Those are very different cars...
The Golf and co are very versatile, they can do everything.
The smart is very specialized. So, it depends of what you really need.

The finition is poor, but it goes well with the design. The plastics are quite cheap, but good-looking. It is all in the "Kinder" spirit, but it won't break down, it's just that it's hard and thin. So for me it's not a real problem.

The gearbox is not that awful. You get used to it. It's quite fun to drive, with the noisy and nervous motor, it's responsive too in the city.

The Golf is more reasonable. Not as fun, but way more versatile. If you want a small city-car, and that you don't need 4 seats, the smart is a car to consider.

Go and have a testdrive if there is a dealer not too far. it's really special to drive. Some love it, some hate it. It's not a conventional car by any means. You can't help smiling in such a car, and people smile at you, too... And you park everywhere.

However if you see it rationally, it is a small, not very comfortable, expensive 2 seater with an approximative drivetrain and a rather weak motor.

I saw it as a cute, very smart, practical city car with a lot of character and enjoyed driving it. Despite, or because of its flaws.

lol I know, I'm looking for anything with 30+mpg. The higher the better.

But I also need something capable for longer drives and quicker speedlimits.

That's why I'm so attracted to them

Thanks for all the info The problem for me is the nearest Smart Dealer is 150 miles away Need to make sure it's worth the trip.