Used Smart cars (do these seem expensive?)

Hi there,
We have decided to start looking for a 2nd car. Not our preference but differing work schedules require it. We are considering: honda fit, toyota yaris or smart car. If there are good deals perhaps new or lease but I have nothing against second hand.

I was looking at the used smart cars for sale and they seem rather excessive in price, but perhaps I am reading the market not correctly. Any input appreciated on the 2 ads below. Should note that this is in Halifax, a pretty small market. Tx!

http://www.oregans.com/vehicledetail...5186&next=true

http://www.oregans.com/vehicledetail...5658&next=true

Not surprising. Despite its name, a 'Smart' car is never a smart purchase. Though I hate the Yaris and Fit as well, they are definitely smarter buys than the Smart, which is perhaps the dumbest buy of all cars

also very unsafe on the highway and you look ridiculous..

i don't understand the marketing behind the fit. the fit.. if decked out in options... is the same price as a new honda civic EX....

so it's pretty much a slower, hatchback civic?

I'd be happy to not consider a smart car. I guess it was the mileage consumption that looked attractive. Can you give me some reasons why not to consider a smart car? Thanks.

Originally Posted by ES_Revenge

Not surprising. Despite its name, a 'Smart' car is never a smart purchase. Though I hate the Yaris and Fit as well, they are definitely smarter buys than the Smart, which is perhaps the dumbest buy of all cars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz-s1sIoLhU

crash testing of the smart twofour.

it gets good ratings, BUT even the commentator says, it's not a good measurement because if you watch the video,

the car rebounds violently... unless you like being a pinball.

Originally Posted by upupnorth

I'd be happy to not consider a smart car. I guess it was the mileage consumption that looked attractive. Can you give me some reasons why not to consider a smart car? Thanks.

Don't listen to ES_revenge... He doesn't grasp the concept of an "Economy car".
A Basic car meant to be cheap to maintain and drive.
He expects all cars to be along the lines of a Porsche 911 or super moto ferrari 95435893953GTS-R

Originally Posted by UrbanPoet

Don't listen to ES_revenge... He doesn't grasp the concept of an "Economy car".
A Basic car meant to be cheap to maintain and drive.
He expects all cars to be along the lines of a Porsche 911 or super moto ferrari 95435893953GTS-R

If everyone wanted cheap and economical, we'd all be driving scooters.

A friend of mine had one. 400$ oil changes - not sure if the new ones come with a oil drain plug now.

Originally Posted by RabidRabbit

If everyone wanted cheap and economical, we'd all be driving scooters.

Thats why people get Fits, yaris, accents, and to some extent civics/Corollas.
But those tiny cars are more on the lower end of the spectrum. Kinda just like an A-B car...

This is most likely something that would be attractive for the OP... since its a secondary car.

Is this for real? Again I am happy to be talked out of a smart car on variables like safety and expensive maintenance.

Originally Posted by raymondly

A friend of mine had one. 400$ oil changes - not sure if the new ones come with a oil drain plug now.

If everyone wanted cheap and economical, we'd all be driving scooters.

Scooters are massively fun and I would ride one every day if it wasn't for the Canadian winters. A lot more fun that any number of 6 figure poseur-mobiles anyway.

Originally Posted by KawaiiTentacleBeast

Scooters are massively fun and I would ride one every day if it wasn't for the Canadian winters. A lot more fun that any number of 6 figure poseur-mobiles anyway.

indeed they are!
I think motorcycles/scooters are the greatest modes of transportation ever!
Except with a scooter... you could get away with parking it on the sidewalk.

Imagine having free parking downtown thats EASY to find, and having your vehicle right near the door.
Not to mention the $8 bill to fill up a tank that could last you a week.

Originally Posted by UrbanPoet

Don't listen to ES_revenge... He doesn't grasp the concept of an "Economy car".
A Basic car meant to be cheap to maintain and drive.
He expects all cars to be along the lines of a Porsche 911 or super moto ferrari 95435893953GTS-R

LOLz. No I understand the concept alright it's just that some are better than others. As I stated I don't like the Fit or Yaris, but they are way better than the Smart--the most ironic name in the car business. So despite my dislike for super econoboxes*, I will still say if you have to buy one do not buy a Smart.

*Note that I don't dislike all economy cars, just the super economy ones like the Fit/Yaris/Versa/Swift+/etc. as they are POSes. As for the 'Smart', that is actually in another dimension of suckage below even those mentioned.

Well I can't say this has been a very specific discussion hence not that useful. But thanks for being very clear about your likes and dislikes.

Originally Posted by ES_Revenge

LOLz. No I understand the concept alright it's just that some are better than others. As I stated I don't like the Fit or Yaris, but they are way better than the Smart--the most ironic name in the car business. So despite my dislike for super econoboxes*, I will still say if you have to buy one do not buy a Smart.

*Note that I don't dislike all economy cars, just the super economy ones like the Fit/Yaris/Versa/Swift+/etc. as they are POSes. As for the 'Smart', that is actually in another dimension of suckage below even those mentioned.

Originally Posted by ES_Revenge

LOLz. No I understand the concept alright it's just that some are better than others. As I stated I don't like the Fit or Yaris, but they are way better than the Smart--the most ironic name in the car business. So despite my dislike for super econoboxes*, I will still say if you have to buy one do not buy a Smart.

*Note that I don't dislike all economy cars, just the super economy ones like the Fit/Yaris/Versa/Swift+/etc. as they are POSes. As for the 'Smart', that is actually in another dimension of suckage below even those mentioned.

You just named pretty much all the economy cars that they sell in North America.
Anything above that goes into the compact range... And no1 really "likes" a super econo box... They get them because they are inexpensive, cheap to repair, cheap to buy, cheap on gas etc...
No1 says "hey look @ that sexy Wave! Imma put a $10k down payment... wait...".

Originally Posted by upupnorth

Well I can't say this has been a very specific discussion hence not that useful. But thanks for being very clear about your likes and dislikes.

I say don't go for the smart... Go for something else. You'll miss having the extra 2 seats (or 3 if you cram) in the back... One day your going to need to carry something bigger then a gym bag, and you'll be out of luck.