Smart cars...any good?

Advanced Roadcraft · Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 127 Location: Tring, Herts

My partner is seriously considering one of these...probably the Brabus auto. She's downsizing from a Renault Clio 2.0 Auto. Prior to that a MINI Cooper Auto.

Mainly used for shortish journeys; doesn't need four doors (or seats); little M-way work.

Any thoughts/experiences to offer, please?
_________________
Me: Dip RoSPA (Cars); Dip RoSPA (Bikes); BMF Blue Riband Instructor; Awarded HPC Gold
Cars: Saab 9.3 Coupe
Bikes: BMW K1; Honda Deauville

ScoobyChris · Joined: 01 May 2006 Posts: 969 Location: Andover, Hants

My brother used to run a diesel "classic" Smart and really rated it. However, be aware that there's no spare tyre and front and rear wheels are different sizes, and Mercedes servicing is expensive and you'll need to visit them every time a bulb blows. His was LHD too, which led to some interesting toll booth experiences.

The real boon of the diesel was it would easily do 100mpg so the car actually paid for itself with his mileage allowance! Laughing

Chris

Big Err · Joined: 02 Jul 2006 Posts: 566 Location: Kinross, Scotland

Renny · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 346 Location: Fife, Scotland

I thought about a Smart Coupe or Roadster a couple of years ago. Like Big Err, the space for tall person was good, and only 2 seats would not have been a problem. Performance was OK, fuel consumption was fine, but the concern for me was the need to get it serviced at a Mercedes garage. My 12-15K miles per year was going to mean expensive service bills.

There are some independants about who will service them cheaper, and a big cult following, with a couple of useful forums on the web.

The new (not sure if available yet) Coupe looks good and the diesel has amazing fuel figures.
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Red Herring · Joined: 20 Oct 2007 Posts: 478

I quite liked the one I found on a web site that was fitted with a Suzuki Hayabusa 1300 engine. It did mean you lost one of the seats but given the performance it was unlikely you would find to many passengers to come along anyhow.

Jasp · Joined: 09 Mar 2008 Posts: 15

My concern with the Smart Car is safety. It does get an NCAP of 3 but even so... if you are involved in an accident it is going to hurt.

Advanced Roadcraft · Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 127 Location: Tring, Herts

Many thanks for all the info/thoughts/experiences; much appreciated.
Best, B
_________________
Me: Dip RoSPA (Cars); Dip RoSPA (Bikes); BMF Blue Riband Instructor; Awarded HPC Gold
Cars: Saab 9.3 Coupe
Bikes: BMW K1; Honda Deauville

nodigitsever · Joined: 11 Nov 2007 Posts: 57

no good to me as I tow a 1.5 Ton caravan with my car Laughing

waremark · Joined: 15 Apr 2006 Posts: 573

ScoobyChris · Joined: 01 May 2006 Posts: 969 Location: Andover, Hants

While the car is able to survive the crashes, they suggested that the occupants themselves would be less likely to survive because of the massive deceleration forces they'd be subjected to.... which I guess is true of pretty much all cars!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bimK4kNJ84

Chris