2008 smart fortwo test drive

[BumblingB]

Just got back - 10 hour drive to get there and back!!. The one I drove didn't have the paddle shifter though it had the gauge package on the dash which I liked. (clock & tach)

No complaints - the girl driving with me "suggested" shifting at 3k rpm's which I complied with until I decided to "really" see how acceleration was. I don't think she was happy though I only did it for maybe 1/8th mile from a stop light just to see what it would do, shifted manually at 5k which still felt conservative. Plenty of pep.

She was able to tell me the PS was electric too. Though I wonder if I really need it (or if the wife needs it). I'll leave that option off when they finally send me my order form - it'll save me $850 as I don't need the other options included in the package.

I really thought they were going to pay more attention to the "cash in hand, ready to purchase, reservation holders" today and take in the "walk-ins" on Friday-Sunday since it was advertised for Fri-Sun. They took walk-ins today as well so trying to get answers to my questions wasn't easy due to the crowd. On top of that, I forgot to ask the big question about cruise-control too. Also, I couldn't remember what I had my elbow resting on when I drove it though my wife suggested it may have been the attractive SMART employee co-driver. I think she may have protested if I had done that - at least for another 5 minutes until she got to know me better. It felt natural in there even with the lack of an armrest which is a pet peeve of mine; car without armrests.

I'll be going for the Passion now for sure - no doubt about it. Yellow w/red interior leaving the trim black instead of silver though I may change my mind about that.

[BumblingB]

Well after finding out I'll get my car in Nov 08 - Jan 09 I decided to try the "orphan list" (unsold cars that were reserved - reservation holders are supposed to get first dibs). 3 weeks and nothing - last Sunday I figured Monday I'd make it my goal to annoy the heck out of the dealer until they got me a car. I was quite vocal, but in a nice way, that I would be that annoying guy until they gave me what I wanted. That was at 0800, by 1200 I had a phone call from them saying they had a car for me.

Sooo, that being said I'll do a review once I have it. Of course it'll probably be a bit biased. I also need to dig out my flak vest to protect me from the naysayers. So far, talking to other US Smarties - most seem to be hanging around 45MPG and these people aren't driving like Hypermilers. I look forward to getting it.