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, Wed, 6 May 2009 16:11:59
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I love SB. So beautiful. I'm down there for photo shoots usually a few weeks a year. Nice spot!
I'll try to answer your questions..
On the freeway the noise is fine. It's a modern car, so it benefits from things like good sound insulation, good aerodynamics and the base stereo is pretty good. No issues there.
Other freeway issues to consider: There is no cruise control available or add-on-able. I think because of the transmission.. not sure. If you love cruise control, you'll have to accept going without. Also, as a cyclist you'll appreciate this analogy about handling dynamics. You know how it feels when you ride very upright in the wind, then hunker down to the lower part of the handlebars? Big difference, right? The smartcar is always in the 'upright' position. So occasionally in strong crosswinds, you feel that high-on-a-bike feeling in the wind. Again, it's a MODERN car engineered by Mercedes. Nothing like a '68 VW bus. You just keep both hands on the wheel and get off the phone. Not unlike what any SUV driver experiences in similar weather.
On long grades the car has its limits, but it's no '71 beetle. It will get up to about 60 - 65mph on a long grade and stay there without issue. You won't be able to pass a slower vehicle and expect power reserves. It's got a small 3 cylinder engine. Smart, well designed, but still.. it's no Porsche. Maybe ask the dealer if you can go on a drive up the road that goes into the Santa Ynez Valley to get a feeling for it. I think it's fine, but again, with moderate expectations. Turning off the AC when accelerating hard does make a small dif, also.
Rainy handling was fine to me. Same issues apply as above if its WINDY rain, but that's to be expected. The car is rear-engined and rear wheel drive, so the weight is over the driving wheels. No issues in my experience.
A few other things that are worth considering if you go ahead and order or buy a used one. Heated seats are totally awesome. After a long day when your back is wiped, they are a revelation. If you live in the heat, they're still nice. Also, the wheels are different sizes, so they can't be rotated. Nonetheless, they're probably super cheap, so wear shouldn't be an issue.
Give a holler if you have any other questions!
, Sun, 3 May 2009 00:57:22, Mon, 11 May 2009 00:58:56, Wed, 6 May 2009 16:11:59
, Tue, 5 May 2009 11:45:34
, Mon, 4 May 2009 07:50:56
, Mon, 4 May 2009 13:18:58, Mon, 4 May 2009 06:18:15
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