Aggie Fick found that sometimes good things come in small packages.
The 77-year-old township resident decided to purchase the petite Smart Car Fortwo Passion last year after watching a road test on television.
‘I saw the Smart Car on Good Morning America,? said Fick, a Lapeer native and retired nurse anesthetist. ‘Diane Sawyer took one out for a drive’then I just had to have one.?
So Fick purchased the Smart Car Fortwo Passion online from a Chicago area dealer last summer and a few days later the car arrived at her home near Bald Eagle Lake.
After some practice handling of the small car, Fick now uses the gas miser to deliver meals on wheels for the Edna Burton Senior Center.
‘I get out and deliver about 11 meals for the center, and more when needed,? she said.
About one average-size cooler full of meals fits just behind the seat in the trunk area.
‘I hear a lot of comments from other people about my car when I’m out driving,? said Fick. ‘Especially now, since the gas price is so high.?
The Smart Car only weighs about 1,600 pounds, she said.
‘It’s not the best in the winter months’I’m stuck in just a little snow.?
The Smart Car is powered by a Mercedes-Benz inline 800-cc, 3-cylinder gas engine producing 40 horsepower and 74 foot pounds of torque, according to Car and Driver magazine. With a top speed of 85 mph on the highway, the 8-feet 2-inch long, six-speed Smart Car is rated at about 45-50 mpg.
Fick said at current pump prices of about $4 per gallon, she can fill the car for about $30 per tank.
‘It’s safe, too,? said Fick, pointing out the roll-bar just under the convertible top. ‘I’m just fine driving down the highway. The car has an airbag and many other safety features.?
About half-a-tank cost Fick about $17 to fill up.
It adjusts to her driving habits.
‘I bought the car because it’s cute and for good gas mileage,? she said.
‘My other car is a Cadillac, which I drive in the winter.?