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General discussion

Smart car?

Apr 13, 2011 2:45PM PDT

I am a college student in the market for a new car. I'm looking for the two things everyone is looking for, a cheep car with good fuel economy. Currently I keep eyeing my car buying attention to the Smart Fortwo. Should I be? I know there are bigger cars with similar fuel economy but for slightly more, or cheeper cars that have not as good MPG. I'm wondering if it is worth looking into, even though it's downsides are everywhere in every review I read (including the one here on cnet) like the bad transmission, not to mention using premium ga$.

HELP!?

p.s. I saw a video with Brian Cooley reviewing the "new" fortwo right before it hit the USA, he said in it he bought one... would he buy it again? Now?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crPcOna31GI&feature=related

Discussion is locked

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Pass.
Apr 13, 2011 2:52PM PDT

For that much you might find a 2005 Civic Hybrid with better gas mileage. In fact I found a 2004 hybrid for 7K almost half the cost of that Smart car and can write it exceeds 40MPG year round.
Bob

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about that....
Apr 13, 2011 3:10PM PDT

I've had some bad experiences with used cars...at 19 I'm on my third.... Any "new" options?

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Then a stock civic?
Apr 13, 2011 3:13PM PDT

The price I saw at the local Smart dealer and what a new Civic goes for lets me write the civic may be the better deal. And the highway mileage is nothing to sneeze at.
Bob

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Drive one first
Apr 14, 2011 12:07PM PDT

You should drive one, if you're that excited about it, the only way to satisfy the urge is to go for a test drive. But, also test drive at least two other cars, maybe one new and one used, that will give you a fair comparison. I would suggest looking at a Ford Fiesta, you can get them relatively inexpensively and it's a lot of car for the money. They are extremely comfortable, quick enough, quiet, and nicely equipped. You may also want to look at a Chevy Cruze, or a 2011 Focus, which should be pretty well incentived with the 2012s showing up at dealers. Good luck, and take your time, you shouldn't rush a car purchase, you'll be much happier if you do your homework first.

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Have a look at this 2011 Chevy Cruze (not funny)
Apr 16, 2011 2:36AM PDT