Smart Roadster Coupe (2003 - 2007) (80bhp) 2d Auto (RHD) (2003/53) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

In peterborough there are very few of these, 2-3 at most if that, so its great to drive around, roof fully open picking up looks and admiration for something that is so different and appealing to look at! I like to have different, rare cars on the road rather than being your typical corsa or ford driver, and the roadster does just that! completely different, completely cool!

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

Well considering most thought that i had purchased the small smart car, they were surprised and shocked when i turned up in something different! Everyone loves the car, the difference and look to it!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes 100% The electric roof takes seconds, and for the extra open top feel the top door bars simply unclick and can be removed also. These are small and light and store away neat and tidy in the front boot on specific holders. The running costs are so cheap! its allowed me to get into the 2 seater convertable world on a budget, and allows me to keeping all other costs down at the same time!

What are you likely to buy next?

Smart roadster coupe, maybe slightly newer, but given all of the extras on mine with the boosted engine power of 100BHP, i would maybe say an upgrade to the brabus verion!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,950

When did you buy the car?

July 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

I bought my Roadster Coupe from a private seller, and i am glad i did. The previous owner really loved this car, keeping it in a heated garage with dust covers. The work undergone on the car spoke volumes and every receipt and book imaginable was with the car! I also managed to cut the price down from £3200 to £2950!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

The Pure Look of the Car and the knowing of how cheap and perfect it is to run and maintain.

What was the dealer like?

Very informative and honest. I was given an full analysis of the car, its features, its history and the spend on the car - this way i was aware of the running costs, service costs, tax MOT etc... I would usually aim to buy from a dealer but the kind man who sold me the roadster has totally changed my opinion of provate sellers, fulls top!

What's it like to drive?

Perfect! Smooth and fun. The previous woner actually took the car to Nottinghma road & Track (smart specialists) where the car had an ECU remap done providing me Brabus spec performance, a nice hungry 100BHP in a small car that weighs nothing, what fun and speed! being low to the floor adds excitement to the ride. the handling combined with wider tyres is perfect, allowing you to hit bends and turns at nippy speed without the fear of slide or roll, it really is that good! the automatic change up can be a bit quick between changes, sometimes making pulling away from a junction slow, but providing you have the semi auto paddles, i simply switch up at a junction and use these, providing me quick powerful acceleration.

What's it like to park?

Ideal! Small with a great turning circle, its like parking a bike!

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing at all, this car will raise and smile each time you climb into the driving seat! I live in peterborough and bar 1 other roadster (standard flat back) i have the only one in the area, so naturally heads turn when you drive past. I read countless reviews and blogs regarding the car before i bought and most reviews seems true, the car can be prone to leaks. I admit there is a small leak spot on mine, but it only comes in when there is a severe down pour. The dribbles of water come in the drivers side window and dribles down the glass heading towards the door handle, its away from the electronics and is very minimal so not really an issue for me - nothing a £30-40 cover wont solve, job done!

What's most practical about your car?

Most would say that size and boot space is an issue, i disagree. The coupe has front and rear boot space, both more than suitable for a fortnightly shop, a long weekend away etc... and lets be honest, if you have kids or a larger family, you would not be looking to buy this car in the first palce, so it is irrelevant. The practical side of this car is that its fun, easy to drive and park, but given the day and age, its dirt cheap to run, insure & tax, a win in my book!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I was fortunate enough to buy a Roadster Coupe fully kitted out. From new it was upgraded with the sports pack and comfort pack. I have nice bucket leather heated seats but by far the best feature, and a must have in my opinion, is the sports pack flappy paddle gear shifters! these are a life saver and add that extra feel and whizz to the car.