Would you buy a used Mercedes-Benz Smart Car? The Fortwo was discontinued in America in 2019, and The Autopian reports there are less than 100,000 of them on roads across the country. But should you buy one? Here are 16 reasons the diminutive auto might be worth it.
They’re Easy to Park
The Smart Car is a tiny two-seater that measures 8.8 feet long and 5.5 feet wide. Some truck owners tow Smart Cars in their truck beds because they’re that small.
It also makes them easy to park. If you’ve ever driven a huge SUV, truck, or crossover, you know finding parking can be hard. It’ll be easy-peasy with a Smart Car that takes up so little space.
They’re Fuel Efficient
A typical Smart Car can get you around 40 miles per gallon, which isn’t anything to sneeze at. Meanwhile, FuelEconomy.gov reports that the average fuel economy for midsized cars in 2023 was 23 mpg. So, a Smart Car can get you where you need to while sipping gas or diesel instead of guzzling.
They Come in Gas, Diesel, and EV Varieties
If you want a Smart Car, you can find them in gas, diesel, and EV varieties. So, there are plenty of options out there. All you have to do is check out some online marketplaces. You won’t have trouble tracking them down at prices that aren’t out of this world.
They Fit in Small Parking Spaces
It can be frustrating when drivers park carelessly — making it difficult to park alongside them. But a Smar Car can eliminate those concerns. They’re easy to maneuver into tight spots.
They Fit in Small Driveways
What do you do if you have a two-vehicle driveway but need to park three vehicles? The answer might be to make one of those three a Smart Car. It’ll fit since it requires very little space.
They Can Make Downtown Driving Less Daunting
Bumper-to-bumper traffic can be disheartening. But Smart Cars are as nimble as they are small. So, navigating the busy roads will be a piece of cake. It’ll be easier to avoid being boxed in.
They Can Be Great for Towing Behind an RV
According to one source, over 40 million Americans use RVs regularly. It’s not uncommon for people driving RVs to tow a passenger vehicle behind so they have something to scoot around in after parking at a campsite or elsewhere. Enter a Smart Car. Put the Smart Car on a tow dolly, hook it up to the RV, and away you go.
They’re Cost-Effective
Another reason to get a Smart Car is the cost. Back in the day, you could get a brand-new 2017 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive vehicle for $11,134 or a 2017 Smart Fortwo for $12,126. You can get them for a few thousand dollars on the used vehicle market.
They’re Safe
While Smart Cars are small, that doesn’t mean they’re unsafe. You’d be surprised at the good safety ratings they’ve received. They’re built with steel frames and hold their weight on the safety front. That said, a head-on collision behind the wheel of a Smart Car is an unpleasant thought.
They’re Cheap to Insure
Compare.com says it’s less costly to insure a Smart Fortwo than the average car. Liability insurance and full coverage cost an average of $63 and $135 per month, respectively.
They’re Environmentally Friendly
If you’re not ready for a plug-in hybrid or an EV but want to drive an environmentally friendly vehicle, consider a Smart Car. It sips gas or diesel rather than gulps it like many cars.
They’re Different
It’s hard to mistake a Smart Car for anything else. That’s a blessing or curse, depending on your thoughts about their styling and size. But sometimes, being different is a plus.
They’re Great for City Driving
Anyone who tells you Smart Cars are great for highway driving is pulling your leg. They do, however, make pretty good city cars. For one thing, they’re small enough to navigate even the narrowest roads easily. And you won’t live at the gas pump.
They Make Sense If You Otherwise Don’t Need a Car
Do you live someplace where it’s an easy walk to work, groceries, shopping centers, libraries, restaurants, and other things? If so, you might not need a vehicle. But a Smart Car can make sense even then. It’s small, fuel-efficient, and easy to park.
They Make Great Second Vehicles
A Smart Car can make a great second vehicle. A Smart Car should be on your shortlist if you want something to drive around on the weekends or run errands during the week.
They’re Readily Available on the Used Car Market
As has been mentioned, you won’t have a hard time finding Smart Cars for sale. They’re not for everyone. That’s why you’ll find many for sale with relatively low mileage. If it meets your needs, why not consider buying one?
Consider These Reasons in Favor of Buying a Smart Car
If you’ve been thinking about getting a used Smart Car or have been puzzled about why anyone would want one, consider these 16 reasons in favor of them. Again, they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. But they could make sense to you depending on what you need in a vehicle.
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