VWPowered Posted March 17, 2009 Posted March 17, 2009 first one i've either worked on or driven, am very impressed in both counts, but abit fiddly changing lights for LHD units ment taking whole front end off better now its all back together again anyone else driving one of these??.. and what were your thoughts
Guest Posted March 17, 2009 Posted March 17, 2009 We have one of these in our work pool, I can't say I'm hugely fond of it but it can be entertaining at times (full throttle upchanges etc). My sister's ex has made quite a decent living lately buying examples with goosed power units, fixing them and flogging them off again
dollywobbler Posted March 17, 2009 Posted March 17, 2009 I love the looks, but could never get used to the driving experience. The gearboxes are frustratingly slow, even on later 'improved' ones. It's an automation too far, and jerky with it.I don't like the cheap plastics everywhere either.However, there are few cars more easy to park (kept scaring myself sh*tless when I looked over my shoulder to find the rear window behind my head!) and the little turbocharged triple makes the right sort of noises.I'd love to convert one to CVT transmission - though I do know of one bloke who converted his to Mini engine/transmission!
Negative Creep Posted March 17, 2009 Posted March 17, 2009 We have 2 as pool cars at work. I'm not a fan, engine sounds horrible, ride is too hard, handling is non existent and the gearbox is the worst I've ever used. Every single gearchange it lurches forward and the ability to change yourself is pointless as the car always overrides it. On the upside they are economical, fairly nippy up to 30 and you can have some amusement by parking head on into roadside spaces. More shit than shite
Guest greenvanman Posted March 17, 2009 Posted March 17, 2009 ...engine sounds horrible, ride is too hard, handling is non existent and the gearbox is the worst I've ever used.Better than a Microcar Virgo then.
VWPowered Posted March 17, 2009 Author Posted March 17, 2009 The gearboxes are frustratingly slowkept scaring myself sh*tless when I looked over my shoulder to find the rear window behind my head!agree the gearbox does seem to take ages to change up/down gearsand reversing it, god how close is that damn window kinda just forgot it was so tiny for that one moment
MrRegieRitmo Posted March 17, 2009 Posted March 17, 2009 I wouldn't mind having a go in one or at least sitting in one just to say that I had but it's more a morbid fascination than anything else!
55bloke Posted March 17, 2009 Posted March 17, 2009 Id just hate to be in one if it ever hit, or was hit by, something!
dollywobbler Posted March 17, 2009 Posted March 17, 2009 Id just hate to be in one if it ever hit, or was hit by, something!They're quite good in a smash actually. Probably much better than a 2CV or a Mini. Both of which I manage to cope with.The only issue is that they're very stiff - there just isn't any crumple zone, so hitting stuff is probably going to hurt.
r.welfare Posted March 17, 2009 Posted March 17, 2009 That still looks an easier job than replacing the starter motor on a 1st gen Merc A-Class*. * Where you have to remove the engine if the stories from my mechanic are to be believed, dunno which engine this relates to mind.
Timewaster Posted March 17, 2009 Posted March 17, 2009 That still looks an easier job than replacing the starter motor on a 1st gen Merc A-Class*.* Where you have to remove the engine if the stories from my mechanic are to be believed, dunno which engine this relates to mind.There is a whole other thread posibiltiy here - nigh on impossible jobs on modern cars.After last weeks 8hr nightmare for a rack boot, I am reminded of the Clio Diesel alternator swop. Remove entire O/S suspesion leg for access I'm told that Rover 75 front indicator bulbs need to be done from underneath, and a wheel off if not on a ramp.Back to the topic of Smarts, I drove a company pool one on a 60 mile motorway trip. People (esp in BMW's and Audi's) do NOT expect one of those in the outside lane
MrRegieRitmo Posted March 17, 2009 Posted March 17, 2009 Back to the topic of Smarts, I drove a company pool one on a 60 mile motorway trip. People (esp in BMW's and Audi's) do NOT expect one of those in the outside lane Maybe they should as they are an invention of Mercedes after all!
VWPowered Posted March 17, 2009 Author Posted March 17, 2009 After last weeks 8hr nightmare for a rack boot, I am reminded of the Clio Diesel alternator swop. Remove entire O/S suspesion leg for access had a 4 hour job doing the 2's that involved dropping belly pan, draining removing radiator etc least the smart even though ive never worked on one was only an hours work
Milford Cubicle Posted March 17, 2009 Posted March 17, 2009 I think the Smart Roadster is true futureshite - short production run, fairly unloved even when new, never replaced. I'd love to try oneThe Smart Cosy Coupe or whatever it's called looks ridiculous
Volksy Posted March 17, 2009 Posted March 17, 2009 Id just hate to be in one if it ever hit, or was hit by, something!They're quite good in a smash actually. Probably much better than a 2CV or a Mini. Both of which I manage to cope with.The only issue is that they're very stiff - there just isn't any crumple zone, so hitting stuff is probably going to hurt.5th Gear smashed one into a concrete barrier at 60mph, and it stood up pretty well, they said though at that speed the sudden deceleration would kill you anyway..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju6t-yyoU8s
M'coli Posted March 17, 2009 Posted March 17, 2009 I think the Smart Roadster is true futureshite - short production run, fairly unloved even when new, never replaced. I'd love to try oneIndeed, the Roadster is on my wishlist!
Station Posted March 17, 2009 Posted March 17, 2009 Is that the coupe little thing with the wide rear wheels. I like them now! I'd love one, the missus is probably going to get one in the future.
r.welfare Posted March 17, 2009 Posted March 17, 2009 Yeah, it kind of reminds me of a mini De Lorean for some reason, I like 'em. But not the normal Smart, or the silly ForFour - better to save ££££s and just buy the Mitsubishi Colt it's based on instead.
dollywobbler Posted March 17, 2009 Posted March 17, 2009 You see, I don't like the Roadster much either. LOVE the looks - apart from the hunchback coupe thing - but you've still got a gearbox that never does what you want it too and on test drives, I seem to recall that the steering was a bit too much like a traction engine. I mean, it's got a (tiny) rear engine and weighs about as much as Fearne Cotton AND has power steering. It could be a little more direct Smart people!!
Guest Posted March 17, 2009 Posted March 17, 2009 You see, I don't like the Roadster much either. I mean, it's got a (tiny) rear engine and weighs about as much as Fearne CottonFutureshite or not, I'd much rather have Fearne Cotton on top of me Yes indeedy!
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now