Two Years With a smart: An Unexpected Journey.

"Mercedes Streeter" (smart) 03/11/2014 at 16:47 • Filed to: smart, city cars, renault, oppositelock, jalopnik, mercedes, top gear

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Two years ago I made an automotive decision that most people would call me insane for doing. True, I may be insane, but I knew what I was getting into. I extensively researched the car, the brand, and all of its history before getting one of my own.

So what kind of car could possibly command scientific levels of research before making a purchase? How crazy am I? Well, I got a smart fortwo.

It all started in 2008 when I was just a wee little fifteen year old lad. My mum made a mention about looking at these things called "smart cars". I was thinking about some sort of sportscars decked out in touchscreens that also drove themselves. I was definitely in for an interesting surprise.

Instead of a regular car dealer, these cars were displayed and sold in a building that more closely resembled an art gallery. The cars were like a nerd's wet dream. Normal car parts packed into a tiny, yet ergonomical, spacious, vibrant, and even slightly luxurious space. Then icing on top of the cake in the form of being able to be nearly 100% recycled at the end of its life. And of course, being a city car, they're designed to take bumps and scratches without damage...and if you did damage the plastic panels, they were cheap to replace (this also offered the opportunity for cheap colour changes too).

The cars are actually a very smart concept if you think about it.

What took place in that dealership is what helped to cement my decision to get one of them four years later. And on March 6th, 2012...the next chapter of my smart romance novel began...

Driving a smart is unlike driving any other car. You feel like you're driving a Fisher Price Cozy Coupe for adults. The steering wheel doesn't adjust, but gives you direct road feel and inputs are precise. The thing even has a rear mounted engine and floor mounted pedals, it just screams go kart.

The first thing you notice in a smart is how big it actually is. The car will easily swallow some very hefty people with ease (something the iQ hasn't mastered) and relative comfort. The second thing you'll notice (and the thing everyone notices) is the transmission. I'll get right to the point...It's slow.

It's an automated-manual. The transmission is polarizing, either you'll hate it or you'll love it. Personally, I dislike its Automatic Mode (it's slightly infuriating), but Manual Mode is a delight and helps bring the car alive.

The suspension is also harsh, but no worse than my childhood school buses or rides in Jeep Wranglers.

Honestly though, while a smart can make a practical city car, what really makes this car is the experience of having one.

Every time you stop for petrol, people demand interviews about every aspect of the car. Once, I even had a guy say he'd pay me $20 for a test drive.

You may even get perks just for driving it. I can't count how many times I've gotten half price this and free that just because the business owner liked the car.

If you take it to car shows, you will gather a crowd as large as any classic Ferrari or Lamborghini. You might even win awards at small town car shows. And if you're a person that pays attention to their surroundings, you'll also notice that a lot of people like to stare, wave, even take pictures of the car.

But the real experiences are the owner rallies and conventions. Owners of smarts range from your typical college nerd, to master tradesmen and even executive business people. It's a diverse group of people that don't discriminate for anything really. I can't describe it, but it's like no other.

And the really awesome thing is, no two smarts are really ever the same...

The rallies make it worth it on their own...And ironically, in fair weather, these city cars don't do too bad on the Interstate...

These things are even fun to modify and maintain. You can install complete exhaust systems, cold air intakes, even turbochargers for much cheaper than many cars as there's not a whole lot of car to play with. I mean, who else can change their oil simply by reaching their hand under their rear bumper?

And did I mention that wide tyres almost completely eliminate understeer? The car becomes extremely grippy on good rubber.

This is one of those cars that you could feel excited to drive. It's a quirky little thing with tons of character. And it was awesome driving it all 41,000 miles over the past two years.

Of course, not everything about the car is all Lego Movie awesome. It has its faults and it's a VERY polarizing car - $400 Mercedes oil changes, the transmission (hate or love it), lousy dealer network, and even lousier customer service...to name a few... - but if you can get past them, it's actually a neat little city car. But like I said, it's really not the right car for a lot of people.

If I had to do it all again, I'd get myself the convertible model...

On a side note: Mercedes has taken note about the lack of seats and the transmission. The new cars will be available in either standard manual or dual clutch automated-manual and there'll even be a four door configuration.

Oh, just make sure you don't get shot...

jkm7680 > Mercedes Streeter 03/11/2014 at 16:50

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I vote that everyone try a Smart once.

What happened on the hood haha?

Where have all the lightweights gone? > Mercedes Streeter 03/11/2014 at 16:55

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When was that pic taken? I think I remember seeing your car at Supercar Saturdays now that I see it.

HammerheadFistpunch > Mercedes Streeter 03/11/2014 at 16:57

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That's a good write up. Here's hoping you avoid the SMART rage from people on here or...heaven forbid it makes it to the front page! Frankly, I think they are silly things that have no place on American soil, but to each his own. I guess that's what makes Jalopnik/Oppo/car culture generally so interesting; people can get into many different facets of a car culture and really latch on and find the love we are all after.

My main problem with it is that a car that doesn't have space and gets about the same mileage and costs about the same as something that does makes little sense to me. Oh well, glad you love it, you will never love a car more than your first one.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > Mercedes Streeter 03/11/2014 at 17:01

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I was considering a Smart 10 years ago, when I was a wee little lad. I'm not so fond of them now, since I can only bring one passenger, as well as maintenance appearing to be tricky. Maybe I'll get one for the laughs in the near future, but that's all really.

Mercedes Streeter > HammerheadFistpunch 03/11/2014 at 17:02

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My first car was actually a 2001 KIA Rio I owned before picking up the smart in 2012. That thing was a bad car, but yep, as you say there's nothing a petrolhead will love more than their first car.

You're also correct about fuel economy. Although I do understand why it doesn't pull 60+ mpg like its European diesel cousins. They never really designed it to be good on fuel and they tied it to an outdated Mitsubishi engine...Of course, that's another thing they plan to remedy in the next generation...

Shame they never brought the diesel over.

Mercedes Streeter > Where have all the lightweights gone? 03/11/2014 at 17:03

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Those were photos from the 2012 SS events. I only went to 1 in 2013 due to an impossible employment situation.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Mercedes Streeter 03/11/2014 at 17:03

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I test drove the Smart Fortwo 0.8l Diesel in 2006 I really wanted to get it but mercedes was charging at the time I think 8.99% interest on these and that is what killed it for me. I was expecting to pay $225-$250/month but because of the high interest it was like $370/month. the transmission is horrible but the diesel would get almost 100mpg.

HammerheadFistpunch > Mercedes Streeter 03/11/2014 at 17:04

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out of curiosity, what is your average. and sorry about the Rio

Where have all the lightweights gone? > Mercedes Streeter 03/11/2014 at 17:06

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Where in the Chicagoland area do you live? I'm out in Mokena near Frankfort.

Mercedes Streeter > HammerheadFistpunch 03/11/2014 at 17:09

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Ironically, there are worse cars out there than the Rio. It got the teen version of myself from A-B without killing itself so there's that!

Due to an ongoing thermostat issue (this is where the poor customer service plays in) I've been taking a huge hit to fuel economy whenever the temperature drops below 20*F. But usually I can easily get it to exceed 40 MPG even driving it hard and fast.

Tucker.

PushToStart > Mercedes Streeter 03/11/2014 at 17:10

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Good write up! I don't think I'd personally own one, since I don't need a car that small (not in a big city), but I still would like to drive one just to see what it's like. Here's one I saw one time at a car show.

Doug DeMuro > Mercedes Streeter 03/11/2014 at 17:10

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Who knew there were owner gatherings?!?!?

Mercedes Streeter > Where have all the lightweights gone? 03/11/2014 at 17:11

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Out near the IL-WI border in Round Lake (for now).

Where have all the lightweights gone? > Mercedes Streeter 03/11/2014 at 17:13

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I plan on going to events this upcoming year. We'll have to coordinate a meet-up for at least one event.

Mercedes Streeter > jkm7680 03/11/2014 at 17:13

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Someone shot their gun into the sky during a 4th of July celebration.

If it went through the car any further, it would've gone through the headlight!

Mercedes Streeter > Where have all the lightweights gone? 03/11/2014 at 17:14

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That'll be awesome! Maybe find some other Oppo users to join in on it!

jkm7680 > Mercedes Streeter 03/11/2014 at 17:15

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Ouch! This is why blanks should be shot on 4th of July celebrations.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > Mercedes Streeter 03/11/2014 at 17:16

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I know YourStereoTypicalIndian makes it to nearly every SS event. I met up with him at one last year.

Mercedes Streeter > Where have all the lightweights gone? 03/11/2014 at 17:37

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Oh yeah, I know car clubs do the event so it would definitely be great to join up with other Oppo...nauts?

And since my new job is typical desk job 9-5 Monday through Friday kind of deal, I definitely won't be missing the events this year!

Mercedes Streeter > PushToStart 03/11/2014 at 18:16

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Oooh how do I want those doors...But the only manufacturer that makes them for smarts wants to charge $1,100 for their bolt on! Why on earth does it cost $800 more than your average weld on kit!?!?!

Rico > Doug DeMuro 03/11/2014 at 18:47

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Seriously, that pic made me giggle like a little kid.

PushToStart > Mercedes Streeter 03/11/2014 at 18:50

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woah, thats crazy expensive... It's probably more expensive for convenience or maybe better quality, I have no idea

Matthew Keyser > Mercedes Streeter 03/11/2014 at 21:12

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Looking forward to seeing this parked next to some serious Italian machines at Supercar Saturdays now that you told me about them.

Angel STI > Mercedes Streeter 03/12/2014 at 15:58

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smarts are awesome and super robust, mine is a 2000 model (european speaking). Its the diesel and it has 125,000 kilometers and its suffered a crash from the back and having water instead of diesel (petrol station idiots) and it is still as great as at the start

jbm0866 > Mercedes Streeter 03/12/2014 at 17:09

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I'm confused, you use the words "petrol" and "tyres" then you mention 4th of July? Btw, someone in my neighborhood has a dark blue Smart that I see tooling around occasionally....looks like a fun weekender but I wouldn't want it as a daily driver.

Mercedes Streeter > jbm0866 03/12/2014 at 17:44

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Admittedly, I have a fascination with English culture...For some odd reason I've begun unconsciously saying and typing things that way too. Elevators are lifts, trucks are lorries, and so on!

Mercedes Streeter > Angel STI 03/12/2014 at 18:00

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I wish they imported the diesels in the USA. I'd buy a cdi in a heartbeat!

trynthink > Mercedes Streeter 03/12/2014 at 21:47

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Wait, there are people who "love" the transmission? I remember watching reviews of the smart and hearing complaints about the transmission and thinking how hyperbolic the reviewers were. Then I drove a smart, and I understood why they were all so upset.

My real criticism about the smart, though, isn't the transmission, it's the value proposition. For the same money as a new smart, one could buy a car with five* seats, equal cargo space, a less choppy ride, a real manual box, and comparable fuel economy. Unless parking is a huge problem in your area, the smart might be fun and entertaining, but not terribly competitive.

In any case, to each their own. Great writeup.

* Alright, just four usable ones, if we're being completely honest.

therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) > Mercedes Streeter 03/12/2014 at 22:06

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Lambo Doors = Ricer

synchromesh1 > Mercedes Streeter 03/13/2014 at 03:29

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Not a fan. The only major advantage it has is the size which makes it easier to park. Now start the disadvantages: crashing in one of these is plain scary because it's so small. Fuel economy is pretty sucky for its size. Really, it should be getting in the high 50s as there are tons of normal-sized hybrids than can match it otherwise. It's slow, transmission sucks. It's freakin' expensive. And not only the car itself but maintenance too.

Now there are a few Brabus versions rolling around here and there is nothing more hilarious to look at. It's like a rolling oxymoron.

zyodei > Mercedes Streeter 03/13/2014 at 06:51

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The one time I had to cram a bunch of shit into a Smart, I was surprised by just how much cargo area they actually have.

Mercedes Streeter > synchromesh1 03/13/2014 at 11:16

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Woah...You're talking to someone who owns one, so it's hard to make those claims!

1. Crashing may be scary, but in the real world, it's actually very surprisingly safe.

2. Fuel economy could be better, but it doesn't "suck". When this car released in 2008, there wasn't a single car that got better fuel economy (that wasn't a hybrid or diesel). And those hybrids and diesels all cost a LOT more than this car did.

Admittedly, today everyone else has caught up and it doesn't top any fuel economy charts anymore. That said, city cars are not economy cars, they're not built to get 100mpg and cost ten pennies. And THAT said, I can't complain with a 41-45 mpg average either.

3. The car starts in the upper $13k range, that actually makes it cheaper than some superminis and hatchbacks on sale, and a lot cheaper than the car's main competitor, the Scion iQ.

4. City cars aren't meant to be racers. It holds its own and has plenty power for hill climbing and passing. If you're looking for speed, obviously you aren't in the market for a city car.

5. As I've said, getting it serviced by a Mercedes dealership is indeed freaking expensive...but doing it yourself will cost you less money than a good dinner at Red Lobster.

Admittedly, the Brabus versions here in the US are disappointing. In Europe, the Brabus cars have turbos and nearly twice the power.

Musabasjoo > zyodei 03/14/2014 at 11:57

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I got three large bales of peat moss in a smart car.

It has the storage of an average American car, but more useable, especially the convertible.

The transmission is terrific if you are smart enough to learn how to use it.

Don't buy one if you don't like it but shut up everyone.

Arch > Mercedes Streeter 03/14/2014 at 12:57

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We bought my wife's fortwo new in 2008 and it now has 80,000 trouble free city commuting miles on it. Hers is yellow and has a funny license plate, so even after all these years, people still smile, ask questions and take pictures. You simply can't be in a bad mood while driving this thing around. Speaking of which, yep, manual mode is the only way to drive it. That's by design. Maintenance is a cinch. I change the oil myself. Takes about 15 minutes. Swapped the spark plugs out at 60k miles. Air filters (cabin and engine) take minutes. Hasn't needed anything else.

I also own a 2011 Cayman S and a loaded up Tundra for hauling motos, trailers & such, but the little smartie still holds a special place in our hearts. It's proven itself to be an endearing and solid little citizen.

Mercedes Streeter > Arch 03/14/2014 at 13:42

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Yep! That's one of my favourite parts about the car. It gathers superstar levels of attention!

That license plate is familiar, aren't you a member of SCoA?? :)

zyodei > Musabasjoo 03/14/2014 at 23:48

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haha...reminds me of the two bales of hay i saw in an integra the other day

fred > Mercedes Streeter 03/19/2014 at 15:57

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theres also this page, http://www.smartusainsider.com/