Smart possibilities

"Cé hé sin" (michael-m-mouse) 08/26/2016 at 18:08 • Filed to: Smart, Roadster

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In the event of my FTO not passing its test (chassis rails patched up today, re test on Monday) I’ve been researching the possibilities for its replacement and I see that the Smart roadster is an option. Five for sale for around €5,000 or €6,000.

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We’ll see

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Cé hé sin 08/26/2016 at 18:14

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Do these use the same automated manual as the US smarts?

Cé hé sin > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 08/26/2016 at 18:23

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Yes and no. They use an AMT but they’re based on the Mk1 Smart, not sold in the US, and so they have 600 or 700cc engines and a six speed gearbox. I’ve driven a Mk1 Smart (the conventional one, not the roadster) and despite all the hate you hear about the automated box it was absolutely fine.

There were no manual Smarts until the current generation.

Chinny Raccoon > Cé hé sin 08/26/2016 at 18:37

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I like the look of these. I seem to remember a lot of people having problems with water leaking in and various other issues.

In a Mini; let them mock me as My Mini Countryman is higher than you > Cé hé sin 08/26/2016 at 18:42

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Shove a triumph motorcycle engine and you're good fam

Cé hé sin > Chinny Raccoon 08/26/2016 at 18:54

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Water tended to leak into an ECU, costing the company a fortune in guarantee claims and resulting in the end of production. Presumably it’s been rectified on surviving ones.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > Cé hé sin 08/26/2016 at 19:59

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Those aren’t too bad but I’d probably look for a nice Z3 or MX5 for that kinda money tbh.

duurtlang > Cé hé sin 08/27/2016 at 06:38

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I’ve heard lots of horror stories about the reliability of the engine and transmission in these. I don’t know if these stories are true, but despite liking the concept I would not buy one until I’m absolutely sure what I’m getting myself in to.

Cé hé sin > duurtlang 08/27/2016 at 07:00

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They leak like sieves too which isn’t a good thing for the electronics.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > Cé hé sin 08/27/2016 at 09:06

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I seriously considered a seemingly great one (60k km, blue, full option, €6,5k), but went with the MR2 in the end. Main deciders were:

Maintenance: Mercedes vs. Toyota rates

Reliability: engine rebuilds at 100-150k km, leaks, electrical gremlins, ...

Practicality: yes, even an MR2 is more practical, unless you get the roadster-coupe

I preferred a real convertible, rather than targa-like.

There are a lot of Brabus lookalikes around, so check the registration.

Anyway, I might still own one someday, as they can be a lot of fun, but not as a daily driver.

MultiplaOrgasms > Cé hé sin 08/27/2016 at 15:30

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Better get a Coupe with at least the 80hp engine. The 60hp is not only way too slow but the rotating assembly is also less durable.

Nauraushaun > Cé hé sin 08/31/2016 at 08:18

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I can’t see this being any kind of substitute for an FTO. Despite being similar FWD coupes on paper, I can only imagine they’re very different cars. Can’t see the Smart being sporting at all

Cé hé sin > Nauraushaun 09/01/2016 at 14:30

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The Smart’s rear engined and rwd, but they are both unusual coupés so there’s that.

Having so said the Smart has a poor reputation for reliability - it leaks from everywhere which can do the electronics a whole lot of expensive no good so I don’t think I’ll be going down that route.

Nauraushaun > Cé hé sin 09/01/2016 at 18:06

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Oh wow! I actually thought it was FF.

What a mess. It’s a shame that when companies do something unique it so rarely turns out well