Smart cars?

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Smart cars?

Have you looked at a smart car forum to see what the problems are?

I quite like them, you can buy a new sump with sump plug to do your own oil changes, many cars are already converted by owners.

I seem to recall they have a lot of issues with the semi automatic gear box, and repairs can be costly because of the under slung configuration
 
Yes! Before I part with any money!

I think cars are such personal things that it's hard to advise anyone on the 'correct' choice to be made.... :chin:

To me, there are two components to the decision (...and I used to work in marketing -- so you can either take the following as gospel, or with a pinch of sodium chloride):

  1. Head -- i.e. doing the research that Andy sensibly suggests; being pragmatic about setting a budget, and sticking to it; comparing various makes and models; listing pros and cons for each; test-driving; looking underneath (and under carpets, etc.) for rust; scanning the documentation (especially MOTs and service history); kicking the tyres... -- you get the gist...!
  2. Heart -- where you ignore everything in the point above: because it's a "cute and fun car"; it's a convertible; the paintwork matches your eyes/nail varnish/secret tattoo/suspenders; you can call it a silly girl's name (e.g. Samantha Smart); it makes a nice noise; you've always wanted a Ferrari; the dealer called you 'madam', and made you a nice coffee, and fed you custard creams... -- ditto...!
This is the classic need vs. want argument, in a nutshell; and -- in my experience... -- it is very difficult not letting your heart (want) rule your head (need): it's why advertisers use puppies, and car designers give their creations faces.... :spin:

After coming to the ever-so logical conclusion that what I really should buy was a Honda Civic, I ended up with a Punto -- which wasn't even on my original shortlist (even though I'd just ordered a new Panda...)! And, so far, it's turned out pretty well...! :D

What I'm trying to say -- in too many words... -- is: if something grabs you; it's compelling (for whatever reason) enough; and it makes you smile... -- then buy the darned thing (or, if it's human, marry it...). Unless of course, on the Smart forum, it says that all convertibles self-combust at 50,000 miles.... :confused:

Anyhoo... -- so what's wrong with a second-hand Panda or 500, eh...? :hug:

PS: I think you're only asking us all (with your head), because you need some way of justifying the decision you've already made (with your heart)! But that's me just being cynical, after too many years at the coalface of the acquisitive virus.... :shakehead:
 
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I think cars are such personal things that it's hard to advise anyone on the 'correct' choice to be made.... :chin:

To me, there are two components to the decision (...and I used to work in marketing -- so you can either take the following as gospel, or with a pinch of sodium chloride):

  1. Head -- i.e. doing the research that Andy sensibly suggests; being pragmatic about setting a budget, and sticking to it; comparing various makes and models; listing pros and cons for each; test-driving; looking underneath (and under carpets, etc.) for rust; scanning the documentation (especially MOTs and service history); kicking the tyres... -- you get the gist...!
  2. Heart -- where you ignore everything in the point above: because it's a "cute and fun car"; it's a convertible; the paintwork matches your eyes/nail varnish/secret tattoo/suspenders; you can call it a silly girl's name (e.g. Samantha Smart); it makes a nice noise; you've always wanted a Ferrari; the dealer called you 'madam', and made you a nice coffee, and fed you custard creams... -- ditto...!
This is the classic need vs. want argument, in a nutshell; and -- in my experience... -- it is very difficult not letting your heart (want) rule your head (need): it's why advertisers use puppies, and car designers give their creations faces.... :spin:

After coming to the ever-so logical conclusion that what I really should buy was a Honda Civic, I ended up with a Punto -- which wasn't even on my original shortlist (even though I'd just ordered a new Panda...)! And, so far, it's turned out pretty well...! :D

What I'm trying to say -- in too many words... -- is: if something grabs you; it's compelling (for whatever reason) enough; and it makes you smile... -- then buy the darned thing (or, if it's human, marry it...). Unless of course, on the Smart forum, it says that all convertibles self-combust at 50,000 miles.... :confused:

Anyhoo... -- so what's wrong with a second-hand Panda or 500, eh...? :hug:

PS: I think you're only asking us all (with your head), because you need some way of justifying the decision you've already made (with your heart)! But that's me just being cynical, after too many years at the coalface of the acquisitive virus.... :shakehead:


Ok, where do I start? Last time I followed my heart and fell in love with that sexy beige leather interior I ended up with a Stilo that needed a new gearbox. £900 later and a list of other repairs I now have a great car that has had pretty much everything replaced but I cant make the tax, petrol, or insurance cheaper. I looked at a MK2 Punto yesterday, for a potential swap - the owner claimed it was in 'mint condition' - it wasnt, it had stains all over the seats and mould and fungus growing on the back seat belts - the young guy fell in love with my car (obviously) and practically begged me to swap with him but it I would have been crazy and I drove my car home feeling like I had the best car in the world - and certainly the cleanest and nicest smelling :).


Now, on to the Smart car. I was thinking of calling her Pandora btw. I would prefer right hand drive but there seem to be a lot of left hand drives out there - slightly higher insurance group but nothing that would break the bank and possibly easier to get parts if they are more common?

Manual gearbox is a must I think. Convertible is still my dream:tempt:


Oh edited to add - dont like Pandas, cant afford a 500.
 
... I have been sitting here all night dreaming about convertibles but ...

£2K would provide for a very nice (say) Panda - & move you 5 years or so forward from yon Smart!

I wouldn’t buy another convertible. Yeah, they look great - but unless you’re in a very clean climate, the interior & you & your clothes are coated in a film of dust.

120825
 
Manual gearbox is a must I think. Convertible is still my dream:tempt:

I'm fairly sure the manual boxes only come on the ForFour and they don't do them in convertible...

(A lot of people list ForTwo's online as manual because it's a semi-auto box, it lets you choose when to shift but it does all the cog swappage)
 
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Random curve ball....Nissan Figaro? Supercharged 1.0 convertible roof, old school interior, Nissan micra oily bits
250px-Nissan_Figaro_Front.jpg
 
Random curve ball....Nissan Figaro? Supercharged 1.0 convertible roof, old school interior, Nissan micra oily bits
250px-Nissan_Figaro_Front.jpg
1.0L Turbocharged* engine, lol. Only sold with weird 3 speed automatics, a bit out of breath on the motorway. Mostly Nissan Micra mk1 parts so not too expensive but the Figaro specific parts such as the gearbox are expensive and hard to come by. Only available in LHD because only ever sold in Japan, so all of them are imports (not sure how that'll affect insurance). Also because they are getting old now (1991 - 1992) they are starting to suffer from rust.
 
Never seen a convertible version of either of these, pics please?

They never came out of the factory as convertibles, and those that have been done look pretty shoddy imo.

Edit: For what it's worth, I really don't think you'll like the auto box in the Smart, and seriously think you should give the Beat, Cappucino or Copen a look :)
 
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