Smart Car advice please

[CliffordK]

Have you looked at the Fiat 500?

Does it have to be a new car? You could open up your options by looking at older cars. MG Midget, VW Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Chevette, etc.

The new Fiat 500 is about 3300 lbs.

There are a number of "older" cars that would fit the bill. The original Fiat 500 is about 1100 lbs. Most of the ones in the USA have suicide doors which may be easier to get in and out of than other cars.

Some of the really old Hondas and Subarus would also fit your size, such as the Subaru 360, or the Honda S600.

You want something unique, and easy to get in and out of? What about the BMW Isetta (300 or 600)?

 

[mikehaugen]

Not sure about size, but a mcclaren f1 would fit fit the weight bill.

 

[Larro Darro]

Not sure about size, but a mcclaren f1 would fit fit the weight bill.

If it was last year's car, I would agree. But since Lewis left for Mercedes the McClarens are just too slow. Even Kimi in the Lotus is faster.

Larro

 

[Bigfoot62]

Daugen,
I don't have one, but I'll pass on some advice. It was given by my grandfather, years ago, when he saw the first VW "Bug":

If I have to ride in that thing, I want to carry a can opener. If I'm going to be riding in a tin can, I want a way to get out if something goes wrong

.

Seriously, I know a guy that just bought the Scion a few months ago. He said that they looked hard at the Smart car, but the Scion had much more room for the driver and passenger, and it drove a lot more like a "real" car. He said there was a huge difference in the ride quality too.

 

[daveshoot]

The new Fiat 500 is about 3300 lbs.

That's the gross weight (loaded with people). The curb weight is listed as 2363 lbs, with overall length of 11 feet, 7.6 inches.

2013 FIAT 500 Pop 2dr Hatchback 1.4L 4-cyl. 5-speed Manual Features and Specs

 

[Bigfoot62]

This Jeep will fit nicely in that trailer.

Charger included too!!! That's what I'm talking about.

 

[wedge40]

I read through most of these and did find a few people trying to figure out the OP? 99.99999_% of people on here would sell the trailer and get some real car towing equipment. This reminds me of someone who bought some furniture before looking at houses and then trying to find the house to fit the furniture.

Wedge

 

[CliffordK]

How about a pickup?

The early 80's VW Caddy is listed at about 2174 lbs. Diesel is available.
The Chevy Luv is 2500-3000 lbs. Also has a Diesel model available.
There is also a VW Type-3 based pickup, I think which would be around a ton.
& various custom sub-compact cut-downs.

 

[IslandTractor]

How about pre bloat Honda Civic or Citroen 2CV. Pretty sure both are under one ton and might be fun if properly rebuilt.

 

[daugen]

I read through most of these and did find a few people trying to figure out the OP? 99.99999_% of people on here would sell the trailer and get some real car towing equipment. This reminds me of someone who bought some furniture before looking at houses and then trying to find the house to fit the furniture.

Wedge

Wedge, you are right of course, but that would make this too easy. I just bought the trailer. I like the trailer; not going to sell it. And by putting a vehicle in it, it would protect the vehicle better than any other means. But practical? Ok, I agree.
No.

So....I've been giving this a lot of thought. Going to go used, and "fun". Something like a mini cooper S, or maybe there's an American equivalent now. Will most likely get a tow dolly and just lift the front tires off or flat tow.
Fun, under 3500 pounds, no need for something big, but it has to have a trunk, a hatchback is even better.
Everything I read tells me a Honda Fit is the best "sensible" choice. Ok. Now let's think much less sensible...
I'm a car guy, a motorhead, and believe that life starts at 300hp...:dance1:

SO, I'm going to change the title of this thread, which I get to do..., to "smart" car advice please...., no more
micro phone booths, but if you had ten grand to buy something fun to haul behind a motorhome, and hopefully use as a fun car at home, what would you pick? Manual trans fine. Not an offroader so Jeeps are not needed.

New spec, under 3500 pounds, less is more. Comfortable for two larger people. mpg irrelevant. Fun factor high.
and no McLarens... but ten grand should get me something fun.
so I've gone from a ridiculously narrow spec, thank you Wedge, to a wide one.

now the creative minds will get to work....small prize for highest horsepower suggestion!:dance1: