smart Car

Florida smart Car Club

Join fellow smart owners and smart enthusiasts from Florida.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jack Diehl on January 28, 2008 at 9:04pm

Anyone in FL got his or her smart yet? I think I'm getting close, but still waiting to hear from my dealer in W. Palm.

Permalink Reply by flasmartdad on January 29, 2008 at 9:35am

I'm still waiting on mine also ,I saw on this sight where a guy from largo got his last week,when did you place your order?

Permalink Reply by Jack Diehl on January 29, 2008 at 10:42am

My $99 went in Ap. 7 and my order to the factory mid Nov. (forgot the exact date). I received an email on Jan. 18 saying I'd be notified by smart and my dealer (W. Palm) within 30 days about when my car gets to the port (or something like that). It would then be about 2 or 3 weeks to delivery. whew. But at least there seems to be some progress. At this point I'm guessing delivery somewhere around end of Feb. beginning Mr. ? Capt. Jack, Vero Beach

Permalink Reply by Jack Diehl on January 29, 2008 at 12:52pm

Where abouts in FL are you?

Permalink Reply by flasmartdad on January 29, 2008 at 7:40pm

st pete here I didn't do my 99.00 deposit until the end of october ,most likely won't see the car until the late summer ,I just hope if it comes beyond that time period its an 09 model

Permalink Reply by Robert on August 19, 2008 at 6:50pm

I live in Lakeland Florida. Between Tampa and Orlando, Florida. I have had my Passion for two months. Would like to meet others in the area for a get to gether. E mail address in [email protected]

Permalink Reply by Ben on January 28, 2009 at 8:58pm

Ben Johnston here. I've had my SmartCar for about 2 1/2 months. Purchased it at the Tampa dealership. Love the car, having difficulty with them getting an engine light repair. It keeps coming on and off. Have you had any experience with that.

Ben

Permalink Reply by Ralph Wheeler on February 4, 2008 at 12:40am

Got my cabrio on Jan. 23. Great car, love everything about it. Reserved it on day 1, March 18th, 2007. It's worth the wait.

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Permalink Reply by flasmartdad on February 8, 2008 at 9:36am

how do you like your new car?

Permalink Reply by Ralph Wheeler on February 8, 2008 at 10:54am

Really love it. It's everything I thought it would be. Just be prepared for LOTS of attention (rarely a bad thing). The engineering and packaging of the car are amazing, and it's a hoot to drive. Really like being able to shift manually, very entertaining and helpful for extra power when needed. Haven't felt the need for more horses, the engine is more than adequate. So far have done about a 50/50 mix of highway/city driving. You really don't feel so vulnerable on the highway cuz you sit up so high. The only thing I've noticed is due to the slab sides, if it's very windy you do feel slight buffeting, but it's not scary. The car is very well controlled.

Let me know if I can answer any other questions.

Permalink Reply by flasmartdad on February 8, 2008 at 11:57pm

Im really looking forward to mine ,I ordered the passion coupe in yellow with the black tridion ,with the comfort package and better sterio ,been waiting 4 months ,how is the transmission ,I only test drove the car for a couple of minutes ,is there a big difference compaired to a regular automatic transmission ,after you placed your order and got an email to configure your car ,how long of a wait was it?

Permalink Reply by Ralph Wheeler on February 9, 2008 at 1:22am

I reserved mine on day 1, March 18th 2007. Got the configuration email on October 4th. Ordered mine with the dash pods (rev counter and clock), heated seats (yes, even in Florida), electric power steering, and anti-theft system. Yes, there is a big difference between this car and a "regular" automatic. Since it really is a 5-speed manual, that's what it feels like. There's no torque converter (fluid drive). In D, it shifts up and down automatically, but you feel the car disengage the clutch, shift to the next gear, and then engage the clutch again. If you step down hard, this can be a little bit of a "seesaw" motion. Driven more lightly or shifting manually less so. If you've ever driven a standard, I think you'll love shifting manually, and not having to bother with the clutch. You don't need to lift off the gas when you shift, but if you let up just a tiny bit, the shifts are VERY smooth. I generally shift that way, going up thru the gears or downshifting when needed. When coming to a stop I just let it go back to 1 by itself. The brake pedal acts like the clutch, especially in reverse. The more you let up, the more the clutch engages. A clever modern version of some older attempts at automated manuals.

Hope this helps. Keep in touch.