Smart Roadster (80bhp) 2d Auto (RHD) (2003/52) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Initially not cheap, the quality interior fittings/swithgear etc do not reflect the £15(ish) price tag. This cost is more than offset by the sheer fun of the car.
Costs
The insurance is not expensive, and the returned mpg is proving to be good given the heavy stamping on the accelerator pedal.
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On the road
Driving
Extremely nimble,agile little car. Seating positions and controls feel to be in the correct place. Low slung postion gives a heightend feel of speed. Let down areas? The steering is too loose and insensitive and the gearbox does take some getting used to.
Performance
Considering the dinky size of the engine, the performance is quite good, much better on the road than paper times would suggest. The brakes also bring this tiny machine to a rapid stop with little or no fade. It is the corners that really make this car.
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Living with it
Reliability
Have had a minor leak, but the local Mercedes garage (Coventry) replaced all the seals as soon as this was mentioned without quibble. No problems since.
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What else, new, can you get for this sort of money. Copen? Street Ka? Barchetta? No thanks! MX 5, possibly, but then these are ten a penny. I would only swap this car for the Brabus Roadster.
Comfort
Most the creature comforts are present. Leather ,heated seats, air con etc. Can be a bit noisy on fast, main roads, but then if this bothers, you are in the wrong marketplace.
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Security and Service
Security
The car has an immobiliser fitted as standard, but no alarm, which be a liabilty in a cloth topped car. Gearbox can also be locked when the engine is turned off.
Service
Certainly better than the service I have recieved from VW with our main car. MB dealt with the first service and the minor roof leak efficiently, although MB prices are on the highish side.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
None
Other
Minor roof leak, fixed first time under warrenty.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes