Smart Forfour (2004 - 2006) 1.5 CDI Passion (94bhp) 5d Softouch Auto (2005/05) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I like to have something different to the common fiestas and corsas.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Think its alright. They thought my previous car the Seat Ibiza was better looking.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No but if i could turn back time i would have got a manual and possible a petrol.

What are you likely to buy next?

A newer Japanese car.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,850

When did you buy the car?

May 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

Cheapest price for the spec compared to other cars on sale at the time, decent mileage unlike the others too.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I personally loved the looks especially the two toned coloured exterior and funky round twin headlights. The spec of the diesel was another reason i.e. economy, power, uses chain rather than timing belt and merc built enging tested to 1 million miles.

What was the dealer like?

Private, but great and friendly.

What's it like to drive?

At first i thought i was getting used to the auto and denying myself it was awful - so that i wouldn't get in the mind i had made a purchase mistake. After a year or so putting up with it, i finally come to my senses that the auto is seriously crap. At low speeds it can be annoying and sometimes dangerous if you want to move out quickly when approaching a roundabout. You end changing your driving style to adapt to the way the auto works, it should be the other way round. My biggest mistake is i should have bought a manual! You might think the auto should be good for traffic but its not you end up driving in 1st gear all the time (the semi auto can't either). The diesel engine is too unrefined, really noisy and it doesn't sound nice especially when cold.

What's it like to park?

Easy no issues.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Broke down once after a 30 mile trip whilst queuing a traffic jam. The autobox suddenly went out of drive and wouldn't go in again. Car wouldn't start up after switching off. Had to get RAC to tow to nearest garage. They couldn't fix problem on roadside as it was a fault with autobox. Garage left for half day, then it started again no problems. Never had the issue again! Another issue is random interior lights would blow, had one on the center console i couldn't be bothered to change. Random brakes or ESP errors on start up that prevent the car actually starting, that go away on a restart. Dipped beam blew on one side and then a week later on the other. An absolute nightmare to change, unless you jack it up and take the wheel off.

What's most practical about your car?

Having rear doors and all the adjustments to get a comfortable driving position.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Electric large sunroof and steering wheel controls.