Brilliant Idea or Dud? Smart Car to U.S. in 2008

larryn · 10-25-2008, 10:07 PM

The one above is the Smart ForFour. We got the ForTwo. Even so, they added a bit of length to the ForTwo for it to meet crash requirements in the US.

I'd certainly feel safer in a Civic than the Fortwo, if I where being hit by an SUV or Pickup truck... which is every other vehicle in the US.

Sephiroth · 10-25-2008, 11:07 PM

The Smart doesn't make sense, the Mini is as small as it gets for me.

BForbes · 10-26-2008, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larryn

The one above is the Smart ForFour.

Ahh gotcha! An acquaintance of mine bought one. His is already beat to hell.

123D-M · 10-26-2008, 05:47 AM

Smart ForFour went out of production a few years ago. Along with the Smart Roadster. Smart ForTwo is the only model now.

They are everywhere here. Make a lot of sense in European cities like Brussels and Paris. Little city car for the city, high-speed train for when you need to go somewhere else.

ChrisM135i · 10-26-2008, 08:06 AM

The Smart ForTwo are also all around germany..

I only have to look out of my window and i can see two of them in my neighborhood. :smile: The first years, as Mercedes introduced the car in germany, it was not seen as a car and there was a lot of critic, that car will be faster out of the market, as it was introduced... but now we know, that it this was truly false.

I could imagine that the same effect could happen in america, if the gas price is raising the 150 $ / Barrel again... but we´ll see.

Darth One · 10-26-2008, 09:59 AM

i saw one on the Florida turnpike yesterday. there are quite a few in South Florida, so usually a sighting is unremarkable, but this one was going about 80 mph! weaving in and out of traffic and everything. i was surprised...not sure how hard the motor was straining.

it also probably took her about a minute to hit that speed

ptack · 10-26-2008, 10:17 AM

Check out the youtube link on post 13. It reminds me of the time Tim Allen put a helicopter engine in a riding mower.

AchtungF80 · 11-03-2008, 03:45 PM

As promised, here's some pics of my mom's '08 Smart Fortwo Passion - we took delivery last Saturday, and I uploaded the pics that day, but with all the excitement of my personal re-delivery, I got so caught up in 1er excitement.

I put 150mi on her Smart already, its a great city car and commuter car. My only complaint is not the size of the car, or ease of driving. Actually I have 2 complaints. The brake pedal requires too much effort to stop the car. The brakes are good, but the brake pedal feels like there is no assist whatsoever. Also the suspension is pretty stiff. If you drive in Northern New Jersey, you need to invest in the extra $395 wheel/tire road hazard warranty.

Other than that, its a nice little car. The color makes it appear exotic. I've caught quite a few people staring, some laughing, but I laughed all the way to the bank seeing that in 150mi, i've only used 3/8 gallons and during this I hit 85mph.

Addict...Nah Im A Junkie! · 11-03-2008, 06:32 PM

Now take that smart and make it a DEMON Frank!!! You know you want to do it!!!

For anyone who doesn't know, watch this video (I know I already posted it, But I need to see someone make one of these!!!)

WATCH IT ----->

AlBel1214 · 11-03-2008, 07:35 PM

id drive this one...

Addict...Nah Im A Junkie! · 11-03-2008, 07:53 PM

If I ever have a real job I'm going to make one of those!!!

Darth One · 11-03-2008, 08:37 PM

Achtung's yellow Smart is SERIOUSLY crying out for some nice new Ronal Bear wheels :biggrin:

ptack · 11-04-2008, 05:42 PM

Good idea.

Addict...Nah Im A Junkie! · 11-04-2008, 08:04 PM

WOW!!!! those are the rims I'm putting on the 135 now!!!!!

Thanks ptack!!!!!!

AchtungF80 · 11-04-2008, 08:12 PM

FWIW, when I was up at Hawks Nest, an older gentleman had a smart with an exhaust and it sounded neat.

I wouldn't daily drive, but it would be a very expensive toy.

AchtungF80 · 11-05-2008, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squeak

i dont wanna die

You won't. Smart cars are one of the safest cars in the world.
If you crash ANY car into a cement wall at 80mph, you won't die from cabin collapse or obstacle entry, you'll die from sudden decelleration and trauma.

ptack · 11-05-2008, 12:48 PM

I hate to disappoint you, but they are not available in the correct bolt pattern. If they did you would be the center of attention at any Bimmerfest meeting - absolutely.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!

WOW!!!! those are the rims I'm putting on the 135 now!!!!!

Thanks ptack!!!!!!

Spook · 11-05-2008, 02:50 PM

I'm a bit concerned about safety. What if you have a collision with a mountain bike?

Addict...Nah Im A Junkie! · 11-05-2008, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spook

I'm a bit concerned about safety. What if you have a collision with a mountain bike?

You don't die.......

but the car is totaled!!!! Even at 20mph.

Darth One · 11-05-2008, 07:33 PM

can i get it equipped with the loud squeaker like the rubber duckies have?

that way the Suburban drivers will at least notice when they run me over...

EenyBear · 10-02-2011, 11:51 AM

Yeah, my buddy bought a Brabus version. Fully convertible. Paddle shifters and a high quality workmanship.

I drove it for a few days. Acceleration was more than adequate and the car was very comfortable. Not my cup of tea aesthetically, but I had no complaints other than the slightly jerky full-auto mode.

In this city, one or two of the parking spaces in every block downtown are designated for "small vehicles". In reality, they have created parking spots where there was insufficient room previously. So, Smart cars have VIP parking on every street in town (there are lots and lots of these things scooting about).

Top_Gear_Fan · 10-02-2011, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EenyBear

Yeah, my buddy bought a Brabus version. Fully convertible. Paddle shifters and a high quality workmanship.

I drove it for a few days. Acceleration was more than adequate and the car was very comfortable. Not my cup of tea aesthetically, but I had no complaints other than the slightly jerky full-auto mode.

In this city, one or two of the parking spaces in every block downtown are designated for "small vehicles". In reality, they have created parking spots where there was insufficient room previously. So, Smart cars have VIP parking on every street in town (there are lots and lots of these things scooting about).

This thread was made back in 2006 man

Bumping threads from way back eh.

10-25-2008, 10:07 PM	#23
larryn Lieutenant General 2159 Rep 10,176 Posts Drives: '97 332ti, '21 X5 45e, '16 GT4 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Seattle iTrader: (2)	The one above is the Smart ForFour. We got the ForTwo. Even so, they added a bit of length to the ForTwo for it to meet crash requirements in the US. I'd certainly feel safer in a Civic than the Fortwo, if I where being hit by an SUV or Pickup truck... which is every other vehicle in the US.
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10-25-2008, 11:07 PM	#24
Sephiroth 4-6-8 242 Rep 990 Posts Drives: for the fun of it Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Jax, FL iTrader: (1)	The Smart doesn't make sense, the Mini is as small as it gets for me.
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10-26-2008, 05:47 AM	#26
123D-M Captain 32 Rep 930 Posts Drives: BMW 123d M-Sport Coupe Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Madrid, Spain iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 Citroen DS19 P ... [0.00] 2009 123D M-Sport C ... [10.00] 2009 Mazda6 [0.00]	Smart ForFour went out of production a few years ago. Along with the Smart Roadster. Smart ForTwo is the only model now. They are everywhere here. Make a lot of sense in European cities like Brussels and Paris. Little city car for the city, high-speed train for when you need to go somewhere else. __________________ 2009 123D Coupe \| Sedona Red \| Black Boston Leather \| Brushed Aluminium Trim \| Tinted Windows \| M-Sport Package \| 6M \| Comfort Access \| Heated Seats \| Navigation \| Park Distance Front & Rear \| USB \| Bluetooth \| Voice Control \| Efficient Dynamics \| Rain & Light Sensors \| Xenon Lights My blog: http://urbanemusings.wordpress.com/
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10-26-2008, 08:06 AM	#27
ChrisM135i Verd1chtete 1ntensität 148 Rep 660 Posts Drives: BMW 135i E82 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Munich, Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i E82 [0.00]	The Smart ForTwo are also all around germany.. I only have to look out of my window and i can see two of them in my neighborhood. :smile: The first years, as Mercedes introduced the car in germany, it was not seen as a car and there was a lot of critic, that car will be faster out of the market, as it was introduced... but now we know, that it this was truly false. I could imagine that the same effect could happen in america, if the gas price is raising the 150 $ / Barrel again... but we´ll see. __________________ BMW 135i E82 - 6 MT - *///*M-Sport - M 261 - Black Saphir - Xenon - PDC - NaviProf - BMW Online - BMW Assist - HiFi Sound System
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10-26-2008, 09:59 AM	#28
Darth One drunk poster 6615 Rep 3,648 Posts Drives: M4 GTS \| E46 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	i saw one on the Florida turnpike yesterday. there are quite a few in South Florida, so usually a sighting is unremarkable, but this one was going about 80 mph! weaving in and out of traffic and everything. i was surprised...not sure how hard the motor was straining. it also probably took her about a minute to hit that speed
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10-26-2008, 10:17 AM	#29
ptack Brigadier General 307 Rep 4,483 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [6.50]	Check out the youtube link on post 13. It reminds me of the time Tim Allen put a helicopter engine in a riding mower. __________________ 135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod, Apex EC-7s, PPK Stage II
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11-03-2008, 03:45 PM	#30
AchtungF80 Brigadier General 292 Rep 3,464 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3, '17 G30 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 135is [9.50] 2010 Cooper S [10.00] 1991 318is [10.00]	As promised, here's some pics of my mom's '08 Smart Fortwo Passion - we took delivery last Saturday, and I uploaded the pics that day, but with all the excitement of my personal re-delivery, I got so caught up in 1er excitement. I put 150mi on her Smart already, its a great city car and commuter car. My only complaint is not the size of the car, or ease of driving. Actually I have 2 complaints. The brake pedal requires too much effort to stop the car. The brakes are good, but the brake pedal feels like there is no assist whatsoever. Also the suspension is pretty stiff. If you drive in Northern New Jersey, you need to invest in the extra $395 wheel/tire road hazard warranty. Other than that, its a nice little car. The color makes it appear exotic. I've caught quite a few people staring, some laughing, but I laughed all the way to the bank seeing that in 150mi, i've only used 3/8 gallons and during this I hit 85mph. __________________ ig: 0verrev
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11-03-2008, 06:32 PM	#31
Addict...Nah Im A Junkie! Captain 38 Rep 786 Posts Drives: 09 135i, 98 M rdstr Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Now take that smart and make it a DEMON Frank!!! You know you want to do it!!! For anyone who doesn't know, watch this video (I know I already posted it, But I need to see someone make one of these!!!) WATCH IT -----> __________________ '09 135i 6MT : Space Grey/Black ette : Cold Weather Package : Sport Package : Glacier Silver Aluminum Trim : iPod and USB : Nav : HD radio : Premium hi-fi system
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11-03-2008, 07:35 PM	#32
AlBel1214 Major 61 Rep 1,118 Posts Drives: past 135i, now c6, future M3?? Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Philly iTrader: (0)	id drive this one... __________________ -----LS3 C6----- *z51 suspension,* *NPP dual mode exhaust(wild2mild),20% tint,* zr1 replica wheels, gloss black fender stripes** R.I.P SGM 135i w/ some mods
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11-03-2008, 07:53 PM	#33
Addict...Nah Im A Junkie! Captain 38 Rep 786 Posts Drives: 09 135i, 98 M rdstr Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	If I ever have a real job I'm going to make one of those!!! __________________ '09 135i 6MT : Space Grey/Black ette : Cold Weather Package : Sport Package : Glacier Silver Aluminum Trim : iPod and USB : Nav : HD radio : Premium hi-fi system
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11-03-2008, 08:37 PM	#34
Darth One drunk poster 6615 Rep 3,648 Posts Drives: M4 GTS \| E46 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Achtung's yellow Smart is SERIOUSLY crying out for some nice new Ronal Bear wheels :biggrin:
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11-04-2008, 05:42 PM	#35
ptack Brigadier General 307 Rep 4,483 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [6.50]	Good idea. Attached Images __________________ 135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod, Apex EC-7s, PPK Stage II
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11-04-2008, 08:04 PM	#36
Addict...Nah Im A Junkie! Captain 38 Rep 786 Posts Drives: 09 135i, 98 M rdstr Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	WOW!!!! those are the rims I'm putting on the 135 now!!!!! Thanks ptack!!!!!! __________________ '09 135i 6MT : Space Grey/Black ette : Cold Weather Package : Sport Package : Glacier Silver Aluminum Trim : iPod and USB : Nav : HD radio : Premium hi-fi system
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11-04-2008, 08:12 PM	#37
AchtungF80 Brigadier General 292 Rep 3,464 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3, '17 G30 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 135is [9.50] 2010 Cooper S [10.00] 1991 318is [10.00]	FWIW, when I was up at Hawks Nest, an older gentleman had a smart with an exhaust and it sounded neat. I wouldn't daily drive, but it would be a very expensive toy. __________________ ig: 0verrev
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11-05-2008, 02:50 PM	#40
Spook Bring Bail Money 12 Rep 492 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jan 2008 iTrader: (0)	I'm a bit concerned about safety. What if you have a collision with a mountain bike? __________________ Spook New Mexico
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11-05-2008, 07:33 PM	#42
Darth One drunk poster 6615 Rep 3,648 Posts Drives: M4 GTS \| E46 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	can i get it equipped with the loud squeaker like the rubber duckies have? that way the Suburban drivers will at least notice when they run me over...
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10-02-2011, 11:51 AM	#43
EenyBear Accidentally in BMW 16 Rep 221 Posts Drives: Z4MC & R1200S Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Yeah, my buddy bought a Brabus version. Fully convertible. Paddle shifters and a high quality workmanship. I drove it for a few days. Acceleration was more than adequate and the car was very comfortable. Not my cup of tea aesthetically, but I had no complaints other than the slightly jerky full-auto mode. In this city, one or two of the parking spaces in every block downtown are designated for "small vehicles". In reality, they have created parking spots where there was insufficient room previously. So, Smart cars have VIP parking on every street in town (there are lots and lots of these things scooting about).
	Appreciate 0 Quote