 Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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OP
Should be Riding
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Posts: 12,877 |
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 311
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 311 |
OMG!!--can ya imagine that on the L.I.E. rock'n between two tractor trailers!?! 
________________________________
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_WXxYGyRas
Noli Irritate Leones
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
do they make a version for fully grown adults? 
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
My wife and I like it! But then I always have a taste for unusual cars. While on a short trip last summer, my wife and I say a German Isseta from the 60s. Even smaller than this car. Totally smallish and strange.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
do they make a version for fully grown adults?
I've sat in one and was surprised at the amount of room.
Plenty for me and another full sized adult.
Or 17 Shriner clowns.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
A little OT - my boss owns a Prius, and so I make trips in
it from time to time for service and such. I learned to
drive at age 9 on an old Ford LCG backhoe, some 40 plus
years ago. (Man - could that thing pop a wheelie)
Since that time, when Fred Flinstone was a pup,
it has been repeatedly taught to my little
golf ball of a brain that if a vehicle engine stops turning
mid trip, this is NOT a good thing. The first time the
Prius decided to shut down the gas engine & switch over to electric mid trip,
I was ready to scream "MAYDAY" "MAYDAY" and grope for the ejection seat lever.
Turns out that's normal in a Prius.
The solution: Turn the radio up -- loud.
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
I looked at one up close a week or two ago. Tiny for sure. After looking I checked the website. I'm fairly convinced they are smartly engineered, smartly designed, smartly appointed, smartly priced. The only down side is the two person seating - As we fast approach $4 per gal., The times, they are a changin'. I think we are witnessing the first footsteps toward "marching to a new drummer" here in the US. Frankly. I hope it catches on - No, not because I'm a tree hugger, but, because I want plently of fossil fuel left for my scooter.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463 |
I've posted before about Smarts. Love em. Great for round the cities. Apparently crap on long distance. They do do a Smart ForFour. Nearly 1.5 times the length of a 'normal' one,but don't know if you have them in the US yet and they stopping doing the Roadster cos it wasn't selling. Yet I would pass my test if smeone gave me a Roadster. A ForFour  A Roadster 
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel... 
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel... 
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302 |
We just got a new dealership and the city just ok'd using them on the city streets but I don't want to get behind one due to the fact that they only do 25 mph tops and a lot of our main roads are 30 or 35 mph. I wonder if they have heat and or AC?
mike
2006 neon blue speedmaster
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
Mike, I think you may have the Smart confused with some golf cart-ish vehicle. This little puppy ain't a 25mph club hauler. 70 hp, 0-60 in about 13 sec., tpo speed near 90mph. It certainly can stay out of the way of the other grocery getters. See here; http://www.smartusa.com/smart-fortwo-passion.aspx
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463 |
Nah, definately does more than 25.....I've been doing 75 and had to speed up to overtake one.
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel...
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel...
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7 |
A friend of mine is the regional importer for these things, I have ridden in several of them. They do ok in traffic, they dont accelerate great. On the highway they cruise along nicely. You can always find a parking space. One major drawback IMO is the fuel economy isn't there. I think they get just over 30 mpg here in the states. And from what I remember, the price is higher in the US for all the different safety standards. If the price on that site is right, then this is an affordable car, but not one thats going to save the world with great gas mileage. BUT, you do get a lot of attention, same as on the Triumph, everyone wants to come look and ask questions!
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477 |
The Porsche/Mercedes/Maybach dealer in Dallas near Love Field was renovating a section of the complex to accomodate selling Smart Cars. I'm not kidding.
JB
"Long live the Duck Force!"
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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OP
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
Smart is owned by Mercedes I think, so it does make sense. Sorta like Mini is BMW... I think the Hummer dealer down the street from the smart dealer should buy a couple and park a Hummer ON them  That would be funny. Overall I think they are cool, and great for the city. Like someone said it's nice to have a more purpose built car. Only problem is you need another car for family trips etc... So there's still no such thing as the perfect car, just better compromises.
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Only problem is you need another car for family trips etc...
Heck you would need another car to do anything else that you are going to take something or get something or anything other than just go around the block. Not enough room in that car for a slurpee much less groceries or golf clubs.
Soren
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302 |
OK, my bad? it looked just like the ones in town, all electric. Some had sport team theme paint.
mike
2006 neon blue speedmaster
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Just checked out their web site. 40/45 MPG. For car that you cant take anything with you (making it about worthless) I'll stick with the bike. Soren
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1 |
Smart cars are way overpriced over here. ( But then again all vehicles are). Much better value and is something like the Ford Ka. Cheaper and more use and not that far off the MPG. Wife had one and it was passed on to two of the sons and survived the abuse they probably gave it  (I was young once ) And did anybody see Top Gear check out the handling of the Smart car. Its bound to be on the internet somewhere. It was not understeer problems, more like No steer.
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
And did anybody see Top Gear check out the handling of the Smart car. Its bound to be on the internet somewhere.
It was not understeer problems, more like No steer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyAlcvZVOuY
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 594
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 594 |
From seeing them all over the place in Germany, I know they're great for one thing in particular; when some d***head parallel parks in the middle of two spaces leaving 1/2 of a car length in front and back so nobody else can park - you can always pull your Smart Car into the space nose to the curb...the back bumper still doesn't stick out further than the sides of the other cars.
SFC, US Army (Ret)
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954 |
Yep, Mike like said, you must be confusing these. They do 80mph, have A/C, ABS/ESP, stereo, and can be fully optioned. They run on a 3 cylinder engine, but are only hauling a little weight, so don't need much. Also have a semi-auto tranny and are incredibly roomy inside for 2 people (I'm 6 feet, and my buddy who rode with me in one is 6'2" and neither of us felt any kind of crampishness.
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954 |
Quote:
OMG!!--can ya imagine that on the L.I.E. rock'n between two tractor trailers!?!
No more than I can picture a Triumph America on the LIE between 2 18 Wheelers 
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 688 |
 Over priced, over hyped, under powered, Can't be the safest auto out there and if memory serves me correct a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla hase better gas miliage. The Smaet car does not sound so smart to me! If this is "progress" we are screwed!
She's a Lady and the Lady is 100% mine !
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1 |
Found the clip. Smart Handling
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
Found the clip.
Smart Handling
I think I'll stick with the Mini!
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954 |
Certainly not the right car for everybody all the time, but for people who live in cities or congested areas, and who don't have families (i.e. young urbanites), not a bad option. As far as safety goes, I'll put my money on it, it was engineered by Mercedes, not exactly slouches in the safety engineering department if memory serves me right. A good example would be during the original introduction when the car was a joint project between SMART and Mercedes, and they had the infamous "Moose Test" incident. Instead of trying to sweep it under the rug, or poo-poo it like some big car companies, Mercedes/SMART came to my former employer (Bosch), and retrofitted every single car with Bosch's Electronic Stability System as well as re-engineering the whole suspension package to give it a wider, lower stance. Not exactly a cheap "fix-it" when you consider they were ramping up into high volume production. And, as far as the passenger area, it is a rigid cell designed to meet the same impact safety standards as a Mercedes S-Class (i.e. TANK!) The one area of concern is that it doesn't have "crumple zones", but relies on the crumple zones of other vehicles to absorb the energy of the impact, as well as a slew of airbags. But, crumple zone or not, I'm willing to bet that whatever hits one of these is not going to get into the passenger compartment!
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541 |
Quote:
Smart Handling
That has to be a contradiction in terms
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541 |
Quote:
The Porsche/Mercedes/Maybach dealer in Dallas
Now thats a dealership. You could right a sit com about that place.
Good morning sir, what can i show you today, a Maybach or a Smart.
Yes sir, the payments on your Porsche 911 GT3 will be $3,547.89 per month with $25,000 down. Little more than you were expecting. Well would you like to take a look at the Smart car.
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
Do you have to buy one for each foot?
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 828
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 828 |
I remember back in the early 90's Honda made a version of the CRX that had a designation of HF. Those were advertised to get around 50 mpg or something like that. It had the same chassis as all the other CRX models and only ran on gasoline (not a hybrid or electric engine). I'm surprised that they haven't brought it back. The market for it wasn't all that hot back then because gas was relatively cheap so it wasn't a big deal but nowadays...
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 591
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 591 |
I saw one not long ago with a bunch of folks with orange hair and red noses packed like sardines.
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477 |
CNN just had an article on that said someone was developing a car that will run on methane. They're calling it a Fart Car... Badumpbump!
JB
"Long live the Duck Force!"
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954 |
Quote:
I remember back in the early 90's Honda made a version of the CRX that had a designation of HF. Those were advertised to get around 50 mpg or something like that. It had the same chassis as all the other CRX models and only ran on gasoline (not a hybrid or electric engine). I'm surprised that they haven't brought it back. The market for it wasn't all that hot back then because gas was relatively cheap so it wasn't a big deal but nowadays...
Was just reading up on these things, and they're saying 43 in the CITY and 68 on the Highway. That's probably about as good as the Prius, except that you don't have to worry about replacing 400 lbs worth of batteries when they die! And the dealerships in Germany are a hoot too. Don't know if they'll do that here, but it is a 4 or 5 story glass tower that has an elevator in the middle. The cars are visible from the outside on each floor and you just tell them which one, the elevator goes up, loads it from it's slot and brings it back down.(and no, I didn't see a slot for the quarters to get the cars out of the gumball machine....) 
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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OP
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
Quote:
No more than I can picture a Triumph America on the LIE between 2 18 Wheelers
That's what the HOV lane is for
One thing about milage in cars nowadays is weight. Late 70's and early 80s cars got lighter to help with milage. The 90's brought us airbags, power everything, sound insulation, more ventalation ducts, more wiring, motors everywhere, side impact regulations, etc. All that adds weight. So even if they brought back the Civic Craptacular edition, it wouldn't get that kinda milage because it would be towing a few hundred more pounds. I think our 2001 Hyundai is the last car on earth with roll up windows...
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
I buy trucks with no extras and rubber floor mats,going to be shopping for a couple new ones soon. These days the no frills truck costs you extra, at least they did not sure if you can get them that way anymore. The rubber floor mats don't hold water and rot the floor, manual windows much cheaper to fix, etc...plus I like a truck I can point the hose in the cab and squirt it clean. Now thats my idea of detailing!
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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OP
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
Can't get a fullsize pickup with a stick anymore!!! At least not Chevy and I don't think ford. Not sure about dodge or toyota....
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 431
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 431 |
What! Thats unbelieveable. All trucks and sportscars should be standard without the option of automatic. Oh, the crime of it all.
I've become comfortably numb
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
I buy trucks with no extras and rubber floor mats,going to be shopping for a couple new ones soon. These days the no frills truck costs you extra, at least they did not sure if you can get them that way anymore. The rubber floor mats don't hold water and rot the floor, manual windows much cheaper to fix, etc...plus I like a truck I can point the hose in the cab and squirt it clean. Now thats my idea of detailing!
Yank out the carpet and have the spray on bed-liner guy put that textured stuff on the floor.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
Larry thats a really good idea. I didn't know that about Chevy Trucks not being able to get std. shift. Thats another thing I always want especially for towing,the autos just can't take the abuse like a std. Plus I like PTO winches and those seem to be gone too, its all either hydraulic or electric. I'm going to be in the market for a new rollback and a new family truck. I always bought Chevy and have had great luck with them but not sure what I will do if I can't get a std in Chevy.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Smart car/SMALL car!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Can't get a fullsize pickup with a stick anymore!!! At least not Chevy and I don't think ford. Not sure about dodge or toyota....
I dont thank anyone offers a full size pick-up with a manual tranny any more. Heck its getting tougher even to find a four banger compact car with manual, much less any vehicles with a 6 or 8 cylinder motor.
Soren
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