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Smart Car FAQ

  What are the expected Miles Per Gallon?
There are alot of rumors floating around auoting to Smart as getting an astromonical mpg rate. Let me say that I live in the USA, and have driven the car here and what I write is the honest truth. The Smart Car gets about 45 mpg in the City and 55 mpg on the highway. One of the neat features about this car is that it learns your driving habits. So as you drive it, the mpg actually improves, what other car can boast that? Learn more by visiting the information page and checking out the 'Mileage' section.


  How did the Smart Car get its name?
"S" for Swatch, designer of the car, "M" for Mercedes, the manufacturer, and "ART" simply because it is, well, a work of art. Today, in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, there is a permanent display of six vehicles judged to be historically significant in their design, and contribution to the automotive industry. The Sixth vehicle is the Smart Car. www.moma.org/exhibitions/2002/autobodies/home.html
  Is this a Hybrid Vehicle?
No, Smart is an extremely efficient 3-cylinder gasoline engine vehicle. In Canada, it is offered only as a diesel. However, the Canadian vehicles do not meet the USA's emission standards and therefore, cannot be registered here.


  How long is it compared to the VW beetle or Mini Cooper?
The Beetle is about 14' long, the Mini Cooper is about 12'. The Smart Car is just over 8'2", small enough, in fact, that it will fit on top of a pool table.


  How fast does the Smart go? and does it have trouble on the highway?
It Smart goes from 0 to 60 in about 16.2 seconds and is peppier than alot of the much larger sedans. Although it has a governor on it at 84 mph, it has no problem getting up to that speed very quickly.
  When will they become available for purchase?
Daimler Chrysler has stated that they will bring this car to market in 2008. However, THERE ARE CARS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE NOW!--We have European Smart Car Models, that have been legally converted to American Standards.


  What is the difference between a Converted Smart Car and the ones that Daimler Chrysler (DC) will bring to market in 2 years?
There are some key differences. For instance, The converted cars boast a Mercedes engine and the 2008 DC Smarts will have a Mitsubishi engine. Additionally, The Converted Cars are 7" shorter, making them the smallest mass-produced car ever. One more thing, the DC cars that will be coming to the USA will come under the Chrysler brand not Mercedes. Not to mention that they are 2 years away, which is ample time for DC to revise it's marketing plan and decide not to even bring the cars here at all.


  I have heard that these cars will be available for under $15,000, is that true?
As to this question, I can only conjecture. In Europe, the bare bones model sells for around $12,500 Euros, and in Canada they sell for upwards of $25,000. Neither of those price conversions are anywhere near $15,000. They both end up being over, $20,000 and if you want any features the price increases rapidly. My guess would be that Daimler Chrysler is trying to create a fervor, and that the price will be higher when they actually bring it to market. If it is that much less expensive, it is because they are cutting costs by putting in a cheaper Mitsubishi Engine.
  I am tall. Can I drive this car comfortably?
Amazingly, even a 6'6" individual will fit easily into Smart Car, after safety conversion, and have headroom left over. It has a deceivingly large interior. However, I would suggest a test drive before purchase for anyone taller than 6'2", just to make sure you feel comfortable and that it is the right fit.
  Can you change the color of this car inexpensively and easily?
The body panels are interchangeable. The cost of an entire set of panels is somewhere in the range of $2,000. They are also available separately which is nice if you get in a fenderbender and just need to replace one. This may not be considered inexpensive to some but it is a neat option for those so inclined.
  What does "Tridion" mean?
Smart's frame is made of "tridion" which is basically reinforced steel designed to absorb impact without sustaining damage to the cabin (and therefore the contents i.e. you). For more info Check out the "Safety" link on the Smart Car Main Page.
  It sounds like the Smart Car is enviromentally Friendly. Can you Confirm that?
Yes, the miles per gallon obviously qualifies the Smart Car. However, the car itself is manufactured from recyclable materials. Eighty percent (80%) of all materials that go into the Manufacuring of the Smart Car are recyclable.


  Where can I get parts for my Smart Car?
The converter is required to have a large stock of parts available. However, if the parts are not available, we have the option of purchasing directly from our suppliers abroad. There are also many places in the US that either already have or soon will have Smart parts. We will list them on this site as we learn their locations.
  Where can I get my Smart Car serviced?
If you are local to St. Louis, you can take them to Plaza Mercedes on Olive Blvd. They are our authorized service location and can provide normal oil changes and service interval inspections as well as third party warranty work. Warranty work can also be provided across the country at most any shop that is able to perform the required repair. Parts can be shipped to other locations. Though originally manufactured by Mercedes, these vehicles are not sold through Mercedes.



Available Upon Appointment at Auto Centers Bonn Terre.
573-358-1020

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