Are smart cars worth the buy?

Question

I was looking to buy a fuel efficient car. I was wondering if a smart car could do the job?

Answer 1

Unless you need room for 4 people or spend lots of time on the highway, the smart fortwo is a great commuter, errand running city vehicle. Some vehicles get as good a mileage but nothing is more nimble or easier to park.

Answer 2

no actually it does the same as a reg car and actually can get less gas millage. plus there's a 2 year back order on them. good luck trying to get one. i personally don't think its worth it but that's just my opinion.  

Answer 3

While smart cars may be seen as chic and "in style" cars, the reality is that they aren't good cars to own in Canada. They were built primarily for Europe, where they work there due to their small size. There isn't really a need to own such a small car here in Canada and the drawbacks of owning a smart car far outweigh the pros.

After the experience of owning a two seater (like the smart), I found it got tiresome to constantly take the second car when I was taking more then one passenger. Picking up kids from school was a constant problem since I always had to take the second car, making the smart more of a liability then a transportation tool. Boot space was also a constant problem!

Another major problem with the smart is it's inability to function in the snow. While many cars struggle in the snow, the smart takes it to a new level. Thin tires lack traction and the car constantly slips around and being rear wheel drive does not help at all! Also, such a tall and narrow car is unnerving to drive when the wind is strong.

One of the main reasons I bought the smart car was because I knew it was a fuel efficient car and therefore was willing to forgive it's problems if the hit to my wallet was softened by less trips to the pump. Unfortunately, I bought the smart when they changed from the 70 mpg CDI to the 1.0 L petrol engine. While it still returns in the mid- to high 30 mpg, this is a far cry from what the diesel engine returned. There are many cars that can return close mpg numbers to the smart nowadays.

I hope this answer helps you overall. Personally I found many of the smart's sales were due to its size and style, but as a car, I'm not convinced.  

Answer 4

only if you live in a very congested area such as NYC, London ect...

if you dont and you are just considering it for the mileage dont get it.

it lacks good storage space, it only seats 2, it goes incredibly slow, it has to use premium gas, and only gets around 33-35 mpg.

Answer 5

I like the Smart car, and I have one, and a few people I know have one.  They seem to be a little more readily available in Canada than in the US.  Gas mileage is at least as good as any other fuel efficient car, and they cost thousands of dollars less than a Prius of a VW bug for example.  However, they are obviously not family vehicles - more for empty nesters or students, I think, or as a second "errand running" car.  Despite what others have said, they are fine on the highway - I've driven it on the highway many times.  

Answer 6

nope

not good for the Hwy only short city trips.

look at the Honda Fit (Jazz)

avoid the Toyota Yaris, Chevy Aveo, Nissan versa all inferior.

the Smart is cute but that's it