Is the smart fortwo a good car for your first car?

Question

this car is ok and stuff but i was wondering what are the good and bads about buying this car

Answer 1

That really depends on what you want.  If you want to drive with a couple of friends obviously it isn't a good choice.  It is probably not a car I would expect a young person to choose as a first car, but I'll tell you what I think about them overall.

I like the Smart car. They are very safe, one of the safest cars on the market. They get gas mileage similar to a Prius, but they cost many thousands of dollars less to buy. Where I live there is an additional $2000 government rebate if you buy one because it is an environmentally friendly car. It is a great car in traffic, and is fine on the highway. It's a cool car and a great conversation starter practically everywhere you go in one. They have more "personality" than most other cars, with the possible exception of the mini Cooper (which is much more expensive with not great gas mileage and is not that comfortable to ride). Smart cars are neat to drive, have very comfortable seats, and are good for road trips - I drove one on a 1000 mile road trip last week and had plenty of room for my luggage and everything I needed, and had a lot of fun with it. They have the basic amenities you need - AC, intermittent wipers, power windows, keyless entry. Unlike most other cars they require servicing only once a year or every 10,000 miles or 15,000 kilometers, which is a huge savings in itself. When you buy one, you automatically have roadside assistance, so if you get a flat tire, or lock your keys in the car you just call the roadside assistance number. There are many advantages to a Smart car, and I like them a lot.

Answer 2

cannot tell without knowing what car.  Like a VW bug "New one" is junk and most are too unsafe for first car as insurance will cost more then car. Any 2 seater will be classified as sports car and will cost a16 year old girl if she can get insurance close to max.  Girls are more expensive at this age.

Answer 3

No it isn't because large vehicle's have problems seeing them when they are changing lanes. If you only do city driving then it wouldn't be too bad. The Smart is a glorified golf cart, and personally I'd never let my kid get one for their first car unless if they never drove on roads that had speed limits of over 25 MPH.  

Answer 4

I really hate that Smart ForTwo. The ride is jittery with real bad handling. Not that your going to be racing in it but just everyday driving isn't any good. It is very slow. Merging in the interstate is dangerous in it. It also has a slow shifting transmission. And for its biggest selling point (mpg) it only gets 35 mpg overall.  A car with only a 1L engine should get at least 40-50mpg.  It also cost $14K. That price is without a radio too.  The radio is actually a option.  You have to get a higher trim line to get one. The only good thing is that it has ESC and curtain airbags standard.

I recommend the the Cooper S for a small car similar to the Smart.  It has very quick precise handling that makes it very fun to drive. The turbocharged 4 cyl is very puchy and powerful for the car. Rear seat room is a bit snug but at least it has a rear seat. It also gets 30 mpg overall. But it is $28K for price which is why I think they're overpriced.

Other than the Cooper these are all good too if you still want the Smart (I guess b/c you want something small with good mpg) or want to pay less than $28K for cooper  get a Toyota Prius (44mpg overall), 2000 Honda Insight (50mpg), Honda Fit (32 mpg), Honda Civic (28mpg), Toyota Matrix (35mpg), Toyota Yaris (33mpg), Toyota Corrolla (35mpg)