Smart Roadster Coupe (2003 - 2007) Brabus 2d Auto (2005/54) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
-
Summary
What does this car say about you?
I like a car thats xclusive. Im not embarassed that the car only has a 700c engine. I prefer car looks over speed. I like good fuel economy and cheap tax. I want a high spec car for a cheap price. I am not worried about the brand of my car
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Girls love the cars looks. Boyracers, car enthusiast types and teenages stare at the car. Everyone takes the micky out of the small engine then changes their mind when they experience its speed / exhaust note. People think its fast even though its 0-60 is 9.2 secs
Would you buy this car again and why?
No No No. Great looking car but the reliability is terrible and the aftersales service from the dealers is very poor and not up to the hype that the Merc brand gets.
What are you likely to buy next?
Vauxhall Astra VXR, Ford Focus ST, BMW 3 Series CI Sport Convertible, BMW Z4
-
Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£12,500
When did you buy the car?
February 2005
Did you get a good deal and why?
1st dealer offered a very bad tradein for old car (50% of its market value). The dealer also didnt budge on price. 2nd dealer gave a average price for the cars age / mileage and i decided to sell the old car privately.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Xclusive very rare car especially in Brabus form, Agressive styling, Paddleshift gears, Leather interor, Convertible, Cheap price for spec and good MPG
What was the dealer like?
1st dealer was very slimy and played all the haggling tricks and cons. 2nd dealer was very nice and helpful but offered poor aftersales service when something went wrong.
-
Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Hard ride, every bump in the road can be felt. Noisy exhaust when driving for long periods. Lag between gear changes can be frustrating but you learn to deal with it. You get sucked back into seats on hard acceleration which is impressive for a 700cc engine.
What's it like to park?
Better than expected. Large side blindspots can be annoying when changing lanes. Front end of car can be seen easily due to bulging headlights. Rear visibility obstructed on coupe model and lack of rear wiper doesnt help if rear screen is dirty.
-
Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Mirror leaks, roof bar leaks, Heater blower motor failed after 20k miles, Door handle broke, Tailgate didnt release on remote button, Car asked for service 400miles after buying it from Smarts approved used sales. Electric roof gets stuck sometimes when rolling back/foward
What's most practical about your car?
Fuel economy £22 of fuel does 260miles, Tax costs £95 for 1 year
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Wide low profile 17" alloys, Paddleshift gears, heated seats, Roof that can roll back while you are driving, Gorgeous exhaust note and waste gate sound