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SWMBO is going to test drive one tomorrow- any advice on what to look for, ownership experiences??
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 29/11/2007 at 19:12
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I fancied one once and tried to go for a test drive. I say "tried" because the thing was so tiny and the seats so small, that I could not physically fit in it!!
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How old is the one being test driven?
I've only had them as hire cars, but they are a hoot to drive.
Servicing on the dot (IIRC 9,000 miles) is crucial using Mobil 1 oil or equivalent. A friend's 03 smart coupe has just gone bang - servicing was "spasmodic" to say the least and he paid the price.
Check there are no problems with the clutch and gearbox. The car may feel 'sluggish' when you first apply power, this is normal, but the clutch shouldn't slip in any way.
Servicing at MB dealers isn't cheap and you can be treated as a second class citizen for driving a smart and not a "proper" MB. There are good independents around.
I would be asking about spares now, especially body panels, as the car is no longer made. Any serious damage to the tridion (the metal frame) usually renders the car a write off.
Lots of info and friendly folk at:
www.thesmartclub.co.uk
PS Expect some 'get an MX5 instead' responses :-)
Edited by daveyjp on 29/11/2007 at 15:21
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Thanks for the info so far - she is looking at 2004 model.
I think the economy over the MX - 5 was a factor in her swaying towards the smart, is it as good on the fuel as the figures suggest??
Also is the auto reliable?
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40+ mpg in everyday use is easily achievable. Less than 20mpg on a track is possible!
We had two smart coupes covering about 40,000 miles between them and never had a clutch/gearbox problem and I can't remember there being many issues raised from other owners.
The biggest clutch killer is abuse caused by not using the handbrake when waiting on hills. It is possible to hold the car by applying gas and getting the clutch to engage - not advised!
2004 model should have seen at least three services, more if mileage is high. IIRC regime is A,B,A,B.
A being an oil change B seeing spark plugs etc changed. Engine is a twin spark and getting one set out out can be a dog - very easy for a lazy mechanic who can't be bothered to leave them.
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I had a Smart 4-2 Brabus (same mechanicals) that I sold to a guy who had a Smart specialist check it out - it was interesting to see what he checked for.
Basically: Clutch take up, oil leaks, and any accident damage.
I haven't driven a Roadster, but I can imagine they would be fun. The 3-cylinder Smart engine loves to rev, even if it does look smaller than your average lawn-mower engine!
As daveyjp said, I think the biggest think to look out for is the clutch. Your missus should soon get used to the inherent hesitancy as the clutch engages when you take up the power.
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had the use of one for a week - decided it is the most pointless car ever - felt totally vulnerable, car handled extremely poorly, No more easy to park than any other super mini - wildly overpriced - Buy a Fiat Panda and have some fun
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She was also a bit concerned about ground clearance - the council have gone speed hump crazy!
Offered the panda as a viable alternative, even the aygo, but she wants something economical and sporty - who doesn't??
The streetka will also be getting a testdrive, any opinions on this or any other marque which would fit the criteria?
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What about the Daihatsu Copen?
Same engine as the Smart, I believe, but a lot cuter looking.
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100bhp Panda is far sportier and a lot more practical I would have thought or the mitzy the Smart is based on , judging by the number you don't see on the roads they must be a howling failure.
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I've had one since March.
The most fun you can have with your clothes on.
When we got it we took it up to Lake Vyrnwy Hotel (62 mpg brim to brim) as a surprise for our daughters when we took all the family for the W/E of our Ruby wedding anniversary.
Their first response was not "Cool car,Dad." but "Can you get in and out of it?"
I am 62-(a Jazz driver!-on another post), and I can,at the moment.
When you have got in (lift R leg in with your hand) it is quite roomy.
On paper not that fast, but seems to be set up to jump off the lights like a startled rabbit on just a touch.
V. economical. Supposed to run on Super UL but I can't tell the difference using standard UL-still fast enough to scare me. Economy getting worse as I get used to what it will do!
Look for service history.
The forums are critical of some MB dealers.
Smart Swindon & Worcester seem to get thumbs up.
I just went to Wellsmart-(rated independent) near Wells and had a B service at 9K and 3 years.Cheaper than MB.
To replace the plugs(6) the back end has to come off-I saw mine done-takes a few minutes for the mechanic who knows what he is doing.
Can be prone to leaks.There was a recall to replace door seals and mirrors.
Mine was done and had extra sealant put around the front bulkhead.
I don't have any probs (so far!)
If water gets into the SAM under the right of the dashboard the lights, wipers and indicators start working independently of their switches, and cross-operate. Costs £600.
So check all electrics work. Probably best to park it under cover at night.
Mine has not leaked when I have driven it in the rain.
Don't use the handbrake for hill starts-it disables the hill-start facility.
Hold car on footbrake-you get less than a second (enough) to move your foot to the accelerator, and off you go. Great. Also works downhill.
The gearbox is quirky, but as a 32 year + auto driver I like it.
You just have to learn how to get the best out of it.
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Just an update on this -
The car has been purchased - Smart Roadster on a 53 Reg, Blue, Leather seats, FSH and with 12k on the clock. Free MOTS for life, a service and full MOT before we picked it up and a service for free in 6 months time and a two year warranty. Petrol and car mats chucked in as well, bought for £5k which I think was a decent price.
Better still, I am insured on it as well :-D
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