help please Smart car advice
Discussion
Hi , anything that I should know about these weee little cars ?
MIL has her mind made up and she wants one ( it will be used , and I don't yet know what budget )
Ideal for her running around West Sussex
Anything I should look out for ?
Any specialist Smart dealers/independant in an hours run from Chichester area ?
Any tips much appreciated Thanks
MIL has her mind made up and she wants one ( it will be used , and I don't yet know what budget )
Ideal for her running around West Sussex
Anything I should look out for ?
Any specialist Smart dealers/independant in an hours run from Chichester area ?
Any tips much appreciated Thanks
Hi - I've run 4 Smarts. 2 older ones (3-cyl) and 2 newer ones (4-cyl)
Early cars from memory, post '04 have some important software & suspension upgrades with revised ESP and have a lot less understeer. All the gearboxes are poor but can be made smoother by lifting off the throttle on up-changes. Engine wear can be a factor on higher mileage cars. Not the cheapest to maintain & service due to access, 6 spark plugs & coil packs. But I loved them both and always put a smile on my face. I could just get 400 miles from a tank.
Later cars were far more grown up & modern. I did not have either long enough to know about any issues. All I do know is the gear change on the car with steering paddles was 500% better than the car without. (Again helped by lifting off) Delivered nowhere near the expected mpg or range. That is why they both went at under 6 months old!!!!! (Wife now has a diesel Fabia)
Early cars from memory, post '04 have some important software & suspension upgrades with revised ESP and have a lot less understeer. All the gearboxes are poor but can be made smoother by lifting off the throttle on up-changes. Engine wear can be a factor on higher mileage cars. Not the cheapest to maintain & service due to access, 6 spark plugs & coil packs. But I loved them both and always put a smile on my face. I could just get 400 miles from a tank.
Later cars were far more grown up & modern. I did not have either long enough to know about any issues. All I do know is the gear change on the car with steering paddles was 500% better than the car without. (Again helped by lifting off) Delivered nowhere near the expected mpg or range. That is why they both went at under 6 months old!!!!! (Wife now has a diesel Fabia)
As above the gearchanges in the earlier ones is bordering on horrific.
If she hasn't driven one yet I would suggest she does.
Make sure all the changes from neutral to forward and backwards work first time, there is an issue that pops up with the clutch system quite frequently. When you try and select forward or reverse the display will flash.
Check the oil level, they like to go through rings as well as the mileage increases.
If the brakes feel 'soft' it's likely they have been bled without using the star system (abs pump needs to be activated whilst doing a fluid change or bleed).
Buy a fiesta instead !
If she hasn't driven one yet I would suggest she does.
Make sure all the changes from neutral to forward and backwards work first time, there is an issue that pops up with the clutch system quite frequently. When you try and select forward or reverse the display will flash.
Check the oil level, they like to go through rings as well as the mileage increases.
If the brakes feel 'soft' it's likely they have been bled without using the star system (abs pump needs to be activated whilst doing a fluid change or bleed).
Buy a fiesta instead !
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