2003 smart roadster from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fantastic, affordable fun

Faults:

A bit leaky. Had 'three bar' problem.

General Comments:

This is one of the best cars I've ever driven! Its glued to the road even on the sharpest of bends! Fuel economy is excellent! Most economical fun you'll ever have in a car!

Yes there are a few leaks, but once it's fixed properly there are no problems.

It's not exactly family car sized when it comes to long journeys and luggage space, but if you are any good at Tetris, you should manage!

I drive this as my main car, and also have a 190e Mercedes for passengers and when I need more room. It's rare that the Merc does get used though.

Hope this helps any prospective buyers, it really is an exquisite car :)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th February, 2011

2003 smart roadster 80 700 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fun going and fun coming back

Faults:

Wipers can be a bit erratic. I am investigating.

General Comments:

You see it.

You drive it.

You buy it.

You have continuous fun whatever your mood.

Sure it has a few problems, but it's iconic and will from now on only increase in value.

As for its handling, it's simply agile and when driven correctly in town/country, takes the smirk off a Boxster.

Yupyup.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th September, 2009

2003 smart roadster Coupe .698 turbo from North America

Summary:

A delight to drive, the brakes have got me out of trouble several times, and it corners `on rails`!

Faults:

Local dealership (not original seller) replaced boot hinges under warranty, very helpful, no questions.

General Comments:

Before my test drive, the entry procedure was explained (enter with seat right back, then adjust - always push seat right back to exit, leaving it in re-entry position) thereafter, no difficulties!

A smart car weblog suggested a water entry cure by the (very) careful `adjustment` of the `immovable` 1/4 screen.

The spare wheel is a `repair system` in the passenger footwell (but I would not fancy using it on a midwinter`s night .. when such problems generally happen!!). I experienced a `slow` and drove to a tyre depot expecting to get it repaired, but the sidewall piercing thorn meant a new tyre, and not `shopping around`, meant a `no alternative, non-matching brand` tyre!

I think the fuel tank is small, but the gauge is very helpful - most fuel I have bought is 31.27L with only 1.5L remaining, and 383 miles travelled - capacity is officially 35L.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th November, 2006

2003 smart roadster 0.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Everything a Roadster should be and more

Faults:

I cannot fault the car. Having experienced minor faults on previous cars (leaky roof, wheel bearings etc) inc an Mx5, Crx, and new Celica, this was a welcome relief.

General Comments:

I would recommend a Smart Roadster to anyone. It may have a small engine, but the turbo and handling make up for that. Test drive one. The performance is better than my previous cars listed above and than most of my friends cars which surprised them too.

It’s nice to know that it’s returning 55mpg and scored very highly on recent crash tests.

Being able to operate the roof whilst driving is great too as are the stunning looks. Never knew a car could turn so many heads. (women too!).

My only advice would be to check the spec of what you are buying. There are a number of Roadster lights about now which have been stripped of many features inc the electric roof. Also, watch out for those with smaller engines and and LHD examples.

Check out the colours before buying too. Photos can be deceiving. we wanted Black/silver, but came away with yellow/black as it stood out a mile compared to the rest.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th June, 2005

2003 smart roadster 698cc from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great car, poor dealers

Faults:

ECU replaced due to faulty dash warning lights.

Rear window heating failed.

Interior light didn't work.

Door handle cable broke.

Leaks from a door mirror, then leaked from the soft top.

The above were all fixed under the warranty.

LED indicator on the instrumentation gauge intermittant fault - still to be fixed.

General Comments:

Lovely looking car and great car to drive. Handles excellently (especially with the 'sports pack' alloys) and gets stared at by everyone (especially in yellow).

Dealer service is disappointing and expensive. Car quality control is not the best.

I still love car though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd January, 2005

22nd May 2005, 14:43

I have a roadster, the size is impractical, but the fun is immense.

23rd May 2005, 12:48

I brought a roadster on 17th April and 5 attempts later to fix the numerous faults I've still not got delivery of it and no eta of when it will be ready. customer service is very poor, but I love the car so much I don't want to give up on it.

Driving a courtesy roadster and believe me I'm getting lots of fun out of it.