I had decided that the Smart ForTwo was the closest thing to a purpose-built toad ever designed. It seemed perfect. So when towing my Ranger didn't work out, I started looking for a Smart. I finally found a nice little 2012 Passion with 85K miles for $4000.
And now I'm starting to understand why these things aren't more popular.
It started with the transmission. Part of the reason they are towable is that instead of a traditional automatic transmission, they have a standard transmission with a computer that does the shifting. Wouldn't you know it, the gear indicator started blinking on the way home from the purchase. So I took it to the dealership the next day. $200 just to look at it, I guess because it's a Mercedes. But good news! The transmission computer just needed a software update. They didn't even charge me (other than the $200, of course).
But then the guy informed me that they had no record of my car every being in for its 60K checkup. And that's a big deal because these cars have solid lifters, which require adjustment, just like an old VW. I was told that my car would likely self-destruct at any moment if I didn't get this done right way. OK, how much, I asked. $2,000! Why? Because they have to remove the entire engine from the car to do it! But good news! Since it's included in the 60K service, they'd throw in new belts and spark plugs!
I said for that kind of money, I'd just have to take my chances. (I later discovered on the smart car forum that hardly anybody actually does the valve adjustment, and it's only a couple of hundred if I don't let a Mercedes dealer do it.)
So then I asked how much for a spare key. A mere $289.18! But if I wanted it "programmed" to actually work, that's another $190! $479 for a key! Who knew that 12% of the entire value of a 2012 Smart car is on the key chain? I was afraid to ask how much for a set of tires. Good thing mine are in pretty good shape, but I bet you can't get a set of those at Costco.
Oh, well, I'm committed now. It's just disheartening that the most expensive single item I need to outfit the car for towing is the spare key!
I thought I'd pass this along for anyone considering a Smart for a toad. Be aware, it's a Mercedes. You're going to be paying luxury car prices for anything you need from the dealer for your little economy car. I wish I'd thought of that. And for sure, don't let anyone sell you a car with only one key!
