Smart Roadster (2003 - 2007) Brabus 2d Auto (2004/04) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I am an individual. I want to 'Drive' a car and not have it drive for me. (some like the Yeti even self-park nowadays!) I get lots of looks and car wash people ask what type of car it is. I love to Blat around a city at night with the windows open and heated seats on. (or top down in summer) It is a head turner without being a 'small-penis car.'.

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

"Ha Ha Ha.. look what he has brought now." "That looks cool." "Yes I'd love to go for a drive in it." What cc did you say this is?" "Ha ha ha, how the hell do I get out!".

Would you buy this car again and why?

Oh yes. It is a great hobby car. Loads of issues to correct, great to drive, cheap to own. I have an old Saab 93 for daily work and weekly shopping.

What are you likely to buy next?

None, I'll get this resprayed. I'll keep this until I die. They are now becoming rare like a classic MG or Austin Healy. I've painted the dials red, coloured the stitching with a red paint pen, had customised floor mats. I will spend money on this car. It is not only my car, but my hobby.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,500

When did you buy the car?

September 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

Hmm. I suppose I did. ALL Roadsters come with a long list of problems. It cost me and my daughter with her Roadster over £1200 for each car to get them roadworthy... (or dry) For a Roadster with all these historic problems sorted out, one should pay a lot more.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I drove my daughter's roadster and fell in love with it. I wanted the Brabus version.

What was the dealer like?

Unknowledgable on Smart Roadsters.

What's it like to drive?

It’s like a bumble bee on speed. The gear-change will snap your neck and the turbo-whistle makes me smile every time I hear it. It wobbles on pooled water on the motorway (White-knuckle the steering wheel if you come across a large puddle. Great sport is aquaplaning) I rarely drive this car slow. At 60 -70 it is quite quiet but at 80 mph there is a lot of wind noise. Around town turn off the radio to listen to the engine noise and turbo. It has very hard suspension just like a sports car and is VERY low, your eyes are at Lorry bumper height. Car headlights behind dazzle you until you flick the rear view mirror, and side winds can push you across the motorway. I don’t let friends drive this car as you need to really ‘Drive it’ and not just point it and chat on your phone.

What's it like to park?

The only car that I have found easier to park is a Smart Four Two. You do need a meter to the side to get out with any dignity. Any less and you will need to utilise your leg and arm and back muscles to support your weight as you contort yourself out. Great exersize at 54 years old.

Have you had any problems with the car?

I LOVE driving it, I love getting in and out and I'm 6'2" tall. I love jerking the wheel to instantly change lanes on the motorway, it cuts across like a Scalelectrix. I love the car’s idiosyncracies. It is just like a true small British sports car, like my 1965 MG Midget that I owned in 1980. If you want a car that does the same every time you get in, do not buy this car. Get a Fiesta or a Astra (and hate driving it) I love filling it up every two weeks for £20. (It takes 98 octane, the expensive stuff). These cars are riddled with faults and I love sorting them out one by one in my garage. There is a site called evilution.co.uk with photo guides on how to fix the problems.

What's most practical about your car?

Parking, cornering, acceleration (after the turbo kicks in, until then it is a sluggish 700cc car) avoiding potholes with a snap of the wheel. I love using the paddles and the car trying to snap my neck when it changes gear and on cornering I haven’t been able to make it loose grip as of yet.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The paddles and the automatic gear change-up at 6500 rpm. The paddles don't work when the atmosphere is too wet. Heated seats are great but the paddles are the most fun.