Recommendations for a new buyer. "What options do you recommend?"
Hello all,
I will be taking advantage of the new federal "Cash for Clunkers" incentive [also called the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) ] and purchasing a new Cabriolet as soon as smart work out the process, hopefully by July 23.
Because of the economic downturn, my dealership has several "orphans" on the lot that are what I would have ordered and there are also some variations of those models.
Are there options that you believe are "must haves" for a Cabriolet?
Would you recommend the Comfort Package? (Leather seats, Heated seats, Electric power steering (eps), and Fog lamps. For example: Is a smart cab heater weak like a classic VW bug and the seat warmers are necessary, not just a luxury? I live in the Sierra with temperatures below 30' for a couple of months. Is the power steering extremely helpful for low speed parking and maneuvering?)
Is a Tachometer and analog clock helpful or redudant?
Is there a body color notorious for fading or some other problem?
Is there an aftermarket accessory which has been invaluable for you?
I know that much of this is personal perference, but I would appreciate if you would share your experiences and personal opinions. Thank you in advance.
Alan
I will be taking advantage of the new federal "Cash for Clunkers" incentive [also called the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) ] and purchasing a new Cabriolet as soon as smart work out the process, hopefully by July 23.
Because of the economic downturn, my dealership has several "orphans" on the lot that are what I would have ordered and there are also some variations of those models.
Are there options that you believe are "must haves" for a Cabriolet?
Would you recommend the Comfort Package? (Leather seats, Heated seats, Electric power steering (eps), and Fog lamps. For example: Is a smart cab heater weak like a classic VW bug and the seat warmers are necessary, not just a luxury? I live in the Sierra with temperatures below 30' for a couple of months. Is the power steering extremely helpful for low speed parking and maneuvering?)
Is a Tachometer and analog clock helpful or redudant?
Is there a body color notorious for fading or some other problem?
Is there an aftermarket accessory which has been invaluable for you?
I know that much of this is personal perference, but I would appreciate if you would share your experiences and personal opinions. Thank you in advance.
Alan
Views: 1
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Robert Ricewasser on -
I would get the comfort package and the pods, (tach&clock). The heater is good but until the coolant temperature comes up to operating temp., the heated seats are wonderful. The fog lights are no big deal. I guess they look cool to some? I don't have them as they weren't part of the comfort package in 2008. You might try and get the dealer to activate the daytime running lamps for you before you take delivery since auto on headlamps and wipers are not part of the 2009 comfort package.
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Permalink Reply by Fred on -
We have a 2008 Cabrio in yellow w/ black tridion. My preference was for the lux pkge, alarm and fog lights. The pkge was IMHO the best way to get heated seats, leather, etc. We did not get the clock/tach instruments. I opted for a ScanGauge II. After playing with it for a while, I installed it above the rearview mirror with velcro and ran the cable through the molding. The only option I miss is a cruise control. I'll probably get an aftermarket setup at some point.
Along with the ScanGauge II, I installed a Wolo Bad Boy horn to replace the wimpy OEM horn and I bought a spare tire/ wheel which I carry behind the passenger seat.
Good luck. I hope you enjoy your new car as much as we enjoy ours.
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Permalink Reply by Guy H on -
As you said, it really is personal preference, but here goes...
I think the Comfort Package is well worth the money.
I have the premium sound system, and I like it. Especially the sub-woofer under the driver's seat.
My wife and I thought the clock and tachometer looked very cheap. They just didn't seem to match the quality of the rest of the interior.
I would buy floor mats.
I would buy the cargo net with the sliding cover that hides the cargo area. The dealer may have them.
As Fred says, it's too bad they don't offer cruise control. My salesperson scared me from adding the aftermarket as she assured me that it would void the warranty on anything to which it connected. So, I'll wait 24 months and add it then.
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Permalink Reply by Jim VW on -
I would add the aftermarket cruise, some dealers have identified local shops that can install it. If they can point you to a shop, how can they claim it voided the warranty?? It woudn't hurt to wait until after the break-in period. You won't use it until then anyhow.
The "any aftermarket add-ons will void the warranty" is a standard dealership line and is supposed to convince you to buy only dealer accesories.
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Permalink Reply by columbus on -
I bought a pure smart with no options in 2008. The only option I wish I had is air conditioning.
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Permalink Reply by Cliff on -
I got the base 2009 cabriolet. The only option I added was the fog lamps for the extra light on the twisty back roads I travel. Living in GA, I didn't see the need for the heated seats & leather would be too hot for the summers here. The AC works great. The included radio/stereo works fine for me, too, as I drive with the top down as much as possible =D. (An aftermarket, top-of-the-line stereo would be a waste with the wind noise.) The manual steering can be a strain at low speed and parking.
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Permalink Reply by sheureka on
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I have a cab with the comfort package and fog lights. I love the pods - being able to tell what time it is when the car isn't running is priceless. And they're such an icon, I couldn't imagine having a smart without them. I also bought a ScanGauge, and am thinking of selling it. I just never look at it at all, and have a program on my phone that keeps track of my mileage and maintenance. I've added the OEM wind deflector (and would highly recommend it if you're going to be doing a lot of top down driving), the Area451 cruise control (also highly recommended), and an aftermarket arm rest. I have the heavy rubber OEM mats and an aftermarket mat in the back. Proclip (http://www.proclipusa.com) makes a phone mount that fits perfectly and is very stable (I use my phone for gps). I've had my car for over a year now, and with the exception of the ScanGauge I'm very pleased with all of my addons - and can't think of any reason to add anything else.
By the way, I know a lot of people find the ScanGauge very useful - it just hasn't been for me.
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Permalink Reply by Ron Stock on -
I would recommend you get it fully loaded if you can afford it. Adding options later can be a hassle and cost can be variable.
I have added the MDC cruise (installed myself), a center arm rest, window tinting, and a Doug Thorley Dual Split exhaust. The exhaust is a little louder than I had hoped, but it seems to have boosted pep.
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Permalink Reply by Carlito on -
I have a passion with fog lights and alarm system as the only added options. I live in Algiers (Westbank New Orleans) so there is no need for heated seats, etc. I did not get power steering since the forum(s) I checked out were mostly against it. The car steers pretty easy for me with average strength. After a month of driving my smart, got back into my wife's jeep laredo with power steering and it actually seemed harder to steer the Jeep. It doesn't seem to be worth the added cost and electrical drain which translates into slight drain on engine power.
One thing I might have added was some type of cargo net system.
Let's be careful out there,
Pops & Carlito
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Permalink Reply by Ez on
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I too got the comfort package and the pods and the premium sound system. I also added the arm rest by MDC and the MDC cruise control from Smartmadnes. They really make the vehicle be what is could be. Much better on the road with these addtions.
Ez
PS hey Carlito....I'm in Gretna
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Permalink Reply by Lynn on -
I love my leather heated seats and they are not hot in the summer because of the mesh. I also like the automatic lights and wipers ( I know that this is not offered on the 09, thats too bad) . I got everything on my cabriolet except the GPS, tach and analog clock. I don't know about fading paint colors. I wanted one that would be seen from a distance. I have owned mine for a year and love it.
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