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Quote:

Originally Posted by racer (Post 4001294)

How much will the "new" car cost you? $16k? Is that cash or will you be going in debt for it? Will you want to drive such a small car for the next 3-4 years? Who's to say the new car won't have "nickel and dime" issues? When's the last time you drove a RWD car in the snow? Yes they are "safe" when compared to other 1500-2500lb cars.. but most cars on the road are 3500-5500lb blocks of steel.

If the economy was "good" would you feel differently?

How much are you saving on "gas"? How much are you giving up (space wise) to acheive it?

Lets say you do 12K miles/year.
Smart is approx 38mpg combined

12K/38mpg = 315 gallons of gas (btw, is it regular or premium in the Smart?)

Lets say your Jetta averages 22mpg. 12K/22 = 545 gal

545-315 = 230 gal. 230gal x$4/gal = save 920/year. 230 x $5/gal = 1150

Assuming your current car is paid off and the rough patch of "nickel and dime" is about done, it would take a long time to recoup the $16K investment, no?

Then again, if you need a new car, and the Smart fits your lifestyle needs, then go for it!

to answer, i would feel much better in a good economy...

it is not reall all gas mileage(my average speed to work is now under 20mph), it is a car that will be used to commute with, but will be the main mode of transport. if i need to go on a big trip...i can take the jetta.
Alot of people here think that buying a new car is a bad idea...but fact is i have been killed by used cars (a cpo boxster was one) with constant repairs and PIA problems. Personally I prefer new cars over junkers.

I drove RWD in the snow darn near 15 years (buick grand national) and i used to race semi pro atv flatrack/ice and all so sliding is not too big a deal(it is the crunch at the end that sucks) so winter is fine(i ALWAYS use snows). The big SUV's are not bad in the winter...they pretty much stay at home cause the schools are closed

They do have a 36 month wait (crazy) but they can be found as "orphans" with luck and effort

You cannot buy a Canadian Smart and bring it in here...not legal for US. The US model is new (451) and the older ones were 450's...I would love a diesel 450

Hey Craig...wouldn't a new 997 turbo owner say the same about an old 930?

Trendy. New design. 32 mpg combined actual mileage according to CU.

I'd really like to like it, but all it represents to me is a new way of thinking (not bad in itself at all as a conceptual thing),
but the actual product leaves a lot to be desired.......

I've been toying with the idea of getting one of these for urban commuting, but it makes no sense at the current markup. These will take a massive hit on depreciation once the novelty factor wears off. And warranty is very limited, so I suspect repairs will be standard Mercedes style 'rape the customer'

Three year waiting list? Says who? 'Honest Al' at PAG? Please... Give it a year, and they will be just another car, with very limited appeal.

I went through this nonsense waiting for a Lotus Elise. They don't go over sticker now, that's for sure.

Mini Cooper owner enjoy hourly rates of $120 - $180 per hour too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig 930 RS (Post 4001599)

Mini Cooper owner enjoy hourly rates of $120 - $180 per hour too.

Have you had issues with your Mini? My wife has had only one small tranny software issue, which the dealer took care of. Otherwise, I'd never ever take a car to a dealer. I think her car gets at least 30 mpg.

Overall, the Smart "makes sense" to most people - on the surface.
But the substance just doesn't add up -

I think Consumer Reports tested the Smart and slapped it with "one of the worst cars we've tested"

a nice used mini would be great