deezle

Exactly. More fuel efficient models (diesels) would add some sales to a few individuals in the U.S. who are very fuel-conscious, but by U.S. standards the gasser is already a miser. What I think they needed was an image-maker rocket -powered full Brabus edition alongside the regular smarts. It would have given the whole brand a more acceptable reputation in a country that unfortunately puts way too much emphasis on 0-60 performance. It's probably to late now to alter the brand image.

Wow. Under 16,000 km is indeed nearly new.BTW, I believe the correct spelling is deezle, not deisle.

Here's my take on the lackluster U.S. sales figures:It's the Rodney Dangerfield syndrome ---- it just can't get no respect.Here's my take on what Penske should have done long ago:Sell the full-blown Brabus edition (the performer ----not the poser) alongside the other smarts. One of the reasons the old Austin Mini was successful decades ago was that the Cooper S version was available. It gave it some street cred. I actually hope that Fiat/Chrysler have the forsight to market a performance model of the 500 here and in the U.S. It will guarantee success.

Yikes indeed!But if you can just coax the old beast another 20,000 to that landmark 300,000 without it slipping into Self Destruct mode ...(I can almost hear it gasping and wheezing from here.)

The limitations of our search engine is actually why I think our 'What did you do to your smart today' topic is bad news for future reference purposes. I have seen (and used) a topic like that in other sites, but they have better search functions. My concern is that a lot of great posts will be lost in a big pile as that topic continues. Just my 2c.

Audi Chairman Rupert Stadler later said "Peugeot was a formidable rival who required us to give everything. We express our respect to the French squad for this.”I don't think that was just being gracious ---- Peugeot has been the only real competitor pushing Audi to the limit of it's technological achievement in this race (and of course strategy and driving skill). That's the great thing about competition --- it pushes the limits of engineering and keeps everybody on their toes. Peugeot does deserve part of the credit, even though it was a blow to their reputation.

or conversely 'Win on Sunday, overtime shifts on Monday'?

Bil, I guess you do realize that there is now less room under there for you to tinker. Might need to take up Yoga?

So a fourth 1-2-3 victory for Audi and their ninth victory! Pretty impressive record overall and now a big feather in the cap for the TDi reliability.

... or the roof in 5K.

I'll go with a couple already mentioned, and then one from way back and one current gem:1. The BMW 507 ---- though I've never actually seen one in the flesh.2. The Alfa Guilietta ---- but the Sprint (coupe) which to me has better lines.(see photo)3. A Citroen --- but not the wonderful but slightly odd-looking DS21. I'd choose the Traction Avant.(see photo)4. A modern piece of automotive scupture ---- the Porsche Cayman--- especially when viewed from the rear (which is also the most likely viewpoint).

I always wondered what they meant when they said they did a "remap'. Just did a remap with my name added.

LOL. I love the styling of that old Multipla. How incredibly practical it was too ---- you could have a nap in it while waiting for Tony to come to fix it again.Fortunately Fiats have come a long way in reliability based on what that I have read. Kinda like Jaguar ---- once they realize they have a bad reputation for reliability, they focus on that and turn things around.

We took delivery of our cars within a week of each other, and ours just turned 90,000 km.---- left behind in the dust long ago.Yours still looks like showroom --- or better!BTW ---- sold ours yesterday.

I'd also check with this wrecker --- they have smarts and a glass roof just might have survived a catastrophic collision.

I'd personally rather buy a used VW TDI with 60 or 80,000 kms than a new crappy econobox for $15,000. The TDI would probably get better fuel economy and also likely live longer.

He's in the market for a four-seater now.

Got any photos of the next gen B prototypes?

So ------ I guess you liked it so much that nobody's seen you since you drove it off the lot? At least post a few impressions from an internet cafe somewhere.

Sounds a lot like the pizza I ordered a few days ago. It actually was tasteful, was hand built to perfection, and left me feeling satisfied. Oh ---- did I mention that the cost was low compared to other choices that I had. Now where's that Fiat.

I suspect that quite a few of them have an agenda ---- or at least a personal bias. However, I am looking forward to taking a 500 for a spin one day ---- and the fuel economy wouldn't put Duck in the poorhouse.

Yeah ---- hang on to that pioneering spirit, Duck, and get your name on the waiting list for the Fiat 500. All those auto journalists who voted it top compact car in Europe can't be wrong. OK ---- I guess they could ---- but I still suspect it is a great little car and a blast to drive.

I have edited a few things in this ad ---- but can't edit the subtitle (price). Perhaps the forum moderator can remove the subtitle. Thanks.

Your VW looks tweezed.I trust that you've already noticed our Members Classified forum to search for a smart ---- there are always several available there.

It could have been worse ---- you didn't park it on the plants.Mike, that car doesn't look very old for a twenty-year-old guy to own. Maybe it had just been well-maintained. Where were you living at that point in your life?