Are You Smart?
- August 19th, 2008
- Posted in blog
- By Fernando
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I don’t know how it happened, but over the weekend we started talking about the Smart car. You know, those little cars that you find all over Europe and Asia. Well, we decided to go for a test drive last night. I haven’t really test driven cars and I’ve always wanted to do so. We arrived at the Mercedes Benz dealership a little after 5pm (since they own Smart). I felt a bit “underdressed” in terms of my ride (I was surrounded by a bunch of brand-new Benz’s, a Bentley, and a Ferrari).
Diane was the first to go on a test drive (the car only fits two people and the salesman wasn’t about to let us both go) and she came back very excited. She had a great time driving it. Then it was my turn. I really didn’t get to drive it very far and I had to follow the directions of the salesman. I liked the car, but I didn’t have a chance to have fun with it.
Well, guess what. We decided to buy one! OK, so not really “buy” one. It’s not possible to do that just yet. There’s an 18-month waiting list. We went ahead and “reserved” one by putting $99 down. In 6-12 months, I’ll get an email saying it’s time to configure the car. Anyway, we’re excited and it fits perfectly into our schedule (we were planning to buy a new car in two years). And yes, the picture above is the model we’re looking to get (colors and all).

jealous, jealous, jealous, jealous!!
i have wanted one since the first time i saw them in europe. i need one.
but jason says that it would be ridiculous to have two huge people like us in that tiny car.
someday…
Yeah, the salesman says people who are up to 6’5″ can fit in the car comfortably, but I’m not really sure. It kinda reminds me of my high school car, the “bubble” (aka Ford Apsire). Only way better.
very cool. I can’t wait to see how it goes for you guys. I see them on the freeway from time to time and they seem to keep up with the rest of the traffic. I just wonder what happens when they get in a wreck. I guess around town driving should be perfect. cool for you guys!
Prediction – car should arrive about the time you will need a 3rd seat :-)
Those are pretty neat cars, there is a Smart dealership near our home and we are seeing more of those around.
Looking forward to having you visit Austin soon!
The safety ratings are actually higher than I thought. According to their Safety page (http://www.smartusa.com/is-the-smart-fortwo-car-safe.aspx), they received the highest awards for front and side crashes. Only 3 stars for rollovers. :)
As for the 3rd seat…well, you never know when we’ll need that. Either way, it’ll be a fun city car for me. :)
Good luck carpooling with Jeff!!!
Sounds fun!! I see those all over around here… And I kind of agree with Ryan’s prediction hee hee :)