Should You Buy a Smart Car? (Test Drive & Review 1.0 ForTwo?)

[@DJL78]

I’ve secretly been waiting for this one. Don’t tell my friends.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Hahah I wont

[@Birmingham_racing]

Thought I was the only one

[@DJL78]

@@Birmingham_racing Apparently not! Matt has 19k views in 21 hours. That is impressive. I bet he cracks 50k views in a few days time.

[@richardcrossley5581]

Really fancied the roadster.

[@mediterraneandiet2483]

Surely a Fiat 500 is the best choice of little car.

[@smiddlehurst1]

Had one of the last of this particular style and you know what... might just be the most fun car I've ever owned. No, I'm serious! More space up front than most superminis, ridiculously practical for its size (two people, luggage for a week and xmas presents was no problem) and surprisingly rapid up to around 40mph. Takes a while to get up to motorway speeds but, honestly, still better than most entry level superminis will do. Quite happily did 250 mile journeys home and got out the other end feeling no worse than any other car. That said if you DO buy one two things to watch out for. 1) The gearbox does have a mild identity crisis every time it has to swap a cog. It'll take it a few seconds to remember it's a gearbox and not a North African swallow so plan ahead. 2) High winds are not your friend. That one I discovered when going over the Severn Bridge and if you've ever seen the Top Gear episode where Jeremy built a 3 floor camper van on a Citroen you've got a pretty good idea of the driving experience.

[@TechNewOld]

Great feedback…

[@Mattlawton-ft6ew]

Yes absolutely they are good

[@mattevans4377]

"About half the size of a normal car" Or about the quarter of the size of those giant SUVs you only see one person in.....

[@andyhowlett2231]

...or most EV's.

[@carltonneckbrace4039]

I love these. I’ve owned Gwagons, range rovers, porsches... would still own a smart car

[@TheGourmetSnapper]

I've been driving smarts for 19 years. They do take some getting used to initially, but they are the perfect city car for one or two people, plus a small amount of luggage. I regularly drive on motorways in the UK and many European countries and it's no problem. Economical, very easy to park, quirky and reliable if maintained properly.

[@brandencoburn757]

Is there a lot to maintain on a Smart Car?

[@TheGourmetSnapper]

@@brandencoburn757 No more than any other petrol powered vehicle with a small turbocharged engine. It's basally the same, just smaller and packaged differently.

[@laiks5485]

Do they feel solid above 60 mph still? I find it a very interesting car but the prospect of highway driving in one of these doesn't seem very appealing

[@TheGourmetSnapper]

@@laiks5485 Yes, absolutely fine at motorway speeds. Strong crosswinds can sometimes be an issue, however that can affect any vehicle, especially those with less than ideal aerodynamics.

[@JohnyMcNeal]

what about MHD models? U had those and if yes did u have issues with it's "mhd system"?

[@alchapman1052]

Got a lift off a workmate who has one and was impressed by how nippy it was and felt surprisingly big inside. Nice lil car.

[@samanthaann3593]

I have had my smart fortwo for 4 years and never had a problem with it. I love it!

[@imagine_8681]

How much was it?

[@marcdavis2840]

My wife ran a Smart ForFour for six years and 45k - never needed anything other than a couple of tyres and annual service. The engine was a Mitsubishi 1.5 and was a great little unit. Congrats on the 100k subs. 👍

[@thisiszaphod]

My wife had a ForFour, as well, the 1.1 pulse for around 6 years - great fun to drive, cheap to run, completely reliable, tardis like qualities, and a decent build quality, too. She had a second mid life crisis, and so decided she'd like a Mini Convertible.

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

I’ve got long term knowledge of its Sister Mitsubishi. Mechanicals and engine are bullet proof. 100,000 miles and everything still worked.

[@MrAarongilbey]

Good choice! I currently have a Forfour 1.5 Cdi as my daily commute,, owned it 13 years this year. She's now hit 200k miles and still pulls like a train.

[@grahamatsea3575]

​@@MrAarongilbeythat milage is amazing

[@petedavis8701]

I had one of those as “Lone car” from getting my Merc dealership whilst my E class was being serviced, I am 6ft 3 and proportionately built and I only said yes to it as the Smart sales girl was a stunner with red high heel shoes!The car was a hoot and I could drive it easily.

[@ImSrry4BeingWhite]

Dude girls are gay

[@yokomodrifter]

Did you get them digits?

[@stermindelves4251]

I’ve never owned one but find myself smiling whilst watching.Have always wondered what they are like. Thank you Matt.

[@HighPeakAutos]

My pleasure!

[@marytwinn1612]

Hey Matt. I’ve had two smart passion. They are fun cars. Not good for American freeways but wonderful around town as you say. I would be happy to have another

[@alexisamtosta]

Fantastic car. Its worth having. I drove a 450 from Austria to Portugal all by myself and I loved the journey. So if someone tells you its not a car for motorways, its bollocks. Its a car for all roads. I use to hate these cars but today I love them

[@2Black4yall]

How long did it take from Austria to Portugal? I have been freaking out because I am going to get one from London to Northern Ireland tomorrow...Reason why I am here to watch a video about it 😅

[@chowzamma]

Totally agree, I like this reviewer but he's complaining about 4 hours on a motorway. I drove a 2002 cabrio one in winter to visit my family there, I live in Portsmouth. This drive was only a couple of years ago, and the Smart 450 had 102,000 miles on it, and it has the 599cc engine. I fitted it with winter tyres, legal requirement in Switzerland in winter, and I had no problems on snowy and icy roads.

[@gary_shah2187]

My English teacher who admits she’s as tall as a 9 yr old owns one she says it’s the right size for her.

[@bluesun2215]

Size doesn't matter when you're 'Smart' ;-)

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

@@bluesun2215 genius comment

[@DiscoFang]

There's a video on YT of Shaq getting in and driving a Smart in New York. Yes, Shaq the basketballer, all 7'1" and 325lb/147kg of him. These are larger inside than most small cars.

[@Mr330d]

@HotSpot Instrumentals Don’t give up your day job

[@odditythreeD]

I'm over 6ft and the new smart EQ has more room in the front than almost any other car I've sat in, it's huge inside.

[@dsofe4879]

I own one if these. Fantastic car for zipping around congested cities and parking is never an issue. It's a pretty stiff ride and positively terrifying at highway speeds on a windy day, but overall the benefits outweigh the downsides. Extremely cheap to run and very reliable. Also, I'm 6'2 and I fit just fine, although an adjustable steering column would have been nice.

[@Marvhead]

These always remind me of those plastic toddler cars my kids used to play in, at the Early Learning Centre stores.

[@rusty911s2]

Yes, and look how much they enjoyed them. Just like a 4/2.

[@evets1209]

Little Tykes

[@kenny1514]

I got to use these quite often in Canada through car2go, until car2go exited north america. I loved everything about it as a city car, and never felt the need for more. These are more comfortable and somehow more roomy than a lot of compact and subcompact sedans and hatchbacks.

[@sabalasi788]

How are they in Canadian winters!?? Im talking Alberta here

[@duncanidaho7494]

@@sabalasi788 horrendous. Winter usually starts in November and finishes in the month of April. (Ontario and Quebec)

[@brandencoburn757]

@@sabalasi788 I don't get much snow where I am, but I'm sure they do terribly in the snow because they are so light, have low ground clearance, and have small tires.

[@1994TINIE]

I’ve had 3 smarts as my side car for the last 4 years now (2 mk2’s and 1 mk3) and I absolutely love them, super reliable and fun to drive. Will always have a smart in my life as my little city cruiser, and my Mercedes as my motorway mile muncher. Perfect combination

[@mrstoives2444]

My jaw hit the floor when I saw what you were reviewing. Thanks for the curve ball of eclectic reviews. Made my day👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

My pleasure!

[@Vatierville]

It's a petrol model

[@mrstoives2444]

@@Vatierville ECLECTIC adjective: Eclectic 1. deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources

[@TheAggressiveLemon]

We owned a 2002 one for 6 years, absolutely loved it and my wife cried the day we sold it. Great fun, surprisingly spacious but the gearbox was frustrating and it started to throw up some rather big bills towards the end. Other small cars make more sense, but this has more charm.

[@mikemaurpal]

The wife and I now have a 2008 Smart Car, and we love it, it does have 95000 on the clock, but the engine is sound, and apart from a little bit of a problem with reverse gear, which is now sorted, things are now looking up. We do take it on the motorway, M5 and it is NOT the white knuckle ride you talk about, in fact we went on holiday to Ellesmere Port and on the motorway we had a great drive up and back, as long as you stick to 60 or 65, then you don't have a problem. We both feel there is loads of room inside, and the car is very comfy, anyway we are very happy with the car and hope the pleasure it gives us will continue Smart Cars give good M.P.G. and the tax is negligible, which as pensioners in our late 70s is a God send. I would love to get a sat nav fitted, but don't know where to start, also a couple of cup holders. Thanks to you and your video, it was the only choice we needed. Mike and Maureen Palmer

[@neilgutteridge6405]

Agree.....I take mine up the m5 regularly from Devon to the Midlands and never had a problem even in windy conditions,it cruises easily at motorway speeds and has plenty of acceleration for overtaking.It also handles really well around twisty lanes and is great fun.I don't understand when people say they accelerate slowly....mine gets up to 60 effortlessly.

[@GreenGlassedRaver]

This is the best car review I've ever seen. Literally incredibly perfect. I was thinking of buying one for the commute to work to save a few quid. This neutral, honest, hilarious, detailed, informative review confirmed, my gut feeling was correct, this is not the car for me. Motorbike it is then 🤣

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thank you!

[@byebyebadman2313]

Reminds me of the rascal Van's. Went too fast over a railway crossing in one, took off and the engine fell out 🤣

[@scatnav]

I managed to lap a roundabout sideways in the rain in a Rascal. Trouble was, it was a works van and the roundabout was on site at British Steel in Sheffield. They made me walk everywhere after that.

[@NightShooter87]

Many years ago I was a glazier and for some reason the boss got a toy rascal van, we didn't get along at all and before he got a roof rack on, he wanted the lads to put ladders inside the van, yep you guessed it, I put the ladders through the front window, when I told him, he just said ah well accidents happen. I couldn't believe he was so nice about this, because he wasn't the best of chaps. The van was fun but it wasn't fit for the purpose the firm needed it to be.

[@russellowen222]

I've got one and I absolutely love it! it's amazing how much stuff you can get in it - especially with the front passenger seat folded down. I've even brought timber home in it with the back 'window' open. I actually drive it up and down the M25 once a week and I actually think it's quite good on the motorway - I cruise comfortably at 80mph. When I grow up I really want to buy the Brabus version - it sounds downright fantastic. Honestly, when you're inside it you completely forget how small the car is. It's only when you get out that you remember. Smart cars rule!

[@bathgate2198]

Finally, a car salesman I think I could trust. Always enjoy your reviews. From cars I don't have a hope of owning to ones that I do. Keep posting. Take care.

[@anthonydempsey7693]

This guy is so easy to listen to, no playing about or silly nonsense just good information. Liverpool

[@flyme195]

Had a newer one as a courtesy car once, was really impressed and certainly much more spacious inside than you’d think!

[@MC-sg5ko]

I got rid of my 2009 smart fortwo CDI recently after owning it for 11 years. It finally gave up after 150,000 rural miles. It was a fantastic car and a testament to German quality. It wasnt so easy to work on with everything being so compact but I did all my own servicing and even changed the clutch once. I'm glad I got the 45hp one as it had no DPF which were a massive failure on the later models. Finally it's the only car I've ever had that achieved and exceeded the quoted 85mpg for it's whole life.

[@TheOlvan]

I owned a 2013 Smart electric ForTwo up until last July (when I got my Tesla) and it was a quick, fun little car to drive. No issues at all in my whole time owning it. If you get one, I have one warning. Do not let the battery discharge completely or your car will turn into a brick with no way to repair the battery.

[@HighPeakAutos]

I considered buying one of those before settling on the Fiat 500e

[@kapofuke3]

The electric versión of the Smart Fortwo Mk2 were made and designed by Tesla.

[@simon8089]

I've watched thousands of car reviews and honestly this is the first one of these I've seen. Fair play, keep up the good work 👍

[@Larry]

I did really want an Electric FourTwo, but they're £24,000 and only have a range of 60 miles on a single charge, so I ended up buying a Renault Twizy instead.

[@erebostd]

A twizzy? That’s more like a motorbike than a car, but as long as it fits your needs, why not 😁

[@peterbergman2131]

👊

[@wassimkr4510]

I checked today and they're 16k brand new with the government grand included

[@alexisamtosta]

Electric cars are a waste of time and money. If you care for the enviroment, dont buy an electric car

[@r.d.9399]

That's pretty much overpriced in my eyes.

[@Tuffluk]

That was a great comprehensive review Matt. I always wondered about this tiny car and now I know. Many thanks

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheYorkshireVlogger]

I've driven a 2016 Passion model for the past two years and covered over 40,000 miles, touring all over the UK. It's a brilliant little car.

[@pierrebuffiere5923]

I had one of the first ones. Drove it for 160 000km including from Hamburg to Seville and several trips to the Pyrenees. Loved it. I also had a towbar and could tow 60kg less than allowed for a Suzuki Jimney. Don't think about it... just get one.

[@eddieg6436]

I’m 6’4”, 225 lbs, with long legs. I LOVE my Smart! I’ve had it for 13 years with no problems (everyone said it would break......it hasn’t). It has 73,000 miles on it, and I even drive it from L.A. to Seattle. I love it!!!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thats interesting. They make an EV version too

[@eddieg6436]

@@HighPeakAutos Yes they do, but the range isn’t great. I have an i3 BMW for an electric.

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

The original one was designed by a guy who was 6’6”, his only 2 criteria for packaging were to fit him and 2 cases of beer. Apparently the original ones had a bottle opener in the boot.

[@lq8037]

I think that's an urban legend. Lol. I've seen many 450s and asked them about the bottle opener, they don't know what I'm talking about. Lol. I own a 2013 451

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

@@lq8037 It could well be urban legend. I soo wish it was. I heard it got dropped after teh first facelift due to drink driving concerns. Again, could be urban legend.

[@adrianflower3230]

Thanks Matt, that's what I love about your channel, I would never have given this car a second glance without your thought provoking review. Great content 👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thank you

[@artdecor2235]

I have my one since 2018. I love this car. We had a bit difficult start ... car was “ jumping” so I left it for approx 3 weeks in Mercedes to fix it and they did not managed to do so... AA guy recommended me one place where guys are working only on Smarts... went there and in 15 min they knew what’s the problem... clutch justification !!! Easy and cheap fixing and since this happened 4 years aga I never had the same issue.... so you are right it is worth it to use specialists ... I love my little car ❤️🍀

[@NewYorkerJuhui]

I have a 2019 smart fortwo electric and I love driving my car in NYC - or should I say I love parking 😂 Thanks for the review!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Good choice! Perfect car for congested cities

[@NeeNee_B.]

This is the main reason I'm thinking of buying one, parking in Brooklyn is nonexistent.

[@cactus3796]

OMG THANKS FOR THIS REVIEW!!! I love smart cars so much. Please do a review of the newer shape smart forfour, if you can. But they are quite rare but imo are the nicest city segment car you can get ( especially on the inside ! )

[@StewartWaddell]

I have a 2002 and it’s the best car I love it Anyone needing repairs always go to smart tecnic in Birmingham they are brilliant

[@johncorkery4924]

We have a 2013 Smart Pure and tow it behind our RV when we go out to the mountains. It’s a lot fun to drive as it feels like a go-kart. Correct about the effects of the wind as it does skitter sideways when a gust hits it.

[@robsmall6466]

Based on ownership of MK1 - Pros - Easy to park, Fun to drive, Plenty of driver and passenger space, Car has character. Cons - Build quality not great, Passenger door refused to open as handle mechanism broke, Front shocks are notoriously prone to failure despite careful driving, Electrical gremlins with semi auto box regarding shifting down gears and clutch engagement problems. On a side note - completed plenty of motorway miles and didn't find it much of a problem RE crosswinds and ride

[@cbrown182]

Great cars. I had a Smart Roadster which was the best handling car I've ever driven. An old girlfriend had a fortwo and it was surprisingly spacious, comfortable and fun to drive. Just a pity about the auto gearbox at times as it's a bit dim. The roadster was fun with flappy paddles though :)

[@n.r.2258]

I had one-off the first smarts in Germany …. and it was the best car, i’ve ever had.

[@Nick_G7IZR]

Will you take a look at the Smart Roadster next? In fact, you could do a few cheap 2 seaters ready for summer...

[@reesbarnes4746]

Mazda mx5 :) :)

[@AndySnap]

I believe a Smart Roadster was the first car of a certain L.Hamilton Esq, who still drives for a living...

[@p_mishev]

@@AndySnap I think his first car was a Mini.

[@morganfreeman8584]

Had two of these for 13yrs in total. Tyres brakes a/c fan and an exhaust bracket. 90,000 miles so far. I have four other cars but will always keep one of these.

[@MorningtonCrescent]

@@morganfreeman8584 mine is a bit leaky through the rubber roof seals (coupe with targa hardtop).

[@philcrockford5534]

My wife had a 54 plate semi auto as her first car, it was good fun and went like a go kart. Servicing was fun, the rear bumper and crash bar had to come off to get to the 6 spark plugs (twin plug engine), one of which was tucked behind an oil pipe. Needed a special plug lead puller because they were buried deep in the head. No sump drain plug on the engine either so I bought a boat pump on eBay and sucked the oil out through the dipstick tube. Early engines used a bit of oil. Loads of accessories though, even got a DAB radio working!

[@Hustwick]

5:07 ... coin holders for your trolley. Love it.

[@andrewbaxter9395]

Always wondered why more pensioners don’t buy these. For village errands they are spot on. Watched a really old gent in a G Wagon of all things the other day in Morrisons car park. He put his shopping in the boot (one small bag) and then struggled like hell to reverse out with a 15 point turn 🤣

[@1951GL]

Two white lines to park between and they always manage two wheels on or over the line on the offside. Our Morrisons and Sainsburys seem to mass produce them.

[@jon1801]

That's ageism and stinks. Would you say the same about women driving 4x4's? lol

[@andrewbaxter9395]

Thats like saying a Stannah stairlift is ageist. I would say the same about anyone driving a 4x4 1/2 a mile to buy a loaf of bread unless they lived in a field. Just so happens this was an old git 🤣

[@jon1801]

@@andrewbaxter9395 thats called freedom to choose. Just accept you are an ageist.

[@notroll1279]

I don't find Smarts terribly easy to manoeuver, either. They don't creep in idle as most normal automatics do - they just stand. They'll only move if you hit the accelerator - and there is almost no pedal travel between standstill and a big leap. So in a parking lot, you'll hover over the brake pedal with your left foot to stop the car from crashing into the cars around you. Anyone used to regular stickshift cars (like your average pensioner) feels like a Neandertal man doing that. And people with age related mobility impairments like cars where they sit higher up and get in and out more easily. They liked the A-class a lot before it became just another Golf clone in 2012; not terribly many of them fond of the G-saurus....

[@Petelmrg]

don't forget if you ever park nose-on to the kerb people will make sure they park close enough to stop you opening the doors when you get back.

[@StormOneUK]

key them up in revenge lol ,, DONT

[@nickbitten6037]

Always wanted one for fun but wife wants Fiat 500. A Hyabusa engined one might make for brown trouser moments though. Keep up the great videos.

[@filipovic103]

I also own the 71BHP mhd and this review is pretty much on point. Something I noticed, that wasn’t mentioned, is that mhd versions of the car are troublesome. The start stop system is flawed and the cars often have issues with the accessory belt snapping or even the belt pulley. If that happens mid-drive, you run a risk of cooking the motor as on that same belt is the water cooling pump. After I bought my mhd, with 60k miles, the belt pulley broke on the third day. I would recommend the Turbo variant, it goes like crazy, gets similar MPG and doesn’t have start-stop.

[@andrewgage6942]

I've owned a 2011 diesel model since it was 5 months old, I drive 15000 miles a , most of my journeys are motorway driving, zero road tax, over 70 miles to the gallon, I bought my car from Mercedes Bristol, it always goes to Mercedes for service, I have a service plan, to be fair, i have been well looked after as well as my car, I've covered 150000 trouble free miles, would highly recommend one

[@akib2542]

Love my smart car.. initially bought it just for a complete laugh... but now I don't ever wanna sell it.. the perfect car for nipping around in the city.. could do with power steering on mine though..

[@sanatandharma4435]

I drove an early model, about 5 years ago and laughed my way around a test drive. I loved the style, but not the ride, too fidgety. The gearbox was awful but fun, I could make the car lurch as I moved the lever!! Then I looked in the rear view mirror and saw a lorry who was so close I thought it was trying to mate with the smart. I did find it full of character though!! I am glad they improved the quality.

[@ianhamer4494]

Always seen these car as a sensible first car for a new driver, 2 seats keep the numbers down in one, fast enough, but not to fast, good safety setup, good visibility and cheap to run and own.

[@jonathanholley8043]

First review of this car I have watched purely because Matt is doing it , when it ended found myself surfing Autotrader ! Really like the way you cover such a range of cars , you never know what the next car is likely to be which makes watching so interesting.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nikolasapostalidis2953]

I had one for two years, I loved it, did a lot of miles in it! Spares are not cheap, and is not good in cross winds, but would have one again without a second thought !

[@door2416]

Great honest video. I've owned one for 6 years and still love it. My 911 and corvette are rarely driven anymore.

[@robertpenning3501]

We bought ours (fourtwo passion) in 2003 and still have it. We specced it with pas, electric sunroof etc. It was also adapted with infra red controls so my wife can drive it. (she had a severe stroke). We now live in Southern France and the UV and heat has taken its toll. The headlining fell down a few years ago and the plastic rear quarter windows are totally crazed, also we're on our third set of front springs. . However, and this is the important bit, it's still going strong. Although I have a powerful BMW I very often prefer to take out the Smart, it's great fun to drive.

[@HighPeakAutos]

That’s interesting. Glad it’s done you well

[@rogerb68]

Always a fan of your vlogs Matt and the content, must say also your camera filming is second to none, so clear and crisp, I've watched other channels in the past but yours is definitely the best by far..

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you like them! Thank you

[@polopowered]

I opted for the Toyota iQ back in the day. Loved it.

[@Paul-md8de]

I agree, i'v owned an IQ since 2015 been to Lands End & John O'Groats and most places in-between , it's a brilliant little "big" car .

[@richardhageman5981]

I bought one and I've owned it for about 3 months. I bought it even though majority of the reviews I saw were bad, but it's been a fantastic car. I've even taken it on long road trips and it's done alright. A little whip lashy, but I could handle it.

[@louderthanlife4457]

I mind the 5th gear crash test, was really impressed.

[@4wh3lz]

I bought an '08 Passion a few years ago as a joke and ended up loving the thing. The 451's have a nice aftermarket selection as well. I bought some Blizzak WS80's to winter her and holy smokes are they amazing in the snow once you turn off traction control. This march I purchased a '16 Passion with 9k miles, only downside is it's a former Car2Go so I ditched the garbage head unit it comes with. I love both generation of Smart's but the 453 is just way more comfortable for road trips here in the U.S. That's another thing; it's harder to find any local information since Mercedes want nothing to do with these cars anymore. Discontinued in the U.S.

[@SandyToesDetecting]

I bought a 4:2 mk1 9 years ago. It now has 285k km on clock. Bomb up and down motorway almost daily. other than servicing only cost has been an electric clutch, battery and next week rear brake cylinders and anti roll bars. Very pleased with it. Will get another when ours gives up ghost.

[@DivergentDroid]

I have spoken to people who do get 70 miles per gallon out of their Smart cars by using hypermiling (eco-driving) techniques (except for following large trucks, don't do that) and shifting manually instead of using the auto shift.

[@thejames666]

I’ve owned a bunch of different cars. From a BMW 740i to modified Nissans. My Smart ForTwo Passion 84 is the only one I truly miss. And if I ever came into serious money, my first port of call would be Merc to spec up a new Smart. They are so much fun. And whether you’re parking or washing it, it makes you smile.

[@nickwebb9290]

That was an interesting review and your comments are spot on. We bought our RHD ‘peanut’ headlight smart 4-2 Passion from new back in 2002 and we still own it twenty years later 😁 Once out of warranty I had it modified. Roadster turbo, uprated air induction, remap, Janspeed exhaust (they were involved with the mods),lowered stiffer suspension, uprated front discs and wider wheels/tyres. What an improvement. We will run her until she drops. Luckily I know a superb independent smart service engineer who has kept her running well so hope to have her for a few years yet. Still get friendly waves from owners of earlier models 😁

[@1962lp2h]

Had 2 - bought a new Pulse in 2003 which was so fantastic it led to me buying a new Brabus in 2004, I used the Pulse in Edinburgh and would drive home 165 miles further North every weekend, M90 to Perth, A9 to Aviemore, A95 to Grantown on Spey, then the A939 and A940 to Forres then another 5 miles home the distance never bothered me in the slightest even being 6ft 2' these are amazing cars - glad you didn't trash it they're brilliant.

[@tonygoodin5099]

I’m 6 ft 5 and used to drive one of these. Loads of space. Passenger seat folded down allowed golf clubs and trolley in. Parked nose in, turning circle like a London cab. I was impressed.

[@tonygoodin5099]

@Fire Starter I couldn’t. But I can’t in any car.

[@Gagging4Lit]

I have my Smart fortwo - 2003 version and ADORE it. Feels like driving a little Range Rover everyday :'D Great review!

[@ishmael4489]

This is my first car and I think it is a great little ride. Personally I like the styling, even if others might not. Like others have said though, the auto gearbox is very sluggish.

[@grazz7865]

I wish an actual manual (not the automated manual) was available. The automated manual works ok if you take your foot off the gas to help it shift. That first to second gear is just to get the wheels moving. Sluggish. It knows when it’s on a sharp incline. Engine screams before it finally shifts.

[@zAngus]

Such an underrated car. I’m 6’2” and 120kgs and PLENTY of space. Feels like a go kart to drive. Makes me smile when I see them and drive them. Too light for free way driving though.

[@lq8037]

I've driven freeway 80mph 300 mile trips, about 20 or 30 times. They might feel like they sway on the freeway, but they really don't. Even at top speed, they're fine. Bumps, going 80, on the other hand...

[@zAngus]

@@lq8037 Australian roads can be a bit rough and I was driving the earlier fortwos. Newer ones might be a bit more stable. The older ones were rickety over 90km/h

[@terrificspokesman7416]

Can you also do a review of a Toyota IQ

[@MajorSpam]

Got a 2011 Passion 0.8L 54hp Diesel. Car feels anemic to drive in the cold, windshield takes a long time to defrost, split rear rattles at low RPM, actual consumption is between 4.2~4.8L instead of 3.1L. You have to drive out the gears longer than you want because shifting takes long, it would get right into turbo hole. 3rd gear starts at 30km/h, 4th gear starts at 50km/h so it's bad in the city if the guy infront of you can't keep a steady pace. It's also prone to problems so always have money at hand. Front dash is covered in fabric so no reflection on the windshield. Try to get to a Smart tuner for faster shift times, also easier on the engine. You can buy 3cm steel blocks to raise the seat, get a seat cushion for any comfort at all. It's pretty 'meh' very torquey but the gear layout sucks. A modern Suzuki Ignis is the Smart but with thoughts in mind.

[@garybrown4854]

A friend of mine has got one of these , he weights over 20 stone , he's huge anyway , he gets in it ok , well I say he gets in it ok , it's more like he puts it on like an overcoat , he loves it , it's economical gets enough in it for his needs , and he doesn't need to buy an overcoat

[@twitchster77]

I love tiny little cars. Was always interested in these Smarts. I ended up going with a Fiat 500 instead though and am thrilled with it!

[@SecretOfMonkeyIsland784]

I used to own a Smart Roadster Brabus Coupe (Nice short name) back when they were only 2-3 years old. It was the most fun car i have ever owned, people used to think it was a Lotus Elise but it had massive reliability issues: doors unlocking while driving, leaking water in via mirrors, faulty heater, broken interior door handle ... all of this in just 10mths ownership from a approved used Merc Dealership. Whilst my car was in the dealership getting fixed (Quite often) i got to drive a courtesy Four Two and Four Four, the Four Four was rubbish but i loved the little Four Two.

[@DivergentDroid]

We just got a 2008 Smart Fortwo Passion for 2,000 dollars. It has a low 75k miles on it. They are known to go 200k if you take care of them. I absolutely Love it and it will be the car I drive for the rest of my life. When the engine dies, it's getting rebuilt or replaced because they are Cheap. You can even put dirt cheap motorcycle engines in them that will fit right up to the automatic manual transmission and have way more power than the 70 hp the car comes with.

[@LiveforTravel]

Was a little nervous there Matt. Knowing your direct approach and factual honesty! Yes was first smitten with the ForTwo in its “Smart Coupe” name when we purchased one of the first RHD 450’s (Pulse) from Smart in Birmingham. Loved it. Years later (many) and slowly building a more modest (to yours) collection of vehicles including a 2CV and Clio RS, we now have an 06 450 and driving it has brought as many smiles as those 20 years back. Accept what you say about the reliability of the older ones but as you mentioned ours is being given to Smart Technic in Birmingham for a proper seeing to. Enjoyed the review as always and hope your “scrapper” N/S drop glass has been fitted to the LS 430 👍

[@MrAarongilbey]

Thanks for filming and sharing! I'm a Smart enthusiast but not bias with my comments having owned 3 to date. Not sure I would buy a 451 ForTwo as they have a detached feeling to the steering. I test drove the MHD and CDI models, both sounded like a dump truck rather than that typical 3 cylinder sound. Also that gearbox, frustratingly indecisive with its changes and it's slow as swapping cogs!

[@garrypeaks770]

I have one iv had it for 4 years now just for work in London mine even has power steering even a built in dvd player cheap to run no tax great little runner around I also find these much better then the new ones they apparently have the Renault engine .great review 👍

[@smarte.r.1450]

Spot on

[@garrypeaks770]

@@smarte.r.1450 thank for your help from your videos very helpful 👍

[@smarte.r.1450]

@@garrypeaks770 well thanks so much. Hope all’s well

[@HBKiran]

How is the transmission? Is it reliable and is it expensive the maintain? Secondly is there any chronic electrical issues on them?

[@smarte.r.1450]

@@HBKiran very reliable. Easy to maintain. Parts are expensive in the states. Only thing to watch out for is that the car goes into reverse when cold. That’s it

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

You're a smart guy, no doubt about that :) Hope your business is doing well.

[@user-lp2un7rc9x]

I’ve had my 2008 from start to finish. Just turned over 80K miles, so obviously I don’t drive it except to the grocery store and back. Just spent $300.00 on tune up. That’s it! Amazing little grocery getter . Once on a while I put it on the interstate freeway to go down town, 10 miles, and it speeds up to 80 MPH quite easily. In short; love my Smart Car !!!!

[@lq8037]

Sorry about all the different comments, I just keep coming to things I want to say... About a year ago, I wrecked my 2013 451. Doin' 45mph around a left turn, front right tire was bald from forgetting to check tire pressure and it was raining, I jumped a curb on my right side. I've also hit PLENTY of huge potholes at top speed. When I wrecked my car, the strut itself broke. The springs are still just fine though. Ofc I had other issues, but they weren't relevant to that note. I just find the struts a hell of a lot more likely to break than the springs.

[@Mophead64]

I have a 2009 ForTwo, diesel. I absolutely love it. As you say, it's a bit emotional trying to drive it on the motorway, but around town, it's just effortless. It's funny how all of my mates who took the piss out of me for buying a smart, all changed their tune when they took it for a test drive!

[@smarte.r.1450]

Spot on. If you love motorbikes you won’t mind driving in the wind. My wife hates all of ours. They are great fun

[@christianvann4222]

We have this exact model (passion, same colour, year but ours has no PAS or leather), agree with everything you say (even down to the broken spring, happened a few months ago lol) we got one because as a family we don't need two full size cars so this was perfect. We all love it!

[@JohnLyle]

I'm glad you liked the ForTwo. I'm 6'2' and have a 2013 Convertible for driving around town and I love it. Even more so as it's wrapped in orange, so it's like a car in a High Vis. You can park it anywhere. It uses almost no fuel and with plastic panels, you don't much care if anyone bumps you when they are parking. Our dog fits in the back and she sits above the engine so it's warmi(ish) even in winter with the roof down.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha perfect!

[@hotvideo1890]

I purchased a crashed one on ebay for 500 over lockdown and repaired it i use it for shopping and a 2nd car its so good its the same as this one

[@TheFlyingBusman]

I love my Passion MHD. Paddle shifters are a great extra. Ride firm and fidgety but I’ve got used to it. Comes into its own in town where it gets into all sorts of nooks and crannies. Quite practical too. I’ve had a full size mountain bike in mine, albeit with wheels removed.

[@mikemaurpal]

Since my last comments we, the wife and I have changed our smart car to a 2013 model, the old car had 93000 miles on the clock, and is now at 97000. The wife was diagnosed with dementia and loves going out in the car, in fact, it is her only real pleasure, and so I needed to upgrade a little so that I could keep taking her to see the family and enjoy days out. Even a trip into town for her is a joy, but to take her further afield is better. The car we have is a cabriolet, and when the sun comes out I am able to open the roof for her to enjoy the sunshine, So the cat I have bought is the same, it does have satnav and the echo system as well, so I am hoping it will take us all over the south west, milage wise it only has 25000 miles on the clock so we cannot complain, we do love the smart car, it has a lot of character and does turn heads, and is very popular in the south west, but up north, not so much it would seem, we had a holiday in Chester, and only saw one, smart for four, then it was nothing until we got back to the bristol area. We hope to get the new car on Wednesday, so here's hoping she will perform as good as the 58 model did.

[@TheQashqaiGuy]

As a run about car they're great. The 1 litre turbo is surprisingly quick off the mark, just let down by its gear change. I'm 6ft 5 and just manage to fit, not comfortable, but for the 15 minute drive to work and back its fine.

[@davidmoynahan9585]

5th Gear did a crash test with 4-2. Well worth checking out, as represented by the safety rating. Great value.

[@notroll1279]

They may be safe in a crash but with their cornering and the very slow gear changes they are more likely to get you involved in one in the first place. I'm not against small cars - but the Smart always made me feel unsafe.

[@danbailey8383]

Great video. Just bought one yesterday. £2,700 with 12,800 miles on from new! It’s a 2010 Passion with all the bells and whistles but no PAS. Maybe Smart can fit that for me. This owner I am buying from just used it in town and the previous owner put it on the back of their motorhome and did 1000 miles a year in it! Very lucky, these deals don’t come up often.

[@Jahmed5635]

Love the variety of the channel, congratulations on 106k subscribers too 🤩

[@lornapowell2362]

Ive got a c class s204 estate and have a 57 plate smart fortwo passion. I actually like driving the smart car for the smile factor. If i had to describe it in one work id say 'plucky'. For its size its a great car. The designers created something which achieves all its goals despite its size. The engine is nippy and quick for what it is. If u push the revs the car flies. The gearchanges may be slower than a true auto but it doesnt bother me as they are good enough to not be a problem. Cabin space is great with a roomy boot and adequate legroom for even the tallest of us. Its got all the creature comforts should you need them. Its overall size makes it great round town, but ive driven from manchester to wakefield for an amp and it was ok on the motorway. Its £30 on road tax, great at fuel economy and cheap to service...whats not to like??? It reminds me of being 18 and just passing my test driving a smartcar. Im 54. Its so fun to drive, i love it!!!

[@scalecrawlnl]

Fun and different with many variants, EV, diesel, convertible, BRABUS. Beautiful surroundings, thanks!

[@markbullock1931]

Water in your wiring loom, you never thought it would happen to you but it has! The holy trinity! Coming to a Smart near you soon!

[@kevincroft9848]

Matt should I buy a Smart car for City driving. What do you recommend I trust your opinion Kevin Your number one watcher of your video's

[@Split10uk]

The newer Smart ForTwos (453) have stability control that make them a lot better on motorways. Also a much better gearbox with dual clutch makes them a lot smoother. They even made a manual that was very unpopular. I agree with you on the cabin space...many people who have commented how much space mine has....just nothing behind.

[@grazz7865]

I wish an actual manual (not the automated manual) was available. The automated manual works ok if you take your foot off the gas to help it shift. That first to second gear is just to get the wheels moving. Sluggish. It knows when it’s on a sharp incline. Engine screams before it finally shifts.

[@stevenwagner7520]

I leased a 2014 Cabrio in the USA for 3 years. Loved it. Comfortable and fun. Drove it on the highway a lot.