Smart ForTwo auto (2nd gen)

[Loom]

Has anyone driven the 2nd gen (2007+) Smart ForTwo (semi-)auto? From what I've read it seems that a couple of problems with the 1st gen has been resolved, among others smoother gearshift.

I'm looking for a small auto car for my mom and while I won't consider the Smart for myself it seems like a plausable option (on paper) for her.

 

[moranor@axis]

hayabusa engine fixes all this cars problems :rollsmile:

 

[Gunner-Win]

hayabusa engine fixes all this cars problems :rollsmile:

Off topic but that build is epic! :cartel:

@OP: Sorry I don't have any help for you. My knowledge around Smart is extremely limited.

Have you considered another alternative that might be more reliable and still have MP. Something like the newer model Kia Picanto, or Hyundai I10?

 

[moranor@axis]

honesty parts are expensive because of NO aftermarket support in SA she is better off with something more conventional... also YOU will be responsible for keeping it running if it runs into issues so probably best to avoid it

 

[adamr]

Has anyone driven the 2nd gen (2007+) Smart ForTwo (semi-)auto? From what I've read it seems that a couple of problems with the 1st gen has been resolved, among others smoother gearshift.

I'm looking for a small auto car for my mom and while I won't consider the Smart for myself it seems like a plausable option (on paper) for her.

Wife has one ... 2012 The cab version. No slouch . Reliable light on fuel ... Have had zero issues with the car tbh ... The gearshift is still horrid , like smg or r tronic like in the r8 I had


Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus

 

[frs1]

Depends on your budget ??? I bought my mom a Honda Jazz 1.5 auto, I am impressed drives nice and fuel consumption round about 6l/100 in town

 

[adamr]

honesty parts are expensive because of NO aftermarket support in SA she is better off with something more conventional... also YOU will be responsible for keeping it running if it runs into issues so probably best to avoid it

Mercedes Benz sells, supports these cars , so def after market support ... The one we have has a staggered service plan with merc was bought like this new from merc. It is a small car and new they ain't cheap at all (this particular version the wife has is like r250k new)

If you ain't buying groceries for four and ain't doing too much highway driving but just running around in suburbs it's perfect. Surprisingly it's one of the safest cars out there with a 4 star ncap rating. Btw what is your budget to spend on one of these ?

Edit: fuel economy real world is something stupid like 4.3 l/100km


Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus

 

[moranor@axis]

honesty parts are expensive because of NO aftermarket support in SA she is better off with something more conventional... also YOU will be responsible for keeping it running if it runs into issues so probably best to avoid it

Mercedes Benz sells, supports these cars , so def after market support ... The one we have has a staggered service plan with merc was bought like this new from merc. It is a small car and new they ain't cheap at all (this particular version the wife has is like r250k new)

If you ain't buying groceries for four and ain't doing too much highway driving but just running around in suburbs it's perfect. Surprisingly it's one of the safest cars out there with a 4 star ncap rating. Btw what is your budget to spend on one of these ?

Edit: fuel economy real world is something stupid like 4.3 l/100km


Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus

what I mean is away from the dealers there are no parts available... this gets expensive if you run into problems

although merc dont have such bad pricing on parts

 

[Loom]

Thanks for the replies, gents.

My criteria is:

• small in size - the E36 is getting too big
• auto
• safety features such as ABS and at least a driver's airbag
• budget of around R80k although it can be stretched for the right car
• preferably less than 150k km

It will be used almost exclusively in town although I will take it up to highway speeds every now and then. Performance and fuel consumption is not important but nice to haves. Ease of use for an elderly lady is.

The Jazz CVT is definitely on my list. The Smart depreciates at an incredible rate, which is why I would consider it. The main problem is general availability of cars in Potchefstroom.

 

[Loom]

Any thoughts on these two:

http://www.autotrader.co.za/used-ca...iontype/steptronic/transmissiontype/tiptronic
2013 SMART PURE Coupe mhd for sale

http://www.autotrader.co.za/used-ca...iontype/steptronic/transmissiontype/tiptronic
2006 MINI HATCH Cooper S Auto for sale

I'm just a bit concerned that the Mini's dash and centre console would be a bit overwhelming - I'm trying to keep things simple for my mom, hence the auto transmission.

 

[revred]

Hi Loom,

I owned a Smart for two Cab (+2007 model). Its a great car, the reason I sold it was because of the maintenance. The services are around R6k. Mine started to rust/bubble in the front, it took months for the merc/smart expert to come around and look at the issue as there is only one in the country (about 5 years ago). I would not recomend the car for an elderly person as the ride is very harsh, and as mentioned earlier the gear change is terrible. it gets better if you use the flappy paddles, but timing is key. The seating position is great for an elderly person, you sit high up and getting in and out is very easy with the big doors. It is very surprising how much space it has inside.

I currently have a mini cooper s convertible, so I can assume that the getting in and out of a coupe will be the same. you basically sit on the ground and getting in and out is a bit of a mission, I am fairly tall and most times have to roll out The low roofline does not help. I would say that the Jazz is a good bet. Also keep a look out for a late model A Class, dont get the first 3 models, they are absolute crap cars, the ones made in the last 5 years are alot better and also sell for good prices.

Hope the info helps

 

[Coisman]

Last year October I got my mom a Hyundai i10, 2012 model, 1.25i in Automatic with 11,000kms on the clock, still under warantee for R105,000

Its got ABS, power steering, electric everything, 2 airbags, sentral locking, MP3 usb radio. Very nice car, and very good on fuel as well.

 

[Loom]

Thanks for all the replies. We got a Kia Picanto 1.2 EX A/T. It's quite a nice little car.

 

[adamr]

Congrats it's a good car. Sure your mum will enjoy it


Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus