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Living and driving in the Dallas area for the past 20 years, I wouldn't recommend a Smart car. Smart cars are great for urban areas like NYC or Boston, but Dallas is all about the suburbs and highways. People are aggressive and they drive fast around here. And with so many SUVs and trucks around, they may not even see you in the mirror. Another key point is acceleration. You will get into situations where you will need to get out of as fast as possible.
Size is something to think about as well. When you're ready to head to college, you're not going to carry much stuff in that car unless you're planning to goto SMU, UTD or one of the community colleges.
I will also echo what others have said about not needing a new car as your first one. You're better offer getting a pre-own reliable car so you can learn on it. The chances of getting into an accident as a new driver are very high and I'm speaking from experience. I would also recommend checking what the insurance rates are for a 16 year old driving a new Smart car compared to other vehicles.
What is with this peculiar (mostly American, I'm afraid) trait of fearing what might happen, even if rarely? The vast majority of people will drive all their lives with - at most - only a minor fender bender or two. A Smart Car sits very tall, and is visible. It's actually taller than our old Toyota. If you are in someone's blind spot - that's an issue with you as a driver. Regardless of the car I'm driving I pay attention to other's blind spots, and stay out of them. And a Smart Car has great acceleration, thank you. Often better than a big SUV or pickup. I've out accelerated impatient SUVs and pickups on merge lanes. And when I took our contractor's Tundra into Vancouver several years ago - I was struck by how badly it accelerated. Oh - it sounded impressive, with that big 8 banger screaming away.... but it lumbered.
This I agree with. It holds a lot more than you'd think... but I wouldn't want to ever move my apartment with one. Of course, if you have friends who move frequently this could be an plus!
My first accident was after nearly 20 years of driving. And then, like the vast majority of accidents, to young or old - it was a fender bender. People who have those horrendous killer accidents are going to kill themselves regardless of the car. Unless their car is limited to 50km top speed. Though I do agree - there is a lot to be said to getting a used car as your 1st car. How else do you build those wonderful college memories of being stranded at 2am? Or wondering if you can find an open garage on that 1000km road-trip? Or finding that the garage put distributer arm on backwards - eventually stranding you 1000 km from home, in Dryden, ON on a weekend when the garages are closed - the movie theatre is showing some kid's cartoon - and the bowling alley is booked all weekend with a tournament. Seriously. Good memories.
Another good point.
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One advantage of a Smart Car that hasn't been mentioned yet....
All the body panels are plastic. If you want to change the colour of the car you just need to find another Smart owner who wants to change their colour too. You can even go with a 2 or 3 tone look, simply by swapping some of the panels. There are clubs for this. I think all you need is a screwdriver and/or socket wrench.
It's like that old saying, better be safe than sorry. I'm not saying that a Smart car is bad; I would actually prefer it over to a SUV. But the reality is environment plays a big part on the driving experience. If I lived in Victoria, than a Smart car is ideal considering the congestion especially around the downtown core. Even a trip up highway 19 wouldn't be bad since it's pretty much one lane in each direction with traffic lights until you hit Parksville.
But driving in Dallas is a completely different experience. Visitors are surprised at how fast people drive, how aggressive they are and the lack of attention paid. I have a coworker who just moved from California to Dallas and he refuses to ride his motorcycle in Dallas because of the drivers here. The speed limits are higher here as well especially with the super highways. 130 kph is considered average and I personally hit 160 kph once a week. The only time I manage to average those speeds in BC is between Campbell River and Parksville or between Vancouver and Whistler.
The opposite extreme is some place like Ho Chi Minh City in which I recently came back from. You're lucky to even get to 50 kph most of the time and you're better off driving a moped than a car. A Smart car would work over there as well.
This I agree with. It holds a lot more than you'd think... but I wouldn't want to ever move my apartment with one. Of course, if you have friends who move frequently this could be an plus!
I've seen the inside of Smart cars and they would never been able to hold the two floor speakers, computer and all of my other stuff when I was in college.
My first accident was when I was about 16 or 17 where I was crossing a six lane road making a left turn. A car t-bone me on the driver's side because they didn't stop in time or didn't change lanes while I was in the middle. In my early 20's, I once got forced into a concrete barrier which caused me to do a 360 on highway 75 Central which is a major highway in Dallas. I was lucky that another car didn't hit me when I was out of control. Another time was when I was at a complete stop and the car behind me was at a complete stop until they decided to accelerate and rear ended me. My last accident was over four years ago and I was at a complete stop on 635 in the HOV lane due to traffic, but the woman behind me wasn't paying enough attention and hit her brakes too late where she rear ended me into the car in front of me. That accident totaled that car.
If your car breaks down in Dallas, you better call family, friends or AAA because most of the time people will not even stop and ask if you need help. I've been in that situation a few times. And you don't want to deal with that when it's over 40 C with the heat reflecting off the concrete.
... I agree - up to a point. But the chances of being in a series collision (even in Texas, I checked some stats) is very very small. It where that balancing point is that I think we disagree on....
You certainly know the area!
Fair enough. I've driven in Toronto - 401, 403, etc. though not in a Smart. I think I'd be comfortable there. I've driven some in NYC.... I'd definitely have to try it before I committed myself with a Smart there. Driven once in Boston.... that was a nightmare!
Lots of other places... but I get the point about environment.
Sounds like a nice place to live.... (what's the emoticon for "tongue in cheek, eh? With a side of 'smile' of course)
Yep. Smarts do very nicely on those highways....
That was the point I was trying to make (badly apparently). It's odd what will and won't fit. Hockey sticks? Yep. Christmas tree, 2.3m tall? Yep! (with the tail gate down). Old Cowichan treadle spinner? With a passenger and their luggage? Surprisingly, Yep! But.... two big speakers? Computer, plus 2 or more boxes.... probably not. It all depends on length and width ratios.....
If it's your stuff... bummer.... if it's someone else's stuff, it's a great excuse not help them hump 500kg of junk up 3 flights of stairs.
I grew up in an urban centre near Toronto, had a job as the 'driver' at a camp just outside NYC - a job that took me into NYC at least once a week. I used to drive cross continent seasonally for quite few years. One accident - in Vancouver - which was bad luck and blamed 100% on the other driver - but I could have avoided it if I had been 5% more aware of the situation. Luckily just a fender bender. And while I know that some accidents just can't be avoided - regardless of some of the other opinions expressed here - .... well you seem to have had a lot of bad luck.
Where I come from, these kinds of memories aren't made at 40º - they're made at -40º. But I get the point. And I also had my tongue in cheek when I made my comment. For someone who spends so much time in the prettiest part of continent.... well I'm surprised you're missing so much of my Canadian passive/aggressive humour.... [said with a bright twinkle in my eye!!!].....
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Are you visiting here for business or pleasure?
My boss's son's friend recently died in a car accident because he was racing another high school kid on Northwest highway. Serious collisions are low, but the odds do increase when you factor in youth and inexperience.
I've been visiting Vancouver and the island annually for over a decade. I have seen and done things that even the locals haven't.
I was in Boston two years ago and even though the narrow roads are a pain, it doesn't annoy me as much as driving in downtown Vancouver. People everywhere and no protected left hand turns most of the time. A lady hit my rental with her hand once because I stopped too much into the crosswalk.
It wasn't my choice to move to Texas. I was actually raised in Massachusetts and even have family in Toronto. I just haven't managed to escape from Texas due to good paying jobs and low cost of living. I wouldn't mind living in Vancouver or Victoria, but the cost of living is a killer.
Dallas is known for its shopping and restaurants and I tend to do both.
I don't even know if a Smart could handle my two large suitcases and one carry on when we travel. Even with my BMW, I usually have to throw some luggage in the back seat.
It may be bad luck, but I've never had an accident outside of Dallas and I've driven all over the US and Canada. Although there was a time when we were in Lake Tahoe where we parked the rental in the grocery store parking lot and this lady hit the car. Good thing the rental was in my friend's name.
When it's -40, you can stay warm with clothes and a blanket sitting in your car. When it's over 40, you're sweating all over, you can't take your clothes off and you definitely don't want to be sitting in the car.
Yes, it's one of the prettiest part of the continent and I do enjoy it up there. I rented a Mustang GT convertible last year and just loved that drive on the sea to sky highway. I would love to take my modded car through the twists and turns from Cathedral Grove to Tofino, but the closest I've gotten to that was an Audi A4 rental. The only time I rent a SUV up there is during the winter or I know that I need the extra space and I hate every minute of it unless I'm on the logging trails.
My in-laws live on the island and I have friends in Vancouver as well. I've never travel for business.
That is tragic. Ironically, he probably would have been safer in the Smart Car. Simply because it just doesn't lend itself to racing.
Lots to do here. I've been here since '86 and there is still lots I haven't done!
That is, and I'm serious here, a designed "feature" of Vancouver. They are actively trying to move people out of their cars - by making every other form of transportation easier. If you live there, it's great.... it's a very walkable and livable city. One of the most livable cities in the world. But... if you want to drive there .... well, you just gotta chill - because if you don't you're going to have a stoke. We moved from Vancouver to where we are now. Love visiting. We minimize the driving, though.
Yep. No arguments. Luckily I got in when it was still a quiet little village on edge of the rainforest.
Then I'm sure you enjoy the restaurants in Vancouver. I hope you stay away from the steak-houses!
I'm sure it wouldn't! We rent a car when we need one. We actually save enough on fuel for the Smarts that I think we come out ahead still.
Glad you have that good job. Like I said... sounds like a nice place to visit....
At -40, you still die if nobody comes by. At +40 if you take your clothes off you might actually get help faster!!
When it's -40, you can stay warm with clothes and a blanket sitting in your car. When it's over 40, you're sweating all over, you can't take your clothes off and you definitely don't want to be sitting in the car.
I once drove a 1967 (??) Porsche 912 to Tofino and back. On the drive back I had the road to myself .... I have never ever even been close to that time since. That was a great day .....
Campbell River? We've got friends there and up there every few months.
Remembering my youth and I'm not that old, kids will race in anything. I bet you that somewhere out there, there are two Smart cars racing. Funny as that sounds, there is truth in it.
I get that and I don't mind the concept. But if you want to get to Horseshoe Bay from YVR, you have to go straight through the heart of Vancouver. I swear I lose an hour every time I do that. They need to build a nice highway to connect YVR up to highway 1 without going through city streets. I bet that would also reduce traffic to Vancouver as well.
Village...a term that I still can't get used. Unfortunately those villages on the island are getting expensive especially if you're talking about Tofino or Ucluelet. I understand the idea of limiting commercial influence, but that sure drives the cost of of real estate due to the limited amount of land. I am amazed how people can afford living in those areas because I know well paying jobs are scarce.
I do enjoy the Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants in Vancouver and the seafood is a given. But I don't recall having a decent steak especially since prime is difficult to find. Back in college, my first steak restaurant up there was at the Keg in Nanaimo. It was good back then, but not so much these days and that applies to the Keg in Dallas as well. My favorite BC restaurant is the Pointe at the Wick Inn in Tofino. I took my friends from Dallas there once and the duck consume was the most rememberable thing about the trip for him.
I'm sure it wouldn't! We rent a car when we need one. We actually save enough on fuel for the Smarts that I think we come out ahead still.
Glad you have that good job. Like I said... sounds like a nice place to visit....
My brother from Finland is planning a visit to Dallas this year for the first time. He is excited about the Texas State Fair and the food. I would be curious on what his take of Dallas is. Sadly, none of my in-laws or friends from BC have visited.
I once drove a 1967 (??) Porsche 912 to Tofino and back. On the drive back I had the road to myself .... I have never ever even been close to that time since. That was a great day .....
That does sound fun especially those hair pins on the Pacific Rim highway. The only time you don't really see another car on the road is at night and then you have to keep an eye out for the deers.
I know a guy who is a big Porsche fan who has a nice collection of pre-80's Porsches. It's funny to hear him say that Jerry Seinfield comes to visit him when he is in Dallas because Jerry is a big Porsche fan as well.
Some of the in-laws live in Campbell River, but the main ones live in Port Alberni. Not sure when I will be back in BC since my recent trip to Vietnam was a game changer.
Yep. Welcome to Far Left Coast.... where we do things, um, "differently".... Vancouver traffic just has to be accepted and embraced. Otherwise you may has well pound your head on a wall. The wall will hurt less... Try SE Marine Dr to Boundary, Boundary to #1. Take the #1 across the 2nd narrows and on to Horseshoe Bay. You may not save much time, if any, but you will spend more time moving and less time wishing you were moving. Just before you get onto the 2nd narrows glance left and right. To the left is fabulous view of the city and harbour. to the right is one of the neighbourhoods we lived in. If you knew what to look for you could pick out our house. That house had a great view! Didn't have our Smart Cars back then.
Bit more complicated than that. A certain portion of the land is also reserved for agricultural uses... the ALR. Keeps farm-land affordable since it can only be used for farming and not commercial development. Plus - we're just too popular with the rest of Canada and the world. Too many people want to move here ... which put upward pressure on real estate.
Thanks for that! But I think that actually helps my case... I saw a whole lot of fun and jockeying, and not a lot of racing....
Smart cars have roadside assistance. it will be the MB service that comes out. I use the MB roadside quite often.
And again, I have a much different experience living in Dallas area. I help people all the time who are stranded. And I have had someone help me once on my scooter when I ran out of gas.
That's assuming that the OP's parent buys a new Smart Car. My BMW roadside assistance ended when I was out of warranty and I'm going to guess the same goes for a Smart Car.
With 20 years of driving in Dallas, I have had three incidents of breaking down in three different cars in Garland, Richardson and Plano. People would honk at me even though I had the hazard lights on with the hood up. If they didn't want me to block the road, they should get out and help me push the car. I don't have much faith in people helping out strangers these days.
Mercedes roadside use to be for the life of the car. Just last year they changed it to warranty period or out of warranty if you still have it serviced at the dealership. My Mercedes is 11 years old now and they still come out for me because I do most of my service with them.