Smart Roadster shed
Discussion
SloppyClock said:
I test drove one of this a couple of weeks back to see if I am sure I want to get one.
Was a fairly fun drive, the steering wasnt as light as people have made out to be honest and bloody ell it did feel nimble. This was a 82 hp bogo model so I'm hoping the Brabus is pokier, sharper and stiffer.
Just need to sell my car and hope to get one.
Keep the updates flowing, its good to see another person going through ownership as it provides insight into a future car for me
Glad to hear this thread is of some use! The big wheels put me off the Brabus, along with the fact I can easily justify quirks, foibles and leaks in a £1k car, not quite so much in something costing 5x that. I will get mine remapped, however, would be interested to see what one with 100bhp goes like. Are you looking at Coupes or the ugly one like mine? Was a fairly fun drive, the steering wasnt as light as people have made out to be honest and bloody ell it did feel nimble. This was a 82 hp bogo model so I'm hoping the Brabus is pokier, sharper and stiffer.
Just need to sell my car and hope to get one.
Keep the updates flowing, its good to see another person going through ownership as it provides insight into a future car for me
An extra 30bhp made a big difference in my Elise, so imagine it'd be a similar case with the Roadster.
In the meantime, a few holes and water damage meant that my seats were looking tatty. I planned on stealing the heated leather seats out of the ForTwo but the damn thing keeps on running, so decided to get some cheapo covers instead. Need to take the seats out to attach the bases properly, which I haven't done yet, and it's not as good as a proper retrim or new seats, but still brightens up the interior a bit. Excuse the mess, is my daily at the moment.
In other news, mpg according to the trip has dropped to 48.7mpg over 15k miles. The shame. It spent months on 51mpg too.
Captain Smerc said:
Who sells the seat covers ? They look good .
Thanks. It's some company in Greece: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SMART-ROADSTER-LEATHERE...
They fit pretty well, impressed with the quality of them. They do loads of different colours too, which is handy.
DMN said:
The remap makes a big difference to how the car drives. I got the SW remap on mine which put it at around 115bhp. Thats quite a big step up from 80.
Can I ask how much it cost? That's a massive difference, the good thing about forced induction I guess. What's the remap like - any random flat spots or does it feel OEM? How durable was the engine afterwards...Cost me £2k to get another 30bhp out of my K Series, so looking forward to much cheaper tuning!
pthelazyjourno said:
Glad to hear this thread is of some use! The big wheels put me off the Brabus, along with the fact I can easily justify quirks, foibles and leaks in a £1k car, not quite so much in something costing 5x that. I will get mine remapped, however, would be interested to see what one with 100bhp goes like. Are you looking at Coupes or the ugly one like mine?
An extra 30bhp made a big difference in my Elise, so imagine it'd be a similar case with the Roadster.
In the meantime, a few holes and water damage meant that my seats were looking tatty. I planned on stealing the heated leather seats out of the ForTwo but the damn thing keeps on running, so decided to get some cheapo covers instead. Need to take the seats out to attach the bases properly, which I haven't done yet, and it's not as good as a proper retrim or new seats, but still brightens up the interior a bit. Excuse the mess, is my daily at the moment.
In other news, mpg according to the trip has dropped to 48.7mpg over 15k miles. The shame. It spent months on 51mpg too.
Sticking to a Coupe, really not a fan of the flat back types - although tbf saw one in the flesh and it really didnt look as bad as I thought. The fat tyres on the back look great.An extra 30bhp made a big difference in my Elise, so imagine it'd be a similar case with the Roadster.
In the meantime, a few holes and water damage meant that my seats were looking tatty. I planned on stealing the heated leather seats out of the ForTwo but the damn thing keeps on running, so decided to get some cheapo covers instead. Need to take the seats out to attach the bases properly, which I haven't done yet, and it's not as good as a proper retrim or new seats, but still brightens up the interior a bit. Excuse the mess, is my daily at the moment.
In other news, mpg according to the trip has dropped to 48.7mpg over 15k miles. The shame. It spent months on 51mpg too.
To be honest, the more I think about it the less sense the Brabus makes...but the pooowwaaahh (which isnt that high but you knows, can be increased easier)
Yeah I prefer the Coupes too.
Mine has grown on me - I actually like the look of it without the roof bars and windows down (as in first pics on here), but doesn't look anywhere near as good as the Coupe with the roof up.
Biggest thing that put me off the Brabus was the fact that we ended up with a couple of dented alloys on my last car, and on the Cooper S, and the potholes around here (on NSL dual carriageways where swerving isn't necessarily an option) are getting ever worse. As in stretch 4ft across the lane and unavoidable worse. Kept reading that Brabus alloys are easily knocked out of shape, and they don't appear to be cheap.
Be interested to hear how you think they drive after comparing with a standard car, and if the power is indeed the biggest factor. They do look good though - prefer the colour-coded bits - and heated leather is nice if you can find one - seems to wear a lot better than fabric, and easier to keep clean if it leaks.
Mine has grown on me - I actually like the look of it without the roof bars and windows down (as in first pics on here), but doesn't look anywhere near as good as the Coupe with the roof up.
Biggest thing that put me off the Brabus was the fact that we ended up with a couple of dented alloys on my last car, and on the Cooper S, and the potholes around here (on NSL dual carriageways where swerving isn't necessarily an option) are getting ever worse. As in stretch 4ft across the lane and unavoidable worse. Kept reading that Brabus alloys are easily knocked out of shape, and they don't appear to be cheap.
Be interested to hear how you think they drive after comparing with a standard car, and if the power is indeed the biggest factor. They do look good though - prefer the colour-coded bits - and heated leather is nice if you can find one - seems to wear a lot better than fabric, and easier to keep clean if it leaks.
Expensive week on the Roadster front.
Been waiting for some nicer weather to swap the spark plugs - switched the top three when trying to diagnose a missfire, but the bottom three prove more time consuming.
Certainly not the most accessible consumables in the world!
Mileage now at 101k, running well.
Already had the spark plugs, so this week's expenditure was around £2 for a new key case after the button on the last one popped!
That's it for now. Still haven't cleaned the poor thing!
Been waiting for some nicer weather to swap the spark plugs - switched the top three when trying to diagnose a missfire, but the bottom three prove more time consuming.
Certainly not the most accessible consumables in the world!
Mileage now at 101k, running well.
Already had the spark plugs, so this week's expenditure was around £2 for a new key case after the button on the last one popped!
That's it for now. Still haven't cleaned the poor thing!
I remember when they were knew, every time you saw one you could be guaranteed it would be driven like an absolute 
. Flat out everywhere and weaving all over the place, used to see a different one driven like that on a regular basis. I always guessed as it's so slow it kind of is the only way to get anywhere in them.
. Flat out everywhere and weaving all over the place, used to see a different one driven like that on a regular basis. I always guessed as it's so slow it kind of is the only way to get anywhere in them. I've always really wanted to like them, and I kind of do. I'm just aware of the compromises, I need a daily driver, and I've only got parking space for one vehicle.
It's a great concept. How many threads do we see on here lamenting cars getting bigger and heavier? Isn't small, lightweight and RWD what every petrolhead eventually matures into wanting after they realise 300BHP has its drawbacks.
It's a great little car. My heart aches to see a car like this, with one or two alterations. As much fun as an Elise for a lot less money.
It's a great concept. How many threads do we see on here lamenting cars getting bigger and heavier? Isn't small, lightweight and RWD what every petrolhead eventually matures into wanting after they realise 300BHP has its drawbacks.
It's a great little car. My heart aches to see a car like this, with one or two alterations. As much fun as an Elise for a lot less money.
Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 30th March 17:14
well done you! Mine was far from shed money - but I have to say that it has put a smile on my face!
I'm the opposite to you since I refused to even look at the notch - it had to be a hatch or nothing since I also was determined to get a hard-top, I don't trust people not to try and vandalise where I have to leave it. Ended up buying from a dealer who put right just about everything as he promised.
Mine's an 04 with 45k and the 16" wheels. I decided in July(ish) to relegate the SLK55 to weekend duties rather than the daily commute and was instantly rewarded with 57mpg!
In all honesty I have been totally (and pleasantly!) surprised by the lack of leaks (even in the torrential downpour this last few days). The ride is hard but not harsh and I will agree with the comment about HGVs and buses - it can get a little nervy.
The one thing I didn't like about some I looked at was the lack of idiot gauges so mine does have the extra pods (boost and temp) and the paddle-shift is, IMO, a must. It really transforms the driving experience.
Problems? None - a stone has broken one of the headlights so I'll be replacing that, ditto the windscreen which is a little annoying. All that said I'd be absolutely pissed if that had happened to the SLK so it's all good, and somewhat cheaper to resolve.
I'm the opposite to you since I refused to even look at the notch - it had to be a hatch or nothing since I also was determined to get a hard-top, I don't trust people not to try and vandalise where I have to leave it. Ended up buying from a dealer who put right just about everything as he promised.
Mine's an 04 with 45k and the 16" wheels. I decided in July(ish) to relegate the SLK55 to weekend duties rather than the daily commute and was instantly rewarded with 57mpg!
In all honesty I have been totally (and pleasantly!) surprised by the lack of leaks (even in the torrential downpour this last few days). The ride is hard but not harsh and I will agree with the comment about HGVs and buses - it can get a little nervy.
The one thing I didn't like about some I looked at was the lack of idiot gauges so mine does have the extra pods (boost and temp) and the paddle-shift is, IMO, a must. It really transforms the driving experience.
Problems? None - a stone has broken one of the headlights so I'll be replacing that, ditto the windscreen which is a little annoying. All that said I'd be absolutely pissed if that had happened to the SLK so it's all good, and somewhat cheaper to resolve.
irocfan said:
well done you! Mine was far from shed money - but I have to say that it has put a smile on my face!
I'm the opposite to you since I refused to even look at the notch - it had to be a hatch or nothing since I also was determined to get a hard-top, I don't trust people not to try and vandalise where I have to leave it. Ended up buying from a dealer who put right just about everything as he promised.
Mine's an 04 with 45k and the 16" wheels. I decided in July(ish) to relegate the SLK55 to weekend duties rather than the daily commute and was instantly rewarded with 57mpg!
In all honesty I have been totally (and pleasantly!) surprised by the lack of leaks (even in the torrential downpour this last few days). The ride is hard but not harsh and I will agree with the comment about HGVs and buses - it can get a little nervy.
The one thing I didn't like about some I looked at was the lack of idiot gauges so mine does have the extra pods (boost and temp) and the paddle-shift is, IMO, a must. It really transforms the driving experience.
Problems? None - a stone has broken one of the headlights so I'll be replacing that, ditto the windscreen which is a little annoying. All that said I'd be absolutely pissed if that had happened to the SLK so it's all good, and somewhat cheaper to resolve.
It was hatch or nothing for me too when I had £5-10k too - with the roof up they look a million times better. Problem is, whenever I've had that sort of money I've always ended up with an Elise (x3 so far!). I'm the opposite to you since I refused to even look at the notch - it had to be a hatch or nothing since I also was determined to get a hard-top, I don't trust people not to try and vandalise where I have to leave it. Ended up buying from a dealer who put right just about everything as he promised.
Mine's an 04 with 45k and the 16" wheels. I decided in July(ish) to relegate the SLK55 to weekend duties rather than the daily commute and was instantly rewarded with 57mpg!
In all honesty I have been totally (and pleasantly!) surprised by the lack of leaks (even in the torrential downpour this last few days). The ride is hard but not harsh and I will agree with the comment about HGVs and buses - it can get a little nervy.
The one thing I didn't like about some I looked at was the lack of idiot gauges so mine does have the extra pods (boost and temp) and the paddle-shift is, IMO, a must. It really transforms the driving experience.
Problems? None - a stone has broken one of the headlights so I'll be replacing that, ditto the windscreen which is a little annoying. All that said I'd be absolutely pissed if that had happened to the SLK so it's all good, and somewhat cheaper to resolve.
I think I'd have struggled to find anything decent hatch wise at under £2k, and just wanted to get back into cheap and cheerful motoring again.
That said I'm not really doing the shed thing in terms of running it - I rather like it so much like everything else I've had I'll be trying to get it into tip-top condition irrespective of cost, never really got on with the whole running a car into the ground and then scrapping it thing. Is just perfect for my needs, can't imagine getting rid of it now.
Oddly enough a hard top wouldn't have helped on the leaks front, mine is f
ked around the wing mirrors. Pax side possibly fixable, drivers side somehow has both rubber seals on the inside of the window so water just goes straight down the window and into the door. Suspect the easiest fix is just to change the door, will have a look in the summer. Any pictures of yours?
Johnny5hoods said:
I've always really wanted to like them, and I kind of do. I'm just aware of the compromises, I need a daily driver, and I've only got parking space for one vehicle.
It's a great concept. How many threads do we see on here lamenting cars getting bigger and heavier? Isn't small, lightweight and RWD what every petrolhead eventually matures into wanting after they realise 300BHP has its drawbacks.
It's a great little car. My heart aches to see a car like this, with one or two alterations. As much fun as an Elise for a lot less money.
There are definitely compromises, but it's surprisingly good as a daily. Considering the weight it's also nice to have things like cruise control, trip computer, auto lights, wipers etc. Oddly enough the irritating gearbox makes it pretty handy when you're stuck in traffic.It's a great concept. How many threads do we see on here lamenting cars getting bigger and heavier? Isn't small, lightweight and RWD what every petrolhead eventually matures into wanting after they realise 300BHP has its drawbacks.
It's a great little car. My heart aches to see a car like this, with one or two alterations. As much fun as an Elise for a lot less money.
Edited by Johnny5hoods on Friday 30th March 17:14
Feels like the Brit alternative to a kei car. It's just nice to be able to thrash it and have fun and not worry about speed cameras or losing your licence.
em177 said:
What are these like at 60/70mph motorway jaunts? Both in terms of how they deal with it and mpg?
Great thread, I’ve had two and like others have said they’re far from perfect but weirdly it’s one car I’d have again.My last one was mapped to 109bhp and it made a big difference, however both of them were fine on the motorway. 40mpg, comfortable, somewhat noisy. The steering writhes in your hands but relax your grip and they’re stable little things. I did 20k a year in mine for a while.
Mine's pretty good at 60/70 ... & 90 ish 
feels well planted and stable . I've fitted 25mm spacers & 205 's all round also a UR wishbone tie bar . it's been re mapped and she goes well & I'm averaging about 53.5 mpg according to the trip computer . I find the paddle shift gears really good to use , very responsive . It's even ok in full auto mode round town ! It's a proper little fun machine .
feels well planted and stable . I've fitted 25mm spacers & 205 's all round also a UR wishbone tie bar . it's been re mapped and she goes well & I'm averaging about 53.5 mpg according to the trip computer . I find the paddle shift gears really good to use , very responsive . It's even ok in full auto mode round town ! It's a proper little fun machine .magooagain said:
I owned a brabus coupe for a while,I enjoyed it but just couldn't handle the paranoia,and that's from a fiat coupe owner. 
Second pic is it going back to the dealer!
Lol. It amuses me how people who buy one type of car also buy other types. Second pic is it going back to the dealer!
My Fiat cost me a fair few grand.
What scared you about the Smart? Have found my most expensive cars to own have been things like Toyotas, stuff that people rave about but cost an arm and a leg if the engine does ever blow up. Thing I like about the Roadster is that most things seem to be pretty cheap second hand if necessary, and will have a go at most jobs myself (SAM etc).
In the meantime it's cheap insurance, petrol, tax and consumables, so even if the engine needs rebuilding I should still be up in monetary terms.
Man maths probably, but it comforts me, haha.
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