Smart Roadster owners - advice for newbie please!

[Jumeeno]

Hello all, my first post here

I have my heart set on a Smart Roadster as a weekend car, and just have a couple of quick questions if that's okay. I'm sure more questions will spring to mind as we go along mind!

Firstly, the gearbox. I'd really like a car with paddles on the wheel, but these appear few and far between - what's the deal with this, was it a factory option?

Is the sequential box forward for change-up, and back for change-down? This is the only thing (niggly I know) that puts me off - should be the opposite in my mind!

What are the major differences on the Finale model? I presume this was just a run-out model before production ended? I see that the black moulding around the front headlights has been replaced.

I look forward to hearing back with your thoughts, thanks!

Jumeeno

[rswift]

I would forget the details of paddle shift/Gran Finale etc.

If you are not mechanically or DIY minded, go to an indie specialist.

Buy a car with a new or rebuilt engine/turbo & that has had the SAM unit replaced, or properly sealed, along with all other leaks, and has a good warranty.

[GWC]

They are great fun but not without their issues, the Finale had colour coding on the nose cone, 17" alloy wheels and aircon as standard plus a few other bits such as a start button on the gear lever. Check under the carpets in the footwell for water as they do leak although some simple diy fixes are available. If the car has aircon check the pipes on the top of the compressor for cracks as this is a very common problem.

[StripeyNick]

www.theroadster.net

Plenty of help over there......may be a bit biased though.