Buying a Smart Car

[Brian23]

The spec will usually give some clues. Passion will have paddles and a full auto mode (called soft tip from memory). It should also have Aircon.

Paddles are well worth having in my view, soft tip less so.

My wife SLK has paddles. Never been used.

 

[LostKiwi]

My wife SLK has paddles. Never been used.

SLK Auto mode is very good.
Smart auto mode..... Let's just say it's as bad as the SLK is good.

 

[Brian23]

SLK Auto mode is very good.
Smart auto mode..... Let's just say it's as bad as the SLK is good.

So Smart automatics aren't very good?

 

[Brian23]

There is one here https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-de...=distance&advertising-location=at_cars&page=4

 

[LostKiwi]

So Smart automatics aren't very good?

They're a robotic manual. I E they use an ECU to control clutch operation and gear selection of what is largely a normal manual gearbox.
In my experience they're a bit dim witted with seemingly odd gear selection choices and an insane preference to get into the tallest gear as quick as possible and not come away from top unless provoked.
Using the paddles to override it makes for a much more pleasant drive in my view.

 

[EmilysDad]

So Smart automatics aren't very good?

All Smarts up until the most recent model come as automatics. As above, they're nothing like a 'proper' slushbox auto, but if you just leave it in auto & let it do its own thing they're good enough for every day knocking about in. I tend to leave mine in auto most of the time.

 

[Blobcat]

All Smarts up until the most recent model come as automatics. As above, they're nothing like a 'proper' slushbox auto, but if you just leave it in auto & let it do its own thing they're good enough for every day knocking about in. I tend to leave mine in auto most of the time.

It’s the set off from a junction that can take awhile to get used to... For such a small car it takes awhile for the message to get from the helm to the engine room that you want to go…

You can get around it by left foot braking at a junction and picking up the accelerator whilst you hold it.

 

[EmilysDad]

It’s the set off from a junction that can take awhile to get used to... For such a small car it takes awhile for the message to get from the helm to the engine room that you want to go…

You can get around it by left foot braking at a junction and picking up the accelerator whilst you hold it.

maybe in your diseasal Russ ..... though not the fastest car in the world, mine has surprised a few cars in the Traffic Light Grand Prix

I find it hard to NOT left foot brake

Power to weight of my Smart isn't that dissimilar to my ML
Smart weighs around 800kg & has 84bhp, ML is 2.2 tonnes & has 254bhp

 

[Blobcat]

maybe in your diseasal Russ ..... though not the fastest car in the world, mine has surprised a few cars in the Traffic Light Grand Prix

I find it hard to NOT left foot brake

Power to weight of my Smart isn't that dissimilar to my ML
Smart weighs around 800kg & has 84bhp, ML is 2.2 tonnes & has 254bhp

0-20 almost nothing comes past my smart, the torques of the raw 799cc diseasal power see to that. It’s just the pause between pressing the accelerator and the gearbox that can be disconcerting

 

[Brian23]

OK next thing. As well as getting one for my wife, there is a cheap faulty one local to me. I am told it will not start, that is all. He says that it shows the key sign on the dashboard when you try to start it. It gives 3 lights when you try to lock or unlock the doors, if that makes sense. Any reason for this?
Should I start a separate thread for this?

 

[LostKiwi]

The key has become unsynced from the vehicle. There is a procedure for resyncing keys but it may require Star if if that hasn't worked.

 

[Brian23]

The key has become unsynced from the vehicle. There is a procedure for resyncing keys but it may require Star if if that hasn't worked.

Thank you. Could be a cheap car to fix or parts.

 

[Brian23]

So on the auto transmission. Is it like automatic or do you have to change to gears like triptronic?

 

[EmilysDad]

So on the auto transmission. Is it like automatic or do you have to change to gears like triptronic?

Both ... you have the choice.

 

[Blobcat]

So on the auto transmission. Is it like automatic or do you have to change to gears like triptronic?

The gear lever has a button on it that you press and the indicator changes from the gear to an “A” and will work as a fully auto box
You can press it again and change gear by pressing the lever forwards or backwards (or using paddles if you have them)

 

[Brian23]

The gear lever has a button on it that you press and the indicator changes from the gear to an “A” and will work as a fully auto box
You can press it again and change gear by pressing the lever forwards or backwards (or using paddles if you have them)

Thank you again

 

[Brian23]

I've just had to go outside to look at what model mine is ...

It's a Grandstyle

What is different with the Gran style Specification.

 

[EmilysDad]

What is different with the Gran style Specification.



Not sure ...i know it has tinted headlights 

 

[ajlsl600]

Is there a way of seeing the spec of a smart car by only the reg number, as there are a few on the internet and they do not always say what model they are? It just says Smart Fortwo coupe.
It has Full Smart service history . Rare turbo model . Leather heated seats . Cruise control . Paddle shift gears . Power steering . Panoramic roof . Sat Nav . Full multi media package . Bluetooth connectivity . Upgraded sound system . Electric heated mirrors .air condition .

How much is that motor?