2000 smart fortwo - city coupe Passion 0.6 turbo from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Better than you might expect, but expensive
Faults:
At the first service after 15000km it became clear that cylinder 2 of 3 had inadequate compression. After discussion with an MCC expert in Germany it was suggested that it had been caused by overheating and the best remedy would be replacement of the engine. The car was taken by low loader to Milton Keynes technical centre which rejected the expert advice and returned the car damaged and not repaired. It was clearly in need of repair as the car struggled up hills. The service centre principal agreed that the engine needed replacement and I was provided with a courtesy car for almost 6 weeks until my car was returned to me with a new engine.
Since the engine was replaced there have not been any reliability problems.
Former Beetle drivers will be familiar with drifting in cross winds. It isn't a steering fault. The car is just very high and light.
General Comments:
Regular service by the franchised dealers is expensive but essential to preserve the worldwide warranty.
The car is claimed to have good fuel consumption figures but I have been disappointed. I travel 90 miles to and from work each day at about 60mph. I do not expect to get more than 47mpg.
But if you like the look of the car and it's only you and a briefcase going to and from work (don't worry, the boot will hold a huge Samsonite suitcase) you put up with minor disappointment.
Treat it as an air conditioned stereo with a roof to keep you dry and you'll be thrilled.
Be prepared for the grins and smiles from pedestrians.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st September, 2001
11th Jan 2002, 07:28
My wife runs a cabriolet model, this was purchased in September so has only done 1500 miles. We have had no problems at all with the car so far. We have been keeping a check on the consumption and on her regular journies to work, 6 miles each way, she is averaging 50 mpg. We have used it on long runs and on the last one which was approx 110 miles each way, we managed 63 mpg. The journey did not take any longer than using our main car.
She loves her little car and finds very little to complain about. The main thing is the position of the handbrake, this seems too far back. If it was bought forward approx 3-4 inches all would be OK.
27th Oct 2001, 12:11
I love smart cars but the problem you had has kind of put me off buying one. I also thought that you could get 60+ mpg but if that's not the case, I'm quite disappointed. Never mind though, I'll take a test drive and see what happens.