The REAL Deal on Kelsey’s SmartCar – Kelsey Browning

The REAL Deal on Kelsey’s SmartCar

Last week, I gave you a few SmartCar facts, but today, I’m sharing the real goods—the FAQs—on driving this tiny car. People want to know:

How does it drive? Pretty much like a golf cart. Since it sits approximately 2.3 inches off the ground (okay, small exaggeration), it’s impossible for this car to give a smooth ride. But if you like jerky roller coasters, this could be the ride of your life.

Do you feel safe in it? Yes, otherwise I wouldn’t drive it. For more information on the Smart’s Tridion safety cell, see last week’s post.

Do you drive it on the freeway? No, I get out and push it. For Jesus’ sake, of course I drive it on the freeway. Sometimes I even go faster than the traffic around me.

Does it have a backseat? Nope. The beauty of this? Means I cannot drive carpool without putting at least one child on the “hood.” Since mothers seldom like this idea, I rarely schlep multiple kids around. (Yes, another joy of having an only child.)

Does it run on gas? Sometimes I get this question when I’m standing at the gas station, pumping unleaded into my car’s teensy butt. Yes, mine runs on gas, although they’ve just come out with an electric model.

What’s the most you’ve ever paid for a tank of gas? Before gas went to it’s current are-you-shitting-me? price in California, I could say I’d never spent $30 to fill the tank. Unfortunately, I can’t claim this now, but most of the time, I fill it up with about $26 in gas.

Can Bad Dog ride with you? Yes, the cargo area is just big enough for him to fit (must be careful to curl his tail around his posterior before closing the gate, though). However, I can’t put the top all the way down or he would be decapitated (which I try to avoid at all costs). So he hangs out in the back, with the sunroof open and his nose poking out the top.

Can you go grocery shopping in this car? Unfortunately, the answer to this is also yes. I can place four to five full-sized grocery bags in the back cargo area. And if Smarty Boy’s not with me, I can fit three or four more in the front.

How small of a space can you park in? Pretty damn small. Check out the picture below. I’m not talented enough to park like this, but I am able to squeeze into places no one else can!

Photo from: https://wiki-land.wikispaces.com/Smart+cars

Today is apparently No Socks Day. That works out fabulously for me since this is about the time of year when I trade wearing boots and other close-toed shoes in favor of flip-flops. My current favorite (of many. WAY too many.) is a pair of Sanuks with soles that feel like a yoga mat.

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