Smart Roadster (2003 - 2007) Speedsilver 2d Auto (2005/54) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

You like driving and don't care about practicality.

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

People think it's quite effeminate because it's small and cute. And I get a lot of smirks when they ask what size the engine is. But everyone that's been in it has loved it!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Definitely! You can't have this much fun on this budget with any other car, I'm sure of that. I would prefer a Brabus coupe for more speed, toys and boot space, but I'd be more than happy to have the standard model too. It's all about the drive!

What are you likely to buy next?

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£7,000

When did you buy the car?

April 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Great fun and very cheap to run.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

An absolute hoot! This is the reason I tell everyone I meet that they should buy one. It is so much fun, and you don't need to break the speed limit to have it. The gearbox is rubbish, but the rest of the package is so good that it just doesn't matter. The handling is amazing, with loads of grip, and the steering is very direct. It does exactly what you want it to do. The ride is quite firm but it's well worth the compromise. I've done plenty of 2+ hour trips with no aches or pains. The engine is great fun and loves being thrashed, with the turbo chirping on every up change. Overtaking is not a problem, you just have to be in the right gear before you pull out. And you can tell people you drive a two-seater, rear wheel drive, semi-automatic, turbo charged, convertible Mercedes-Benz!

What's it like to park?

It is quite small, but rear quarter visibility is poor. Avoid narrow bays, you'll never be able to get out of it!

Have you had any problems with the car?

Mechanically it feels very well made. If anyone says that theirs doesn't leak then I suspect they're lying!

What's most practical about your car?

The front boot (I call it a froot!) is surprisingly big. Two people can holiday in this car with no problems, as long as the bags are squashy.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I love that you can raise and lower the roof at any speed. In any other convertible you would get very wet if you had the roof down on the motorway and it started to rain!