Sorry, been a bit remiss in my little "Life with Smart" updates. So its been about 3 and a half months and a little over 12,000 miles now (yeah I drive ALOT)
So lets hit the obvious question first.
Gas milage, until recently I was still averaging 43-45 mpg. I say until recently because I had a co-worker who has been doing the same 140 mile a day commute in a Silverado finally talk me into commuting together. So with the weight of an extra adult in the car my average has dropped to 41, still not too shabby but it does show how weight, especially in a small car, plays a big factor in mpg. I think if I ever go back to solo driving I may have to try stripping it down a bit to see what she can do.
Maintenance and Reliability had to go for the first oil change at 10k. Since the warranty is a pathetic 20k miles and the oil changes and service interval is at 10k I decided to splurge and let the dealer handle it. Overall not too bad, right around 100 bux for the full 10k service and check up and they even washed her. No other issues to report.
Day to day life has been good. Ive become kind of oblivious to the stares and looks. Having a passenger now has shed new light as he notices all the people staring at the car. But honestly when you are in the car and driving its just so easy to forget you are in a tiny speck of a car. Its roomy, comfortable and honestly probably the best commuter car I've ever owned. Its just easy to drive and easy to live with. Even my new passenger, who resisted the carpooling idea because he didn't like the idea of riding in the little beast has become quite enamored of the space and comfort.
I still get a smile when I look at it but even more I'm struck that now that the novelty has worn off its still just a good car. It feels solid, its nice to drive, its comfortable and it doesn't feel like an econobox.
It's certainly not everything and not for everyone. I recently added an F350 to the stable to pick up the slack but I really only need that once in a blue moon to tow things or haul junk to the dump. Its a fabulous commuter appliance that is a bit nicer than an appliance. Since the start of our relationship the wife has always had the "going out" car. Currently that is an 05 Mustang convertible. Its a lovely car but most times we jump in the Smart now when we go out. Its just as comfortable, just as fun and it costs less to operate.
So sorry for sounding like a fanboi once again, but I'm still enjoying it, I'm not holding back in my opinion and I'm happy to point out the faults as I find them, but really, its a nice car...try it, you'll like it ;)
