I understand about the appeal of scooters (esp old Vespas and Lambrettas ) and am sure they are fun, but they really do have shortcomings for using in SF - not enough real power to get up and go/avoid other vehicles in emergency moves, small tires not well suited for handling potholes, and from a car's vantage not good visibility for the lights, etc.

And again, the whole thing about transport by bike is having to dress for it and schlep around a helmet whereever you go, at least with the Smart you can go out and about and look smart too

 

Wait - I SEE Paul on a Vespa - in his Hail Cesar robes- on 50!

 

 

A new Vespa GTS 250 with some options costs $6500, half the price of a Smart! But, Annapolis is one of the few cities in the region with FREE designated scooter parking! The spaces even have signs with a picture of a Vespa on them. The cops had a laugh when I parked my Aprilia Atlantic 500 there. One said "That's a motorcycle" and the other looked at the sign and said "Yeah, but it looks like the sign, so it's ok!" Thank heaven for step-through framed maxi scooters!

A scooter would be awesome in the Annapolis area, and there are quite a large number of scooter owners down there.

 

2007 model year car edition of Consumer Reports says its the worst car they ever tested...comparing that to a MINI, the only car with real character being produced??????

 

Actually, they said the previous generation Smart was the worst they ever drove. Then again, I have found CR has a lousy track record on it's recommendations.

 

[quote=chows4us;1552732]

Captain Kirk would get a Smart Car ... shove it in the Klingons face and tell them HE got the BEST gas mileage while firing his phasers ... quote]

Actually, I think Kirk would pick up the alien princess/commander in one and make out... His speciality

 

Finally, the conclusion ...........
MCS convertible rules.

Check this out: MCSc vs Smart Brabus

 

Chow

What a COOL Car:
1958 Fiat 600 Multipla

 

Actually, it's Ciao.

 

I just got a Smart car, I am always alone on my commute to work and back and I was tired of paying $60/week for gas, now with the Smart, the tank is only 5 gals. of diesel and after one week, I'm still reading 3/4 full on the fuel gauge, as far as speed, I go as fast if not faster then any other commuters, I actually pass most other drivers on my way to work.
I used to drive an old beater to work because I work at a cement terminal and there is too much dust to have a nice car, this turned out to be the Smartest investment I ever did as far as a commuter and on the weekend, I drive the MINI with the top down and the MINI and Smart fit in my condo's parking stall back to back, the Smart is 8 ft. long and the MINI is 12 ft. and I have my other stall for my ZR1.

The best part about the Smart vs. a motorcycle is I'm protected from rain and snow and the saving on gas, plus I got a $2000 cash rebate from our government as an incentive program for protecting the environment.

 

I had no interest in the Smart cars until I found out Alta is developing a supercharger for them:

CLICK HERE

 

Congrats! I see you got an 06, can't wait to hear from owners of the 08s too and to see where the service centeres will be over here.

 

zrwon, where are you? I have only heared rumors about the diesel being available for the '08-'09 model year....perhaps in a later model. We've plunked down our $99. We "need" one for the huband's commute.
What's the paperwork involved to get the 2 grand?

oooooooo.....coooooooll..brat.

 

I'm in Edmonton Alberta Canada, we have only the diesel here, for the past 3 years I think it has been 3 years.
I have a new 06 because they are not making any 07, I don't know why and the rebate is from Transport Canada.

 

ah, well..that explains the diesel availability and the government refund...
I wish I could buy in Canada and bring it back here...can't, tho'.

 

It has been done, if you go to the Smart car Forum, you'll find out how some have done it, I know it has to be used and have at least 7500 miles on it and then it depends on your State law on emission testing but you will find out more if you go on that Forum
http://www.clubsmartcar.ca/forums/

 

The improvements sound good

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/07...-smart-fortwo/

 

What about something like this...a baby SUV!!!

 

Cool.