March 20, 2009
Not-so SmartCar
My Dad has been interested in the “Smart” car – that tiny coffin on wheels that seats two – ever since he first saw it on the road, notwithstanding his son’s warnings to stay the hell away from that deathtrap.
Trust me, my Dad needs four doors, at least a ton and a half, and as many airbags as can be crammed into a luxo-sedan.
So, Joe Sherlock’s thoughts on the coffin car are well taken.
U.S. sales of the Smart ForTwo are tanking, as people who put a deposit on the diminutive two-seater are dropping out. Apparently, a large number of the micro machines were ordered up by families as second cars or as toys for the wealthy. In these tough financial times, toys and playthings are expendable.
Maybe people just woke up and realized that paying twenty grand for a golf cart with doors was a stupid idea. Consumer Reports has blasted it, giving the Smart an overall test score even lower than the much maligned Chevy Aveo. And, if fuel economy is your goal, the Toyota Prius is a better deal. Plus it seats 4-5 people.
Last Sunday, I passed a Smart ForTwo northbound on I-5 around Woodburn, OR; it was struggling along in the far right lane amid a sea of normal-sized cars, big SUVs and massive triple tractor-trailers. All were passing by at 75 mph and above. I think driving a Smart on an Interstate would make a fine cure for constipation. Maybe they should rename it Rolling Suppository.
I don’t know that Joe Sherlock – a car guy for more than 50 years – has ever likened an auto to a laxative before, but somehow the Smart car was well suited to the task.
Good riddance, says I.
Are you listening, Dad?
Posted by Mike Lief at March 20, 2009 09:34 AM
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Comments
hell, boy, i changed your diapers when you were a baby! (well, ok, *I* didn't, your mom did, but i got stuck having to smell your stink until she did.)
therefore, even though you're all grown up and have a good job and a family of your own, i'm not going to listen to a damn thing you say. secretly - in my heart of hearts - i still think of you as that idiot crapping baby, waking me up at 3AM with your dadgum squallering.
and what kind of a fool takes advice from a *baby*?!?
Posted by: every father in the world at March 21, 2009 07:32 AM