Smart Car advice please

KubotainNH · Oct 18, 2013

mikehaugen said:
Yeah, but good luck finding a car that you can still lube wheel bearings.

True enough but the hub assemblies on the rear are pretty easy to swap. They rarely need it anyway.

CliffordK · Oct 18, 2013

daugen said:
absolutely, a 590hp hemi would do nicely. :drool: Just a tad large...

You just need to figure out how to wire it like a locomotive to give you a little extra pushing going up those hills!!!!

daugen · Oct 20, 2013

I've been looking at small cars, more "normal" stuff, and the Chevy Sonic RS looks pretty neat, a hatchback, I believe South Korean build, with a stick and a tiny turbo four. I think the Sonic has gotten good ratings too, but nothing is relevant to me if I can't fit in the driver door.

madmax12 · Oct 20, 2013

daugen said:
I've been looking at small cars, more "normal" stuff, and the Chevy Sonic RS looks pretty neat, a hatchback, I believe South Korean build, with a stick and a tiny turbo four. I think the Sonic has gotten good ratings too, but nothing is relevant to me if I can't fit in the driver door.

So, you're a big dude or you're back to trying it on your trailer?

I still say get the redline :thumbsup:

daugen · Oct 20, 2013

no, I've given up on this trailer for sure, am studying dollies now.
5-10, 230 don't like to conk my head on the door frame.

bandaidmd · Oct 20, 2013

Just to go back to the smart car discussion I have a friend who is 6'6" mid 300's. At the car show it always fun to laugh at his contortions trying to fit in different cars. While walking past the smart car display the first year they were introduced the rep heard us ribbing our friend about trying to fit in there and invited him to try it on for size. Surprise he had plenty of room .

daugen · Oct 21, 2013

bandaidmd said:
Just to go back to the smart car discussion I have a friend who is 6'6" mid 300's. At the car show it always fun to laugh at his contortions trying to fit in different cars. While walking past the smart car display the first year they were introduced the rep heard us ribbing our friend about trying to fit in there and invited him to try it on for size. Surprise he had plenty of room .

Lot has to do with the size of the door and this car has a big one. one reason why I'd like to stick with coupes/hatchbacks, often the front door is larger than on a sedan.

daugen · Nov 8, 2013

I'm still looking...kinda interested in a used Miata with a stick. Tiny trunk but I'd only be grocery shopping anyway.
I think I'll sit in the Miata and then need a crane to get out of it...really would like to sit up higher. I set a range of five to twenty thousand in autotrader.com with a stick and it's fun to see what pops up.
Also thinking about a VW GTI. Again, have to sit in the thing and make sure it fits. Really am spoiled driving a Suburban...:confused3:

IslandTractor · Nov 8, 2013

daugen said:
I'm still looking...kinda interested in a used Miata with a stick. Tiny trunk but I'd only be grocery shopping anyway. I think I'll sit in the Miata and then need a crane to get out of it...really would like to sit up higher. I set a range of five to twenty thousand in autotrader.com with a stick and it's fun to see what pops up. Also thinking about a VW GTI. Again, have to sit in the thing and make sure it fits. Really am spoiled driving a Suburban...:confused3:

No comparison between Miata skateboard and GTI on "fit". Golf is the standard family vehicle in Germany where people are as large as in USA. Miata is most famous as the post divorce car of choice according to Click and Clack. I'm 6'5" and can barely get in a Miata and need an engine hoist and WD40 to get out. GTI is no more awkward than any standard size sedan to get in or out. Rear cargo space is huge too when seats folded.

daugen · Nov 8, 2013

IT, and better now, VW's have gotten so good with trickle down tech from Audi and Porsche.
A three door GTI might be just the ticket, rolling on a dollie.
thanks