I would get a more "normal" car as well. The people I see driving Smart cars are sort of like Prius owners, they just seem to hate everyone and everyone hates them back. If you want to be in that clique, then its a good car for that. That's something to consider, as people will label you a tree hugger or whatnot simply because you drive one.

With the amount of money you spend on a smart car you are better off buying a fit, yaris or versa. With the 3 cars i mentioned you get 3 more seats and alot more cargo room for around the same price. Another thing is with a smart car if you're out of warranty prepare to spend big dollars on parts an labour. The transmission shifts like crap and the brakes aren't the greatest.

My understanding is that a Brabus Smart is just a Smart with a Brabus body kit. There are no performance/handling enhancements.

I must say I agree with most people that you're only really getting a Smart to turn some heads. Otherwise a Yaris/Echo/Fit/Versa is definitely more suitable/practical for the price. Smarts are surprisingly expensive for what you get, and the cheap plastic interior is worse than a GM.

I must say, agree for the 450 pre 07 smarts but for the current ones that OP is looking at, I must strongly disagree, the car's interior is pretty well made I have to say and I really like the seat materials.

Hey coming from where I'm standing the astra was about 17k and was more fun than all the econoboxes aforementioned. Although to find a new 5 speed is getting pretty hard. In fact i doubt there are many astras left out there. but just saying :rolleyes:

The new Fiesta is one that you must consider OP, its at least a good 30% cheaper than the smart I believe and looks great :D anyone in their right mind would avoid the yaris and versa at all costs to get a fiesta >.<

I've never driven a smart, so it's hard to say.. but I keep hearing great things about the Fit. A friend of mine likes them so much, he bought two.. one red and one blue.

would never drive a smart car just because if it gets into a crash your epicly finished

I'd rather get the Soul

if you are in the price range of a brabus smart... there are so many other cars that you could get that would be far superior and more practical... I have driven both a gas and a diesel smart and found they were both dumb cars. The transmission was my biggest complaint as you feel like you are driving a bucking bronco... shifts are far from smooth... Just not worth the money IMO... it is more of a toy

Personally driven one for a day when I did some work for MB Kelowna.

The feeling is strange as the rear window is right behind you, the transmission is also very jerky. I also felt that it is very underpowered esp during overtaking and changing lanes at speed.

There is also the problem of space, if you are traveling alone then I guess you can use the passenger space for your bags and stuff etc.

Like what everyone says, go do an extensive test drive, for ~22k you should seriously consider the Fit, Yaris, Mazda 2 (soon) and maybe even a base Mini Cooper if you want to have fun while driving.

my 1990 civic dx hb gets 500km on 32L :p

plus it has 4 seats and a full trunk. you can fit a twin size bed in it!

to OP, i'd recommend you get a Fit/Yaris as well, hk20000's arguments are valid.