Smart Roadster Coupe (2003 - 2007) (80bhp) 2d Auto (RHD) (2004/04) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Nothing
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Most laugh when they hear about it, then admire it when they see it, then understand it when they know the logic of it. Then walk away sagely.
Would you buy this car again and why?
If the situation was the same, then yes. Although at time of writing it is early days...
What are you likely to buy next?
Well I thought I was going to buy an Alfa Romeo Brera this time: so who knows?
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£7,250
When did you buy the car?
December 2010
Did you get a good deal and why?
Whether I got a GOOD deal I know not. I got an AGREED deal. I did do research first & think it equitable. The car had an exceptionally low mileage at 12000 & was reasonably presented. Full history. The deal included 6 month warranty, 2 years free(?)servicing, 2 years free(?)MOT. Quite what the latter 2 mean, I have yet to find out. (Cambridge Smart Cars)
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Wanted something different, capable & cheaper to run in fuel & tax than the second hand Alfa I was going to buy. Have had 3 Alfas to date.
What was the dealer like?
Good selection of cars, pleasant to deal with. Helpful with all my questions, if at times, seemingly indifferent to making a sale?
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Very agile, surprisingly quick, with really good acceleration in the 30 -80 range.Has been cricised for slow auto box, so use the semi auto 6 speed facility with gear lever or paddles. HUGE legroom, I'm 6' 4", with 36" legs, & I find it/driving position very comfortable. Very MGB/C ish. Coupe looks better & gives more storage. Consideriing how small it is, you can pack a lot in! It is glorious fun, with an amazing motor. The car is more than capable of mixing on motorways should the need arise,& I'm reckoning on getting around 50mpg which is on a par with my Moto Guzzi! After several 350 mile/6hr journeys, I can safely say that the car has extraordinary performance, comfort & luggage space. Try one!
What's it like to park?
Hmmm. Straightforward once you trust your judgement with the wing mirrors
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
The car is going to be used for daily work commute (20 miles, lanes) & the odd 300 mile trans england dash to check on family. Within a couple of weeks of ownership, the windscreen wipers decided not to switch off & filled the cabin with smoke before the fuse blew....... the motor had blown. It was fixed (replaced) by dealer in 1/2 hour, foc, under warranty.
What's most practical about your car?
Fuel consumption,or lack of it! Lower road tax... The coupe back greatly improves the load capacity, & looks better to boot! (no pun intended) In fact it's only slightly less boot capacity than an MX 5
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The whole car! Mine has removable roof panels (more secure & weatherproof). It is a cliche, but yes, it does put a smile on my face every time I use it, look for excuses to use it. Only motorbikes have done that, until now.... And I'm in my mid 50s........
