2011 Smart Fortwo is seriously not shifting right! What the CAR WIZARD finds will shock you!

[@daveramsey2246]

Mike and Daniel both keep getting more comfortable on camera. You're always fun and informative Wiz. Keep featuring your techs!

[@Xeonerable]

That's what I love about this channel, the mom and pop vibe and they give the other guys time and the credit on camera. I always enjoy seeing the other guys participate in the videos.

[@RM18188]

Agree. The more time Mike can get on camera the better.

[@confestpete]

Does 'Longbeach' still work for you?

[@AbbStar1989]

You should see the first time Wizard is on camera with Tyler Hoover. Talk about uncomfortable.

[@taylorhelm7146]

I wonder if Wizard let's them know a day ahead if they'll be on camera. Daniel-Son is still a bit new, but getting more comfortable with the role. Mike has definitely progressed with his on screen approach over time. Happy to see Wizard tries to shine a light on his techs as much as the business.

[@billybowbob2071]

My 2005 smart had the three bars of death when I bought it. One mechanic said a new cpu was needed, $3500. I loosened the three shift actuator bolts, moved it 1/4" closer to the transmission to compensaten for clutch and component wear, now I've put 20,000kms more on the odometer 👍

[@billybowbob2071]

@@raymondkuipers8669 yeah, I put a dab of grease on the actuator pin tip. I think a brake caliper pin dust boot would make a good grease retainer if put on the end of the actuator pin

[@pappydanny53]

All you need to do is reset the transmission by turning the key on foot on the brake and shift though the gears until it goes away

[@LOTPOR0402]

He probably needs a new CPU ,most are not very bright

[@dennisgeorge834]

I've got a 2005 smart 700ccgas turbo intercooled for sale 24000 original miles not 240 thousand 24 thousand as you know 1 of 1000 imported

[@xltranger98]

Finding an honest mechanic isn’t an easy task now days, especially in New York where I live. I have been lucky and found an honest old school mechanic. I brought him a mini van for a coolant leak. He told me most often it’s a tube that runs under the intake to the water pump, about $250 repair at that time. I went to pick up the car and was pleasantly surprised to be billed $50. It ended up being a factory formed hose that connects to that tube. He easily could have replaced that hose and charged me $250. I’ve used his shop every since that time and I recommend him often to friends and family. He’s very busy and at times you have to wait for him to get to your repair but I don’t mind waiting.

[@HiroNguy]

Please tell us who it is!

[@davidaix5771]

Yeah

[@typicalmountainbiker]

That's awesome! Having to wait for a mechanic to repair your vehicle is usually a sign that they're very good. So it's no wonder that they're honest and good

[@xltranger98]

@@HiroNguy it’s the Vasco tech center on old white plains road in mamaroneck New York

[@12yearssober]

Most shops don't understand that by doing what your shop did they gained a customer for life who will also recommend them to their family and friends. It's a recipe for success that sadly people just don't get.

[@colemanbonner]

I’m 6’5” 340lbs and I LOVE driving the fortwo. It’s like being in a cartoon. The hilarious behavior of the transmission and the manual steering is just a comedy special on wheels. Love it.

[@ImSrry4BeingWhite]

The smart has no power steering at all? Crazy

[@adday.]

5'1" and 100 ibs and just fell in love with one too. The 1999 model. I'm sitting high up, not used to that, and it's ik driving a go-card. I was smiling tve whole time. Saw people smiling at the car, smiles all around. I am affraid to go on the highway in it, usually love highways, but it's like a soda can, lets be honest.

[@grazz7865]

The transmission is a 5 speed automated manual so it’s basically a manual transmission but the car does all the clutching and shifting. If you take your foot off the gas when you’re at 2500rpm (if you have a tachometer) or just listen to the engine, it will shift very smooth. Another trick I learned to manipulate the computer when you’re slowing down and the traffic starts moving again but you have not yet come to a complete stop, hit the gas quick one time. The computer will downshift. Otherwise, sometimes you’ll get jerkiness as the computer tried to shift. Also, change the transaxle fluid once a year. Huge difference. Smoother shifts. Takes 3 quarts 75W90 full synthetic

[@grazz7865]

@@ImSrry4BeingWhite it’s a 2700lb car. You don’t need power steering 😂😂😂

[@ImSrry4BeingWhite]

@@grazz7865 I'm a small car fan and my first gen honda insight is 1,900 lbs and has power steering. My 2,500 lb honda del sol also has power steering

[@frankajello]

That engine bay was a dead giveaway that chewed wires were a possibility. Props to the wizard for doing the right thing as always. Great example for all, this is the way to do business. Honest work in a dishonest world

[@plektosgaming]

My old mechanic said that he ran into rodent damage at least once a week. It's terribly common that people simply don't close up their garages, leave windows open at night, or ever check under the hood/engine areas for nests and the like. This was in Los Angeles. There's something in the wiring insulation on cars made since about 2000 that rodents just LOVE to chew on. The solution in my dad's case was to get very tight fitting (no more than 1/4 inch gap, metal) seals on the garage door and secondary/interior doors to the garage.

[@stpfs9281]

@@plektosgaming I watched a Sparrow take nesting material into a parked cars exhaust pipe! Also heard scratching coming from a neighbours garage, when opened, a Fox ran off!

[@fordTH7335]

Hahahaha I love the Banana jeep sticker from Matt's Off Road Recovery! Mad props!

[@johnwebberley6710]

It's nice to watch a business ower who realises that repeart customers and word of mouth recomendations will pave the way for a long running business, Keep it up Wizard, (shame I'm in the UK and not Kansas so I have to find me someone round here

[@matthewreed1078]

Hi from Houston texas!

[@briangibbs3774]

You've done it again, Car Wizard. Another great video. I've watched your channel for over two years now and have seen your operation expand and prosper. You keep proving that fair and competent people are the winners in the long run. Your example encourages the rest of us, whatever our walk in life, to carry on.

[@raven4k998]

new tranny or is it?

[@barryrudge1576]

Had a diesel Smart for two Pulse for seven years, other than replacing tyres brake pads and thr odd ball joint it has been a very reliable car. Ideal for running errands and hopping

[@0to60lifelv2]

Matt's Off-road Recovery sticker on the back window!

[@shiftfocus1]

If we’re honest, a Smart transmission NEVER shifts “well,” even when working properly.

[@clintonturner5545]

Thats right, but I got used to it. My wife will sometimes remind me.

[@TheCyberMantis]

Exactly. Those cars are crap.

[@jaylh2001]

Yes I was thinking the same thing. The lag in shifting was crap. Using the padal shifters didn't even help either.

[@derekfriday7931]

I saw the caption and this thought immediately popped into my head. Ive never driven one that didn't suck at shifting

[@phil2945]

@@TheCyberMantis I've owned mine for 4 years and put 110,000 miles on it with absolutely nothing has gone wrong with it. I love my smart, even on the highway.

[@jaimevargas3655]

As Smart car owner and Mechanic I appreciate your troubleshooting and honesty. It saddens me and like I say to my customers, "I'll work on your car like it's mine"

[@jakobholgersson4400]

I must say, I love that the Wizard is polite and respectful. That he sees quirky cars and says positive things about them instead of telling people to get a "real" car.

[@ricoolivier]

Fantastic video as usual! Setting the bar for automotive workshops! Anyone else noticed the "Yellow Banana" from Matt's Offroad?

[@jack303030]

+1

[@clintonturner5545]

I watch that show too.

[@zathrasadama8338]

I was like ITS THE BANANA!!!

[@MikeJohnson-ld9rn]

Magic Mike is just an awesome and genuinely personable mechanic ! He is like getting Mr. Goodwrench instead of Mr. bad pliers! Good on you and Mrs. Wizard for a straightforward and non hokey presentation with today’s vid. Just the right amount of levity and technical explanation that ,for me, was a terrific example of how to show your business model and customer service!

[@BD4V1S1]

I love your videos Wizard! The best part was closing the door “case closed!” Like with many things in life, it’s not what you (think you) know but who you know. Building trust and respect with your shop is so important!

[@christopherkraft1327]

Hey Wizard & Mrs Wizard, these Smart Cars are so small & cute!!! They remind me of a fancy golf cart!!! Omega Auto Clinic is an honest shop with a ton of integrity!!! Thank you Wizard & Mrs Wizard for being a breath of fresh air in the auto repair industry!!! 👍👍🙂

[@JohnHonda101]

Well done for being an honest man, love from the UK

[@icuranis4597]

Trust is everything to me. Because of the sheer amount of crooks in my area, I've invested heavily in my own tools. There are a couple of people I trust but, not as many as there should be. I just bought myself a nice Autel scanner as well.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Better have them locked up well. I'd be worried about geekers just as much as crooked mechanics.

[@frankajello]

Joshua Gibson first thing I thought haha. People love to steal tools damn crackheads

[@icuranis4597]

@@joshuagibson2520 First purchase was a tool box taller than myself that requires keys lol.

[@nexpro6118]

More and more shops are charging insane rates per hour of labor.

[@taylorhelm7146]

@@nexpro6118I can definitely agree with that, however you have to pay more for quality service. I know Wizard isn't cheap, but his approach is worth the price. Hell he'll be the first to tell his prices are higher, but his results are often worth more than charged. Some of these thieves are out here charging high rates to "chase" a problem when they knew the original issue immediately. Worse is those charging top dollar for a job a chimp could handle, and it's still not fixed.

[@billieyoung497]

always wanted one of those but for an off roader..go right here on youtube and find versions of them made into off roaders,they jack them up..put 4 wheeler wheels and tires on them and go nuts in the rough stuff....they make a great side by side off roader...got heat,got AC,got power windows ,windshield wippers....got a stereo........and they weigh nothing and do very well off road....find them on youtube right here,if I get one,that IS what Ill do with it.

[@Afilly3]

We need more mechanics like you wizard. Took me years to find a mechanic I trust. I trust him for my Audi, not sure about my Subarus yet. Mechanics like you are few and VERY far between. Thank you for what you and your team do.

[@timothydaly4136]

That car shifts hard from the factory I almost bought it back when it came out

[@clintonturner5545]

True.

[@mihaistoescu1039]

You just didn't know how to drive it. When it shifts (or you shift in manual), lift the foot off the gas just a little bit and it will work smooth. You can't floor a robotic manual through all the gears like in a automatic.

[@midnight-xpress1136]

Ran into about the same situation with my 1994 Explorer. Thought my transmission was shot, was prepared for a transmission change. Luckily the transmission shop was honest called me back and said it's a transfer case. So instead of $3,500, it cost me about $900. Luckily there are still honest shops still around.

[@TheCoolCourier]

I appreciate your INTEGRITY!!! That is LOST in today's world! Very few of us still have it! I want to get this car in my area (IL)! BTW, I know you from "Hoovie's Garage!" - The Cool Courier

[@TurboJohnRacing]

I'm loving mine, lol. Just mine does not have cruise control, that really is hard. 39 miles to gallon generally, but it is a little sketchy at 75-80mph on the interstate!

[@clintonturner5545]

I used to ride bikes in the night in thunderstorms on 35E in Dallas. So, the Smart is a breeze at 80 on the dry freeway. For me that is.

[@phil2945]

Mine was doing that, it was a tire out of balance.

[@chrisfit365]

I get 43 mpg , but mine has been slipping transmission at 107k miles

[@jasw12345]

car wizard is awesome. i watch all his videos and he's gotten me really interested in troubleshooting car troubles and the way to think through the problems. he's so knowledgeable and dedication to clients and longterm relationships is so nice to see.

[@slowfg2550]

Honesty matters. I’ve had customers demand we install their own parts, or what they think will fix it. I always demand they let me diagnose first. They always end up thanking me.

[@ZoomZoom870atGmail]

So many people have been burned multiple times by multiple mechanics that they feel safer for throwing random parts at it till it works. It definitely sucks for the honest ones but there's so many scam mechanics that they've tanked the reputation of the field to be as bad or worse than used car dealers.

[@TheRareCode]

Matt’s Off-road Recovery Banana Sticker! Haha

[@tony_25or6to4]

Rule #1 Never tell a mechanic what is wrong with your car. Tell the mechanic the symptoms and let them find the problem. By telling a mechanic what is wrong could lead the mechanic in the wrong direction, cause you to pay for unnecessary work, and replace parts unnecessarily.

[@bwofficial1776]

Exactly. You tell them that there's a problem, it's their job to figure out why.

[@ianmontgomery7534]

@@bwofficial1776 I also follow a guy called DiagnoseDan and the first thing he does is to try and replicate what the customer says is the problem. He uses that as his starting point and I agree with that approach.

[@frankajello]

Shady mechanics will try their best to give you the worst so finding a reputable shop would be good too. Excellent rule of thinking

[@tony_25or6to4]

@@frankajello years ago, I thought I found a good mechanic. I caught him in a lie and went back through years of invoices only to find out he was scamming me, my family, friends, and anyone I sent his way. We all sold cars based of this guy's recommendation. Two to him. I lost a good friend because I suggested this guy. Some people are just bad people. Although there's plenty of honest repairs to be done, some cheat and steal.

[@frankajello]

Tony I completely agree. My first car was a hand me down my dad bought for my brother which my dad (who knows nothing)paid thousands to maintain in a short period. He had a guy he trusted as “safety was very important” But nobody needs to get bent over all the time like that. I started working on my cars and im hooked. Even bought an old Buick to daily drive for my lil brother. I’m in a diesel mechanic class right now and it’s fascinating

[@RockyTopAviator]

Thanks to the Wizard group for being an honest provider of work. Wish I had a local mechanic like yourselves.

[@cousinjohncarstuff4568]

A shame to imagine how many shops would repair the wiring, clean up the trans, and charge for a trans they never replaced!

[@afngary]

Or they would install a new one then sell the one that was removed and make a profit off it.

[@12yearssober]

@@bva365 If they replace the transmission the old one goes back for core. Or at least that is what the customer would be told.

[@tyler4306]

Well, that would be illegal. The kind of shops that do that kind of thing are only in business long enough to do it maybe once or twice anyway. If the shop with the help of its employees are taking advantage of people, guaranteed there are other shady practices going on. Their reviews and reputation will reflect that. I am not saying it doesn't happen, but probably less than what people make it out to be.

[@anthonydilligaf823]

...gimme 3 steps? 😆

[@flatline827]

@@tyler4306 I briefly delivered auto parts to mechanics all over an area and there was one shady operation among all my customers that was over the top sinister. Even though they'd order several parts a week they sent everything back. Even picking up the returns took at least a half an hour of wasted time at my expense and we did this song and dance for over a year before my boss started refusing their orders. Some people, you know? Spreading 'cheer. '"Everyone here brings joy., some when they arrive and others when they leave."

[@JCPaintGuy]

Thank you for showing there are good and honest shops, Wizard. There are even good and honest dealership service departments, but they are getting harder and harder to find. I’ve done a lot of my own wrenching over the years, but I learn something every time I watch one of your videos. Thanks for being so real and honest - it is greatly admired and appreciated!

[@kkapalle]

I had a brabus smart with 140 hp, runs good the automatic is kind of rough but with a chip tuning shift paddle and blow off valve and the other exhaust it is a little better. Is simple a fast city car from A to B

[@kangzau1006]

Another great mechanic, they are passionate about their work. I always look at them like doctors

[@AndrewJaws]

I have been really lucky with my mechanics, and they actually let me work with them and they taught me everything I know in exchange for cleaning, helping and basically doing all the bitch work when I was young. A good mechanic is one that actually diagnoses a problem instead of throwing parts at it to fix it.

[@StrangelyIronic]

500 seems pretty reasonable considering the labor/time involved. I would pay a bit more to the people that are willing to dive in and ultimately save me some money and time over both the short and long term. I don't advertise for my shop anymore since I've been focusing more heavily on other ventures. When I did prior, and still if someone knows me and comes by/calls asking for help, I treated them exactly how I would want to be treated in terms of being fair and finding the real problem rather than taking the shotgun approach. My dad taught me when I was young with his businesses, if you take care of your customers, more likely than not they'll take care of you with return business and recommending you to family, friends, etc.

[@larsradtke4097]

We had a rodent incident, too. But in the mechanics shop, we gave a VW Golf Station Wagon to, here in China. They should fix the sunroof and they let it open in the shop. Some rats went in and chew many cables.

[@taylorhelm7146]

What I love is Wizard's creed is basically "Find the actual problem, offer a realistic solution, backed by knowledge and ethics". I've never seen a mechanic try to teach you or even give solid advice without being paid. I know Wizard does not work for free, and will refuse to work with some people or cars based on his inspection of both. However, he's not just giving dumb advice to line his pockets more. I respect the intent to make common people see the underbelly of the business more clearly. I wish more mechanics were as straightforward and honest, even if a bit too honest sometimes 😅. Always great to see Magic Mike again, thanks to Mrs. Wizard for continuing to be part of the channel.

[@Jmdp.94]

We expect the worst every time because most of us don't examine the small things first and almost always, its the small stuff that are biting us in the rear. 4 weeks ago I was wrenching on my car on the belt and timing and I had to remove the cam cover but to get it off I had to move over the wiring harness that rest on top of it. I finish up, go somewhere to eat and mid trip to where I was going, I turned on my A/C and it did not want to blow cold at all. I expected the worst thinking if it was already time for a compressor or did my system have a leak or should I go to the A/C mechanic, etc, I was losing my mind When I got home, I checked the car over to see what I could find and saw that the wire that goes to the compressor had disconnected from its connector when I moved the wiring harness earlier and I didnt notice. Just one small wire that came loose left me with no air conditioning.

[@hwfranjr]

Had mine for several YEARS TILL i moved to Philippines,it worked REALLY GOOD ANS was great to take to WALMART AND SHOPPING AND YES ITS FOR DITY NOT SUPER HIGH WAY!!!!!!!!

[@lindahand9346]

Your a good man by helping people Your a “Hero” God Bless You

[@TheRealPOTUSDavidByrd]

I see that Winder Towing sticker. Interesting how groups of people tend to congregate like that ;)

[@Oddman1980]

Last time I had transmission trouble, no shop in the area would even discuss the idea of diagnosing the transmission, they'd only replace it. My recently purchased F150 shifted funny, and I was able to fix it by disconnecting the battery and waiting a while.

[@herranton]

That's kinda normal. If you want someone to tear apart your transmission, go to a transmission shop.

[@Oddman1980]

@@herranton That's the type of shop I went to.

[@djwak59]

It takes some big stones to come out and admit something like this as a mechanic, but you’ve proved honesty is the best policy !

[@Dlutheran]

It's really cool to see that they have a Matt's off road recovery sticker on their vehicle 😂

[@PetrolHeadBrasil]

Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiizard!!! We need good people like you in Brazil....

[@MBSLC]

Most educational video you've produced so far! Great job!

[@bg365]

5:01, Banana sticker!👍👍

[@covingtonrace1]

Clutch actuator often needs some grease

[@M_Phipps0520]

Yes it’s sad how many unscrupulous shops are out there! But it’s always nice to find an honest one, thank you car wizard for being one of them!

[@WhittyPics]

A blow up version of one of those may come in handy in the trunk of my car as a spare

[@WhittyPics]

New parts don't fix anything if there isn't anything wrong with the old parts

[@clintonturner5545]

Cute, like in the Airplane movie.

[@patsgarage8593]

I like the Matt's Offroad Recovery sticker on the back window lol

[@ecyfoto]

I’m impressed that your wrenches have come from both sides of the country to work in your shop. Says a lot about them and their boss.

[@balloney2175]

I wish most mechanics are like you. The guy will come back again and will also promote your good honest service.

[@billybgamer5205]

FYI Anyone who has a Smart fourtwo if it won't shift into 1st or reverse, the problem might be the switch on the brake lights. The car has to have the brake pedal depressed to switch into drive or reverse and it uses that same switch to put the brake lights on! Gotta say I always thought that a Smart car would be a fabulous donor vehicle for a trike. Think about it rear wheel drive semi-auto gearbox and light weight.

[@pestoking2469]

That’s not unique to the smart… pretty sure every car has the same system since the 80s or so

[@Mladjasmilic]

Problem with Smart is, while it is small, it is not light. Survival cell is very heavy and stiff, in oder to make this car small but survivalbe in a crash. Fiat Punto, while all half a meter longer and can seat 3 more people is far lighter. And due to stubby size, it is even worse on fuel at high speed. Smart is made to easy to park in crowded city. Not economical. Almost tiny luxury where luxury is that you do not waste you time looking for space long enough for parallel parking.

[@Stahodad]

I had the same issue with a 1999 Ford Taurus.it would work starting in neutral though..bonus was no brake lights. Lol.

[@warrenmichael918]

5:05 is that a Winder towing sticker? As in Matts Off Road Recovery? The little yellow jeep sticker looks like it.

[@Trident2113]

Mats offroad recovery appears everywhere even in Kansas

[@clintonturner5545]

That's because people in Kansas like to tour but get stuck sometimes.

[@moonshinefuel]

Very Smart analysis there cw.

[@armandopatane5343]

Magic mike doing a great job

[@briandurning9211]

Integrity is a lost virtue. So glad yours and those working for you still have yours.

[@ImpetuzViscus]

3 Lines on the cluster rarely means the transmission is gone, but the clutch and/or clutch actuator. It seems like a hard job to do, when you look how the engine is packed tight. But it only takes like 1 houre to pull the whole backend out, with the rear axel/engine/trans. Its a fun car, i loved mine when i had it, even tho i had to give it, it´s first clutch :) Very good work with finding the broken wires, thats allways a pain to find :-)

[@paulgibbons8222]

There is nothing worse than a crooked mechanic. They prey on people like your customer in this video. Thank you for being an honest man and a truly great person. I have really learned alot from your videos.

[@discerningmind]

Everybody should be aware that you can't put a baby or a dog in the hatch area of these cars. The engine cover gets hot, and the heat penetrates right through the carpeting. I had a Smart car. Mice have a way of getting in through gaps in the underbody cover. The car in the video here has some big cracks in the underbody cover so that should be replaced to minimize mice getting in.

[@matthewreed1078]

When I did Uber eats in my smart car it kept all the customers food nice and hot 🥵 lol 😂

[@ernestgalvan9037]

You shouldn’t EVER put a baby in the hatch are of these cars!! There are no safety tie-points for a child seat. As for dogs, i used a (very old army-surplus) wool blanket folded over, topped with a ‘cool’ foam mattress topper. During cold winter weather, the cool foam was replaced with a 1” thick regular foam mattress.

[@paulkoontz6095]

You are correct, its very hard to find honest mechanic plus one that takes the time to do correct diagnosis. Here in Pa. Lots of hurry up mechanic s, it's frustrating and costly! Have a good one.

[@whollymindless]

Mike's hair looks like he found the cigarette lighter.

[@Vacaverde787]

Wow!! How honest you are! There must be more people like you in this world!!!

[@hotwheels_1993]

The fact that they had a Matt's offroad recovery sticker means they have great taste

[@BMWMorpher]

Saw it, looked closer, yelled "Banana" and got a "Is all OK?" from my wife :D.

[@mikep490]

It was fortunate that the wiring issue was near the modules. Sometimes rodents will get in the crevices where you can't see and/or have to do hours of disassembly. I recall one where 3 wires were cut or shorting and the tech ran temp wires to fix the problem. He gave the customer a choice, tuck in the temp wires or maybe spend more money locating/fixing the break.

[@aliendroneservices6621]

0:29 Scion iQ is a better take on the same concept.

[@t.l.robinson2162]

Honest technicians are few and far in between. Thank you for your honesty sir.

[@MrChickenspit]

car wizard do you think its worth joining the military or air force for stability or having a good career. im a auto tech with about 3 years of experience and im unemployed, most shops are anot paying alot here where i am.. idont know what else to do. i want to make more money. iknow military is not where you make money but i need stability.. idont know.. just venting..

[@xltranger98]

As a vet I can tell you the service is a good place to go. It gives you stability and after you serve it’s good on your record when looking for jobs. A lot of employers hire a vet before a none vet.

[@brianwaldo2642]

And this is why my family does not use dealerships or chain repair shops for our vehicles. We found a local guy who exists by word of mouth advertising only. He’s always busy and he even makes house calls.

[@IDann1]

Smart cars never shift right from new

[@randybills3848]

Its a shame all shops dont have your work ethic and honesty

[@mike_f]

Surprised it even needs power steering. And, as a two seater I bet insurance would love to classify it as a sports car 🤣

[@markvillafranco]

Love the honesty and integrity. I wish more mechanical shops were like yours. Thanks for the information on this little car.

[@dbrandon4528]

It’s too bad there no support for these left…

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

Is there any support on the right?

[@rwieber79]

Very admirable Wizard and smart business as well. Not only will you gain a customer for life in this customer but there is a good chance you will gain several more when they tell their friends and family how you could have ripped them off for thousands but didn't and also were able to find and repair what was actually causing the problem in their vehicle.

[@nakoma5]

The Smart Fortwo never really "shifted right", had one of the worst shift actions from new.

[@clintonturner5545]

Other cars you had were not Smart Cars. You got used to them.

[@mihaistoescu1039]

You just didn't know how to drive it. When it shifts (or you shift in manual), lift the foot off the gas just a little bit and it will work smooth. You can't floor a robotic manual through all the gears like in a automatic.

[@bigjml]

@@mihaistoescu1039 You can in every automated single clutch manual I have driven. If you lift off when it changes gear the shift is tolerable. The later versions with the Renault gearbox are hugely improved, though still not as smooth as they should be IMHO

[@grazz7865]

The transmission is a 5 speed automated manual so it’s basically a manual transmission but the car does all the clutching and shifting. If you take your foot off the gas when you’re at 2500rpm (if you have a tachometer) or just listen to the engine, it will shift very smooth. Another trick I learned to manipulate the computer when you’re slowing down and the traffic starts moving again but you have not yet come to a complete stop, hit the gas quick one time. The computer will downshift. Otherwise, sometimes you’ll get jerkiness as the computer tried to shift. Also, change the transaxle fluid once a year. Huge difference. Smoother shifts. Takes 3 quarts 75W90 full synthetic

[@MikhailScottKy]

After moving 800 miles 2 years ago I asked my co workers who to go see and I have been fortunate that the shop I take my vehicles to is honest and fair in their pricing. Yes I do pay more but the shop takes the time to explain what they found and what it took to fix the issue. Fair and Honest Mechanics are VERY hard to find anymore.

[@Ingens_Scherz]

The baby Mercedes.

[@datkins7136]

Wow! OKTire in Ajax Ontario Canada did that to me. They cleaned me out, thousands I spent on a transmission change and the same thing kept happening, error codes, especially when it rains. I sold my gorgeous black passion with red interior for pennies to this couple. Hope they're enjoying her now.

[@Noah_E]

I don't understand why anyone would buy one of these when a Civic is more refined, more reliable, have more cargo and passenger space, and gets just as good or better MPG and will depreciate less than this M-B turd.

[@clintonturner5545]

I used to ride motorcycles for thirty years until I hit and killed a jay walker on the freeway at night. He was black and wearing black. In 2008 the Smart Car was shown on Fox 4 Dallas. I was in love with it. In 2009 I received mine. It's a red Passion. I found out that it has a very strong crash cage all around it. See the crash tests on KZbin. I would never go back to motorcycles. The Smart Car is way more fun to drive, and safe. It handles a lot like my female friend's BMW Z3. Just sits up higher and is safer. It handles fantastic in the rain. However, on snow it fish tails at 35 mph. It gets 39 mpg with the air conditioner on, and 46 to 48 with the air off. Yes I'm holding onto it. Cute and fun. To get that 48 mpg, I was taking off slowly, and being gentile with the gas trying to get that high number, and it worked.

[@JoeUrbanYYC]

Pretty much. Even something closer to its size like a Yaris would get you most of the benefits while being more practical.

[@phil2945]

Depreciate less? Mine is worth more now than when I bought it used and I've owned it for 4 years. It's not always what's more "refined." As for reliability, 100,000 miles and 4 years with zero problems.

[@andrewthomason3857]

Because parking. A 2011 Civic was 175” long; the Smart 106”. Even the Honda Fit was 161”.

[@mcmasterphoto]

You are an honest man... You have my total support and admiration for how you run your business. Your ethics are tops! I love your videos! I share you videos because your videos are so valuable... Thank you wizard!

[@diablo7322000]

When these first came out I did a last minute tire rotation at the end of the day and failed to notice the staggered wheel size. That little car was pissed when I moved it out of my bay. 🤣

[@godgirlsguitars]

Did you tear up anything?

[@diablo7322000]

@@godgirlsguitars no, traction control was just pissed.

[@jasonhowell7763]

I made exactly this mistake last time I took my car to a shop - told them what I thought the issue was, so they replaced the part I said, and the issue still persists. Wizard, you're one of the good ones 👍

[@grazz7865]

Sounds like a parts changer not a mechanic or even better “technician” 😂😂. They have to do the diagnostic work then make a decision.

[@randybills3848]

I would be afraid of gettin smashed in that it would make a great yard kart though lol

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

Check the crash testing and the real life crash results. It is a very good protector of the people who ride in them....

[@ZGryphon]

That black part Wizard pointed out is part of the car's central structure, which forms a kind of "crash cell" around the cabin. In testing, it scores pretty well in everything except offset frontal crashes, where it tends to roll around like a giant six-sided die.

[@haroldneely9253]

It all began with an episode of car trek. I watched it not knowing what to expect and now I am hooked.

[@davidpalin1790]

Living where you are you need an F150

[@fboomerang]

Hoovie just called. He's wondering if his Smart Hayabusa conversion is done yet.

[@JoshuaDemersProductions]

There's a reason why you take your car troubles to a real "Wizard"!

[@Troy_Built]

I actually had to find a radiator for a 2011 Fortwo this week. It took a while but I came up with it. I had never seen how these were constructed thanks for posting this. The guys changed it while I wasn't there.

[@johnpoister5631]

I like the OG "MORR" Banana sticker.

[@TheFlyingBusman]

451 model a big improvement over 450 with a 3 cylinder Mitsubishi engine. They are quite a fun and surprisingly practical little car. The underside of this example looks a little worse for wear. The side vent is air intake and vents under the tailgate for aiding heat dispersal as the exhaust sits directly under this panel. Gearbox can be remapped to give 25% quicker shifts. A big improvement over the sedate factory shift times.

[@brianselt291]

Magic Mike earned his nickname

[@nellayema2455]

Good job, Magic Mike and Wizard! I got a car with 187K miles back from the Ford dealer after some recall and routine maintenance work (belts, tensioner, thermostat, etc). It went in with a thermostat open code, and came back with what I assumed was the same code, but I also noticed that it was shifting hard. I thought "Crap, the transmission has an issue now". I read the code in preparation for clearing it, found it to be a new code. After researching the code, I looked for a vacuum leak and found that 2 old crusty vacuum hoses connecting the intake manifold to the head had cracked through. They were old, and most likely finally cracked open while their tech. worked on the car. I spent $1.98 on a foot of hose and fixed it in 2 minutes. A year later the car still runs like a champ.

[@thebanjoman1963]

Owned a 2016 Passion, Wife HAD TO HAVE IT. Biggest P.O.S on the road.. Nothing Smart about it. Blew a head gasket at 70K, Found a motor. Put it in and dumped it as fast as I could.

[@tomasbond9123]

Wow a HONEST car repair shop , that’s a rare breed . Thank you for sharing , and educating us ….. We love your honesty and content 😱😱👍👍😱😱

[@miketeeveedub5779]

Look like a cross between a Mercedes-Benz SLK and a riding lawn mower. It may be efficient and 'cute', but I would wear a paper bag over my head if I had to drive one.

[@joshruner1348]

Had this happen were the customer thought it was the oil pump, asked questions and did some testing and it was just a sending unit was bad. Listen to the customer but also confirm what the customer thinks it is, if not tell them what was found and how you found it. It has worked for me so far, great job and God Bless you all.

[@floyd6502]

I'm impressed. Wish I was closer to you guys for my Smart car. Difficult to find anyone to work on it. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheRealTomLauda]

Love the Matt's OffRoad Recovery sticker on the hatch. Great video, wizard !