Oppo, Help Me Adult

"Mercedes Streeter" (smart) 06/30/2015 at 12:34 • Filed to: smart 453

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I love my little car. Other people don’t, but I really don’t care!

But with all that said, in September the USA will be graced with the third generation smart fortwo W453. A car that is better than my W451 in every way. And with my car beginning to deteriorate, I’m finding my want growing every day. Someone tell me this is a baaaaad idea.

What the heart wants:

The new car will come with a glass roof (more on that later) or convertible, a manual transmission with a real third pedal, a turbo standard, 4 inches of wider track (better handling!), provisions against crosswinds, and many tech things on top of the engine still being in the rear, driving the rear wheels.

And, since it would be my second go around, I’d get the smart I always wanted! A convertible with an interior colour more vibrant than black and grey. I hate my smart’s interior...But...I CAN GET COOKIE MONSTER!

No, I don’t give a darn about fuel economy. I drive my smarts for fun. That said, the new ones will be better there as well.

How my brain justifies this:

I’m in incredibly good standing with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Knowing them, I’d be able to trade in my current smart, get an awesome interest rate, and score lower payments on top of that. So, it would cost practically nothing for me to get one.

What I need to fix on little Tucker:

My little car has been incredibly reliable, never let me down. I could drive it sea to shining sea and it would be happy to do it. However, my little car is also always broken.

Big problems:

When the temperatures drop below 20 degrees, the engine sputters and misfires. Mercedes-Benz refused to fix it during warranty. The cause of the issue is still unknown.

My alignment has been off center since I bought the car. It was made worse by a Mercedes-Benz tech that tried to center my steering wheel by disconnecting it from the shaft and putting it back on. Even after a laser alignment, the wheel will always be off center.

The transmission gives a very loud clunk when engaging Reverse. Sometimes I won’t get Reverse after the clunk happens, forcing me to choose another gear then try again. The fix for this can either be free, or really expensive.

Smaller things:

The 451 smarts can have polycarbonate roofs. Similar to what you’ll see on some Corvettes and even aircraft. And smart roofs are notorious for crazing (delaminating from the inside-out). but mine lasted 60,000 miles and 3 years before starting to craze. Usually they only go 6 months. There is no fix for this, it’s too darn expensive to replace. The novelty of having a see-through roof (it covers the whole car) is lost when you’re looking through cracks.

I need to change the flat belt, it’s now squealing daily. This was something else Mercedes-Benz refused to replace when it started breaking during warranty.

The car got shot on the 4th of July two years ago. I covered the bullet hole with an Apple sticker.

Something also dug a deep gouge into two rear panels. I’ll have to replace these panels eventually. Thankfully smart panels aren’t too bad.

A car wash dug grooves into a new set of wheels I bought two years ago. The car wash said “too bad, they’re aftermarket” despite the fact that I’ve seen cars with factory wheels come out of their wash with the same grooves.

My exhaust needs a new flex pipe. Ironically, this is probably the cheapest of all the things I need to fix.

So, that’s my thought process, tell me not to buy the new smart!!!

dogisbadob > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:36

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awesome interior colors

For Sweden > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:36

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More RR cars!

dogisbadob > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:37

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Late 3rd-gen F-bodies had plastic t-tops. Not too bad to look out of, but they did scratch easily. Anyone that complained got replacement glass t-tops.

dogisbadob > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:37

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Just too bad the sunroof doesn’t open. Big deal breaker :(

MLGCarGuy > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:38

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To me, if you really want the new car and have the money for it, do some more research, make a list of what’s good and bad about the new car, and then decide whether you need it or not. This will help you avoid making an impulse purchase and regretting it later.

On a side note, how did your current smart get shot?

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:38

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I wouldn’t worry about the issues when trading it in. You don’t have to tell them about any of that.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:39

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Get the 4 door! It looks awesome.

64Mali > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:39

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The car got shot on the 4th of July two years ago. I covered the bullet hole with an Apple sticker.

Umm what? And you must do a lot of city driving I would be terrified to take a Smart on the highways in MA. Also given the problems new car with warranty sounds best.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:39

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Just do it already

jkm7680 > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:40

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Yooooooooooooo

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:41

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When the temperatures drop below 20 degrees, the engine sputters and misfires. Mercedes-Benz refused to fix it during warranty. The cause of the issue is still unknown

When operating in colder weather, a lot of EFI systems have a cold start injector to throw extra fuel in. Either the engine temp sensor or ECU may be deciding your engine isn’t really that cold (having a derp), or the injector itself may be bad. Those would be my first two suspicions.

I own dead car brands only > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:41

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You drove that more than 60,000 miles? That’s amazing.

But I would trade it in in a heartbeat. If Mercedes Benz refused to fix what, two items that should have been fixed under warranty, yeah no. It should be their problem.

But get what you want. I had an 330 hp SAAB convertible with the fixings and I traded it in immediately as soon as I saw my 9-5 just sitting there. I lost 120 hp and half of the torque but best damn decision even though I had negative equity and my payments increased.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:42

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The car got shot on the 4th of July two years ago. I covered the bullet hole with an Apple sticker.

Words cannot describe how much I love this.

Also, I say go for the new smart. RR, wider track, and a real third pedal will probably make it an utter joy to drive. Financially it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense but with how much is wrong with your current Smart I’d get out from underneath it as soon as possible. The peace of mind from driving a flawless vehicle alone justifies it if you can at all swing the financial commitment.

Textured Soy Protein > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:42

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If you are gainfully employed and the new one fits within your budget, that’s certainly not a terrible idea. The current car sounds like it needs a lot of work.

For Sweden > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. 06/30/2015 at 12:42

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dang

WiscoProud > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:43

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I'll admit, this one threw me for a loop. You list a bunch of normal problems, then "oh yeah, I got a bullet hole". Touche.

Azrek > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:43

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...is that a joystick used to dock with the mothership?

WiscoProud > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. 06/30/2015 at 12:43

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That looks like a fiat 500 humped a mini clubman

Mercedes Streeter > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. 06/30/2015 at 12:44

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As of now, the four seater will not be coming to America. Mercedes-Benz doesn’t think there is any demand for a premium 4 seat city car. However, if the new fortwo sells REALLY well, they will bring it over.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > WiscoProud 06/30/2015 at 12:44

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Maybe that’s how it happened.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:46

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Um... Why exactly did the car get shot?

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:46

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Why not Brabus edition?

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:46

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Damn I just assumed it’d make it over there.

Also your random boring fact of the day, the new Smart has the same door handles as my old Twingo.

WiscoProud > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:47

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They key to me is what you would get for trade in. You will need to get two values. “as is” and “fully fixed” if the difference between them is less than what the repairs cost, trade it in. Conversely, if the differential is higher than the repair cost, get it fixed.

How did you determine what the payments would be? Did you factor in a trade in? If you used the low end of the trade to figure your payments, and its still lower than what you’re currently paying, go for it.

Mercedes Streeter > I own dead car brands only 06/30/2015 at 12:47

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It’s currently at 76,000 miles! As of current, I’m driving 5k a month! :D

When the car was under warranty, it spent a lot of time at the dealership...not getting fixed. I always come home with a bad car wash (they couldn’t even do that right) and a paper that says “Could not replicate issue”.

The Dummy Gummy > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:49

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That new one is pretty slick looking on the outside. Not a big fan of the inside, but if you like it I say go for it. Whatever makes you happy is all that matters.

Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 06/30/2015 at 12:50

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I think it was someone shooting the air while ccelebrating the 4th of July, and the bullet ended up punching a hole in the car.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready 06/30/2015 at 12:51

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I never got the purpose of shooting into the air. The bullet is going to come down some time.

Mercedes Streeter > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 06/30/2015 at 12:52

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I keep an UltraGauge in the car with me. When it’s cold (which is half the year!) the engine never actually reaches running temperature. I have to block every vent up front to even get anything resembling a heated engine. Running temps are 180-233 degrees (the engine warps at 240 and above. In the Winter, the best it’ll do is like 160...and that’s running the lowest gear I can, driving like an asshole. lol

Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 06/30/2015 at 12:53

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I know, if you’re going to shoot the air for fun, use a blank.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:53

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Better idea - buy the new smart car.......RALLYCROSS THE OLD ONE! RALLY EVERYTHING! Your car has what, like 60ish hp? Maybe 80? ANd it is a short wheel base, rear engined, rear wheel drive car? I’m going to say two words, and then walk away.

Baja. Smart.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 12:56

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Fascinating. Have you checked for a bad thermostat? That would be, seeing if warmth starts to pass from the engine to the radiator through what is usually the top hose almost immediately. That should cause the issue you describe with refusal to start - it would be something else entirely - but the staying colder than it ought to be sounds like a problem as well.

Mercedes Streeter > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. 06/30/2015 at 12:59

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Not surprised! The fortwo and forfour are actually very different cars. The fortwo was mostly developed by smart, with Twingo mechanicals thrown in. The forfour is a Twingo with a few smart bits on top.

Mercedes Streeter > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 06/30/2015 at 13:01

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I have not. Doing so requires lowering the engine. I don’t have any smart friends close enough to help with that and the Mercedes-Benz dealer (who should have fixed it the two-three times I brought it there) charges an exorbitant rate.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 13:03

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You can’t reach the radiator hose with it in place? That’s pretty ruinous.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 13:03

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You’re asking the wrong people... ;)

Mercedes Streeter > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 06/30/2015 at 13:04

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Yep! That’s what happened! Thankfully the bullet lost most of its velocity. It would’ve gone through the headlight and into a tyre.

Mercedes Streeter > 64Mali 06/30/2015 at 13:06

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Ha! I don’t think my smart has traveled more than 500 miles in a real city environment. Most of those are suburban and highway driving.

Other than on days in which the winds are hella bad, it’s not a problem at all to drive on the highway. It has a seating position like a crossover, so you feel like you’re in a bigger car than you actually are.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 13:08

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Trading in an inexpensive little car for another inexpensive little car is not a bad idea. Since these are cheap it’s not like you’ll have a huge financial burden on your hands.

If I was in your shoes I’d do it in a heartbeat. You can’t really go wrong either way. but those new Smarts are SWEEET! I’m even considering getting one.

Mercedes Streeter > WiscoProud 06/30/2015 at 13:09

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This is assuming MBFS will give me a good deal on a new one. They haven’t even announced pricing yet (I’m sure they will be more expensive). If the new ones are too expensive or the MBFS deal sucks, I’ll repair the old smart and take it to 200k :)

64Mali > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 13:10

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I drive a Fiesta Hatch and when I get passed by a big truck it feels very sketchy, I cant imagine being in something smaller. Granted I prefer driving big giant trucks but gas is expensive. Also how did your car get shot? That isn’t a normal occurrence. (Just saw the explanation)

Mercedes Streeter > Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. 06/30/2015 at 13:11

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Not worth it to me. The US spec Brabus cars lose a little ride height and get slightly wider tyres...and a ton of cosmetic stuff. No performance bits. I’d rather mod it out myself. :)

Mercedes Streeter > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 06/30/2015 at 13:13

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The new ones don’t get here until September. For whatever reason, the cabriolet models are still being tested.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 13:16

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Just do it in september already

Is what I’m doing helping?

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 13:17

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I would have glued the bullet in the panel.

Mercedes Streeter > MLGCarGuy 06/30/2015 at 13:22

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I only have two gripes about the new car:

1. Reflector housings on the headlights. The W451 has projectors...why move backward!?!? My guess for this is that the Twingo has reflector housings, so smart just used the same part.

2. The front end is not photogenic at some angles. Meh, that’s not even a real complaint. :P

Mercedes Streeter > dogisbadob 06/30/2015 at 13:23

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Unfortunately, that thing is glued on. Costs $1,000 to replace and there’s no guarantee the new one won’t do the same. :(

Tohru > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 13:30

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Buy the new Smart.

Mercedes Streeter > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 06/30/2015 at 13:31

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Bleh, I have so many heartbeats until I can get one! They’re touring them around the country in August, then releasing them in September. :)

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 13:38

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Well then... let me introduce you to this site , if you don’t already know about it.

Rainbow > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 06/30/2015 at 13:38

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Which is why anyone who does it should be charged with attempted murder and never allowed to own a gun again.

Sure, that sounds harsh, but.... how stupid do you have to be to force your neighbors to play Russian Roulette like that?

Mercedes Streeter > Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. 06/30/2015 at 13:39

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SHHHHHH! Madness Autoworks is a candy shop to smart owners. :)

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 13:44

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Authentic. I had to have an artist paint the bullet holes on my car. I’ll post a pic later on.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Rainbow 06/30/2015 at 13:46

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To answer your question, Very.

Dsscats > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 13:49

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On another other note, I keep seeing a W450 running around my area. Guy in his 60s drives it.

Conan > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 13:58

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If you can afford it, do it. These are obviously cars that you love. People have too few sources of happiness in the world. Cherish the ones you do have.

Cé hé sin > Azrek 06/30/2015 at 14:03

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Nearly. It’s a standard Renault gear lever as used in the Mégane.

dogisbadob > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 14:14

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Then they shouldreplace them with glass. Oh wait, they’re not smart :p

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 14:14

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That’s too big to be a semiautomatic pistol round. Flat nose and punching a clean hole through polycarbonate, I’m going to with a revolver round.

.357 Magnum/.38 Special is my first guess. It could also be .44 Magnum/.44 Remington, or .45 Long Colt

nermal > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 06/30/2015 at 14:37

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You forgot to add a Hayabusa engine swap in there.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 14:44

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Anything with Twingo parts has to be good haha.

CB > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 14:48

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If you can get a good deal and a good payment plan and you really want to get a new car, I’d say go for it. Then again, I’m a terrible decision maker.

KatzManDu > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 15:00

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You can always sell your old Smart on the open market and probably get better $$$ for it via CL or cars.com or auto trader.com than you could on trade-in.

Why not Fiat 500?

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 15:16

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any smart friends

*chuckles*

Mercedes Streeter > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 06/30/2015 at 15:35

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Oh, you can reach the radiator hose somewhat easily. But doing any actual work on the engine requires tools, time, and spaaaaaaaaace. Again, which wouldn’t have been a problem had the blokes at MBZ did their job.

Mercedes Streeter > 64Mali 06/30/2015 at 15:36

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Trucks push me just a little. It’s going across a bridge in high wind, now that will grow some hair in places you don’t want it!

Mercedes Streeter > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 06/30/2015 at 15:37

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Now, I am well off enough to trade my smart for another, but as much as I’d like a rally smart, that would be a lifetime project! D:

Mercedes Streeter > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 06/30/2015 at 15:40

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Shhhhh I’m telling my brain that it makes all the sense! I mean, the car can live with an off center steering wheel and bullet holes, though the engine scares me...

Mercedes Streeter > Conan 06/30/2015 at 15:41

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That’s a lesson that took me 22 years to learn. :)

Mercedes Streeter > dogisbadob 06/30/2015 at 15:42

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The new ones have either a glass roof or the convertible top. Both are better than the current polycarbonate roof. Only the four seater has an opening roof, which sucks. lol

Conan > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 15:47

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Be glad you learned it that early... and I hope you enjoy your new car when it gets there.

Mercedes Streeter > Conan 06/30/2015 at 15:55

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At the expense of Ms. Jenner, I could not imagine myself waiting 65 years to finally reveal myself to the world. I’m just not that strong...

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 16:36

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Honestly just the transmission issue would be, for me, enough to justify looking at alternative options or buying a salvage drivetrain and swapping it in (which I have done in a Honda Civic).

Mercedes Streeter > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 06/30/2015 at 16:46

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The weird thing about the transmission is that either the clutch actuator needs adjustment (quick 10 minute job...so I’ve been told) or the clutch actuator is broken in some way. So it’s either a free fix, or a horribly expensive one.

NoneOfYourBiz > Mercedes Streeter 06/30/2015 at 21:28

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Test drive the Toyota/Scion iQ first. You have nothing to lose.

Check out this GREAT comparison video by a guy who owned the Smart before the iQ:

Also, how thoroughly and frequently do you detail the exterior of your car? Polycarbonate damage can be slowed with proper, frequent detailing. (wash, clay, synthetic sealant like Meguiar’s Ultimate Wax - the latter helps shield from UV damage)

Mercedes Streeter > NoneOfYourBiz 06/30/2015 at 22:53

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I’ve driven the iQ before. I didn’t like how it drove. It doesn’t offer anything that the third generation smart doesn’t have. And it has a CVT whereas I can get a legit third pedal with the new smart.

The iQ is also being discontinued due to slow sales. So while some think it’s the better of the two, ultimately nobody bought any. I think part of the reason is that the iQ is a micro sized Yaris for more money.

Hehe I can’t be the resident smart expert without trying the competition first! :p

Also, roof crazing is a known problem with the second generation smart. My car lucked out by going three years before crazing.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Mercedes Streeter 07/01/2015 at 06:02

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buy it!