability scooter on it. We drive round France in the sunshine with the roof back, its wonderful. I carry it on a trailer and have no problems at all. Daimler Chrysler are to carry on with it and may do well in the states. Canadians love it. I carry a spare wheel behind the drivers seat by the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Newell Posted August 17, 2006 Share Posted August 17, 2006 [QUOTE]Clive - 2006-08-17 11:20 AM But the Smart does look cheeky behind a motorhome I would agree, but would you be seen dead driving a smart car? C. [/QUOTE] It's difficult to be seen dead and driving anything I would have thought Clive. *-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted August 17, 2006 Share Posted August 17, 2006 I think the phrase is "wouldn't be seed dead in it (let alone alive)"! C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hymer634 Posted August 18, 2006 Share Posted August 18, 2006 Hi Vicwo, any problems with the trailer ? i.e manouevering it on site, enough space on the pitch etc ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lunartraveller Posted August 18, 2006 Author Share Posted August 18, 2006 Thanks for all the info folks.I have a Corsa at present but to take it abroard would require a trailer and most of the small trailers ie Brian James are 5ft 5ins wide which is the same as the Corsa so the potential for rubbing the tyre sidewalls would be great. I agree that the smart would not appeal to the US RVers, last year we spent some time on US campsites and they tow Jeep Cherokees, MPVs and large saloons. Thanks again Geoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vicwo Posted August 18, 2006 Share Posted August 18, 2006 Hymer634---The trailer is easy to lose on most pitches. It tows well and follows the line of the motorhome so tight corners are easy. Reversing is simple compared to a-frames and no wear on the car. Another plus with the Smart is that you dont get many dead people wanting to park on the next pitch to you, so you get more space. Just a thought. Vicwo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navman Posted August 21, 2006 Share Posted August 21, 2006 They are a great little car... Insurance for my cab is about £190. As has been said you cannot compare it with a 4 seater..it is a fun car and great to drive... Would recommend the cabriolet.... :-> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spartan3956 Posted August 21, 2006 Share Posted August 21, 2006 Someone mentioned the American version would be 3 times bigger probably have a slide-out too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel B Posted August 21, 2006 Share Posted August 21, 2006 I bet the American version would have a coffee maker fitted as well!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docted Posted August 23, 2006 Share Posted August 23, 2006 Mel B would you prefer a teasmade? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel B Posted August 23, 2006 Share Posted August 23, 2006 Hiya docted, where have you been chuck? I wouldn't need a teasmaid ... my husband does a very nice cuppa thank you. He did suggest that an American Smart car would probably have a cruise control as standard though! Oh, and lots of cup holders for all the cans of diet Cola and Pepsi! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pedro Posted August 24, 2006 Share Posted August 24, 2006 Hi just bought one this year to tow and i find it great for what it is and what we use it for, £40 road tax £140 comp/ins 65 mpg and you would not know it was on the back of your camper some folk may laugh but they serve the purpose if you want a big car buy one if not get a smart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted August 27, 2006 Share Posted August 27, 2006 [QUOTE]Mel B - 2006-08-21 9:19 PM I bet the American version would have a coffee maker fitted as well!![/QUOTE] Funny that, Many years ago I helped an inventor install his forst prototype coffee maker (called the car Caffee) into a brand new Ford Consul. The idea never took off but part of the development was a method of detecting when the water actually boiled. The idea for this was sold to Russell Hobbs who used it in a then revolutionary kettle. But You wouldn,t get one in a Smart car. (Had to add this to get back on topic) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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