Smart Fortwo sales plunge in 2009 in U.S.

[rmay635703]

I would gladly drive a smart but like everyone else I couldn't justify it since I typically need one "newer" car in the mix and it usually needs to seat at least 3.

I would have loved the smart anyway but I don't like
1. Not having a clutch and MT I control directly
2. The fuel economy
3. The weight.

If the smart were
1. Lighter
2. Had a real clutch and MT I push and use
3. and weighed less like a euro version car

I might well buy a used one as they are "fun" much like my Comuta and my Subaru 360 (when it runs)

The price aspect of the smart is OK but not excellent, the odd part is there are quite literally dozens of the things around here, I drive past 1 or 2 on my way to work everyday.

The Fiat 500 I bunch into this type of vehicle as well, I would have owned one but the cost and utility wasn't as good as my cheap econobox cobalt XFE. My father really wants a 500 but until they are used and inexpensive I can't justify it as a primary type car.

Ever since the bergstrom dealer actually Smarts on the lot I have been seeing them around all the time.

Cheers
Ryan

[shovel]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

Pretty much. Only person I've ever heard of buying one lives in NYC and likes how it can be parked pretty much anywhere.
.

One of the guys I work with bought one to replace his PT Cruiser.. and he's got a wife + 3 kids! I think he may have deliberately bought a 2-seater to clearly define his private territory, but kept it not a roadster so his wife wouldn't consider it an indulgence. Silly games we humans play

[Arragonis]

The problem with going out to get a Smart Car is that you end up with a Smart Car.

[Xist]

I once went to a Honda dealership to pick up a part and laughed as I passed a Fit. I asked if I could climb inside.

My knees were against the dashboard.

Often, when I mention that, people condescendingly ask "Why didn't you pull back the seat?"

I have done that in every single vehicle that I have ever driven. Few had legroom to satisfy me.

I recently walked past a Fortwo near my college and sat next to it in my folding chair. I lined up the seat backs, but my feet reached the front tires. I do not have any way of knowing how far back the seat was, but it is rated .1" shorter than the Fit.

How well would it work out if I filled up a grocery cart and then tried putting that in the back of a Fortwo?

Oh, there was also the elk\deer\alien kangaroo that dented the entire front half of my 1990 Accord.

[NeilBlanchard]

How tall are you? My brother is nearly 6'-7" with a 38" inseam and he fit easily in the Fit. There is even more legroom in the Mitsubishi i MiEV.

[Xist]

I believe that we discussed this before.

[Xist]

This is how I see myself with a Fortwo:

Tall Man in a Tiny Race Car - CAR and DRIVER - YouTube

This is a 7'-tall guy with a portable wormhole generator:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...55325884,d.aWM

I could not find any videos on the Fit and I wasted a fair amount of time.

I remember reading up on leg room standards. In short: They do not make sense.

The Protegé felt like my old Prelude and I wanted to hand over money as soon as I stretched out my legs. However, my Forester supposedly has more legroom than the Protegé, but obviously had less.

My mom's 2,005 Camry is rated shorter than any of the above. Explain that one to me. I believe it, though.

Regarding the Fit, yes, we discussed that before. I will be sure to get video if I have the opportunity to squeeze inside one again. Unless, of course, the name does not refer to unsatisfied drivers having conniptions, as has been my suspicion. Then I would just say so and laugh if you do not believe me.