Test drove a SMART car today

[ztirffritz]

I was shocked to see a local dealer selling SMART cars. I convinced me wife to let stop in and go for a spin. It is very simple, but yet it has everything you'd need. AC, Radio w/ CD, 2 seats, windows, 4 wheels, and an engine. I was not expecting it to be as solid feeling as it was. It got up to 70 in a hurry on the highway. 50+ MPG with the gas engine, 70+ with the diesel. Unfortunately, the US has some screwed up laws preventing the diesel from coming into the US. Unfortunately, the sticker price smarts a bit too...$23k is a bit steep for that. I paid less for a Y2k VW Beetle TDi brand new. I'm hoping that the stick around long enough to make a dent and cost less in the US, but I doubt it will happen.