Buying a used Smart Fortwo

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Permalink Reply by Robert Ricewasser on January 21, 2012 at 10:00pm

I have found that our two smart cars, an 08 Passion Coupe and an 09 Pure are extremely reliable.  On the 08, there is a 2.0 update to allow you to use the paddles to shift into manual mode instead of moving the shifter to manual mode, which you can still do.  The Pure doesn't have paddles so you have to move the shifter.  To check if the 2.0 update has been done, just hold down the left paddle and the cluster display should show a  "1" to let you know you are in manual mode.  To go back to auto mode, just hold the right paddle momentarily and the cluster display will go back to "D" for automode.  If the car has the comfort package or factory alarm, you also get a stronger battery, an updated owner's manual, and a sticker placed near the engine compartment lid.  If the 08 or early 09 occasionally takes multiple attempts to go into reverse, there is also the 2.5 update to correct this instead of replacing the clutch which was thought to be the correction.

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Permalink Reply by Alan F. Webber Sr. on January 22, 2012 at 8:35am

I bought a used 2008 passion, I have been very happy with my GiGi.  The maintenance is very easy to do yourself, once you find the items needed.  I can find oil filters and oil locally but must order the air filter.  Wal-Mart caries the Fram XG6607  10000 mile oil filter for under $9.00.  They also have a cabin filter for $16.00 although they do not show it is for the smart,(C10132).

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Permalink Reply by Al Cooper on January 22, 2012 at 11:54am

  Thank you for the information and I will be looking for these updates if I purchase an 08 or 09. It makes me feel more confident to hear how reliable your Smart vehicles are!

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Permalink Reply by Al Cooper on January 22, 2012 at 12:40pm

  Again , it is good to hear positive news regarding Smart cars. Also , I live 100Km away from the nearest dealer so knowing I can get parts locally is important. Thank You  

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Permalink Reply by George McHattie on January 22, 2012 at 1:28pm

  I also  find my 2010 pasion a joy to drive and very easy on the pocket book  . It is a rougher ride in cold weather as suspention does not respond as well as in warmer weather  Starts great in my sask. winter temps and is great in snow . Take it ice fishing on lake often  Only had to use tire chain a couple times in very heavy snow and ruts . FUN  LITTLE CAR  I am more than 160 ks from dealership and find it no problem

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Permalink Reply by Katie O on January 25, 2012 at 6:16pm

Can I please be super cheeky and hijack this post?

I am also looking to buy a used Smart, but much older. Looking at 03/04 plates. Any advice anyone? There are younger ones avaliable in my price range but I'd then be looking at 60-70k milage. I have heard that those with miles beyond 60k are trouble, is this true? :(

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Permalink Reply by John Stuart on February 1, 2012 at 10:00pm

I bought a 2008 smart this past spring, and before I could pick up the car,The dealer that I bought it from (a Mitsubishi dealer) took it to a Mercedes dealer to replace the catalytic converter.Other than this, the worst thing to happen was a burnt out tail light. I admit I do not put a lot of mileage on my car (Brampton to West Toronto to work), but, so far, it has proven to be reliable, and I am very happy with it. I also get a kick out of the look on people's faces when they see a 275 lb. man in such a small car.

 

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Permalink Reply by John Stuart on February 1, 2012 at 10:09pm

How do I get the upgrade if I have not already got version 2 ?

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Permalink Reply by NoWayDave on February 5, 2012 at 3:32pm

I bought mine used from a local dealership here in Kansas City. Used seemed the way to go for me considering the higher cost of a new one from the Mercedes Benz dealer. I was able to talk with the previous owner about my little car too. He explained that he loved the car but grew tired of the constant attention it brought, both positive and negative. I enjoy explaing the car to curious people and I just wave (with all my fingers) to the ones in the 3 bedroom SUVs that want to harass me on the highway. I use mine for a commuter car about 200 miles per week. Drove from KC to the east coast twice, love it. More smiles to the gallon than you'll ever know.  Enjoy.

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