Smart Car

[riptide]

Thinking of getting one. Need a run around that will also fit in my small garage and that you can open the door properly as am having problems with my knee. Not really for motorway driving. Are they any good, can you get insurance easily.

Any comments appreciated. Thanks

[gingejbee]

I have no experience myself, but Which? says:
Pros: Spacious up front, easy to drive, low running costs
Cons: Meagre equipment, indirect steering & unpleasant gearbox, uncomfortable ride.
The diesel versions are very economical, but petrol ones are thirsty.

[bednobs]

i have just reluctantly got rid of my smart car after 6 years. I loved it, and insurance was easy to get. Motorway driving was fine (they are electronically limited to 88 mph, but you wouldn't want to go any faster!) They are great for parking and i personally think the fuel economy was good (despite what which? say)

[chas2008]

the autobox really isnt the best in the world in fact probably the worst i have come across ( an interesting delay from standstill ! ) as Mercedes auto boxes are excellent im not quite sure where it went wrong.
You really need to drive one and make your own decision.

[bednobs]

you don't have to get an automatic though.

[WELSHYORKIE]

Or maybe try a Toyota IQ?

[chas2008]

eveyone i have driven has been auto of some sort,they do have manual shift but its still based on the same box with no clutch

[riptide]

Thanks all did try the Toyota IQ, loved it, but very wide and would still have a problem with the garage, also think they have a few teething troubles. Off to have a test drive in the Smart tomorrow, so will see what I think.

Appreciate the comments.

[Hopkirk]

Not good for the big Tesco shopping trip.

[Hopkirk]

Do any modern cars actually fit in garages?
I think the dimensions were set when Minis and Fiat 500s were popular first time round.

[KJN]

Did somebody mention Fiat 500??,my wife has one of these and it is lovely in the garage I can walk down the side and get to the front of the garage with no problems at all maybe worth checking it out? If you go to www.autotrader.co.uk you can check the dimensions of all cars.

[craft1948]

I love my Smart car (I am now on my second one). I got mine because of knee problems and it is great for getting in and out of, and of course having no clutch.
I find it economical to drive,and fun in summer as I bought the cabriolet.
I bought the Passion model which you can choose to drive in automatic (I do) or manual (as the daughter does when she borrows it)
I have full no claims discount and fully comp paid £178 insurance this year.

[craft1948]

P.S. They're bloody awful over speed bumps.....