Smart Roadster Coupe Tour

I've completely failed to make a video of this since buying it in June (not April as I say in the video) but here it finally is. I took what may be the last opportunity before salty roads to get the Roadster out for a play, it really is a lot of fun.
I can't say I'd recommend one as I've had problems (it's one of my cars, of course I've had problems) but if you ever get the chance to drive one, go for it.

[@berndschroder4400]

Sooo much fun driving a roadster! I have one since 3 months and I do a lot service on it. (want to drive the roadster so long as I come in and out 😂) When you know where the problems are with this car you have an eye on it and everything works! 👍🏻

[@ferrumignis]

Awesome little cars, I've had a Roadster Coupe for about 5 years and it never fails to put a smile on my face. Make sure the wiring loom that connects to the clutch actuator is not getting damaged where it passes through the intercooler shroud, a very common issue on these. Also worth changing the gearbox oil if it's never been done, Dexron 2 ATF.

[@MattTester]

Thanks for the advice, I will check the wiring. I already added some rubber to protect the wiring where it goes under the tridion on the driver's side as I understand that's a common cause of fire! It needs a service in the spring, last service was a C service so will check the paperwork but it doesn't hurt to have it done anyway. Cheers!

[@MrAarongilbey]

Air conditioning not working is highly likely due to the condenser pipe being cracked. Another common issue on Roadsters! Smart did modify the pipe and it's available to buy from Mercedes but not that cheap to fix. I owned a Roadster Coupé for 5 years but sold it as it became a money pit with big bill items failing. Loved the car, but she had to go in the end.

[@allsearpw3829]

Smiles per mile and a HOOT to drive

[@OblivifrekTV]

Just got mine 2 months ago I am considering getting my SAM Unit Waterproofed by a smart specialist

[@MattTester]

Congrats on the purchase. It's definitely worth getting it done, unless you bought this one from whoever had it after me as it's already done. I coated the replacement SAM myself using some Electrolube HPA200H conformal coating, I put a short article about it up on my website: www.matttester.co.uk/Articles/Smart%20Roadster%20SAM%20Conformal%20Coating/Smart_SAM_Coating.html Not sure where you're based but I used S2 Smarts in Watford and recommend them, Also the Evilution website is great. Any other questions let me know, I picked up a fair amount before selling in 2020.

[@OblivifrekTV]

@@MattTester too far north for S2 Smarts sadly but have look around and found a smart specialist near me. So will consider getting this done.

[@tommyolsen8224]

I really want one of this😍

[@MattTester]

They are great fun, if you get one buy the best you can because there are lots of things to go wrong!

[@PhantomScottZ]

Nice video tour! I've never thought much of these as they're very underrated in today's society but the engine and turbo spools very well :) At least the limp mode was the turbo and not the engine, coming back from Germany!

[@MattTester]

They certainly have their issues so they aren't generally considered very good cars, but that just means that owners tend to be enthusiasts. I always wave when I see another and usually get a wave back, I'm actually more likely to do that than in either of my Discoverys. Limp mode was a nightmare on the motorway back up from Folkestone, you don't realise how steep the hills are until you are being undertaken by the lorry you just overtook because you suddenly have no power! Still, made it safely and got it sorted, can't ask for more.

[@PhantomScottZ]

@@MattTester Yeah. Not many people buy Smart Roadsters, rather the small city cars for practicality. Definitely more of an enthusiast type of car. It's nice that you have a community going on! I given someone with a Mk3 Focus ST a thumbs up but no response back lol. My car clearly isn't impressive enough!

[@damianarstall8041]

No way. That was my 2nd RC from new. Only had it a week and never drove it. Long story. Small world!!

[@MattTester]

Don't know how I missed your comment, glad you found it and it is indeed a small world! I hear that it was common for these cars to be rejected quickly due to faults so it doesn't surprise me too much. She's still going strong though.

[@PaulCornish]

Hey dude, I just bought this roadster off someone. It appears to still have the boost issue lol. Chunking down the M4 at 70mph, suddenly decided to issue a fault and when I pulled over the engine was just pulsing!!! Weird.

[@MattTester]

Damn that's annoying. I had issues with overboosting and then boost leaks from the old hoses, I fitted the forge pipes and replaced the cycle valve, dialled the boost in and it went fine for months until I sold it. Only sold it because I ran out of space for cars. Not sure what causes pulsing, I never had that but not sure how the last owner(s) treated it. I always used S2 Smarts in Watford, was a long drive for me but they can diagnose anything. Evilution is a great site for fault finding. Hope you can find the issue, maybe see if something is up with the boost linkage at the bottom of the engine or if one of those pipes has been damaged.

[@PaulCornish]

@@MattTester Cheers for that Matt, I will check it out! It's a stunning little car and I know I am gonna love owning it. I had the notch back years ago and loved it, regretted selling it the day after it went. Cool vid of the Nurburgring btw :)

[@PaulCornish]

@@MattTester yayyy, all sorted, one of the vacuum lines to the turbo had popped off ... It's back to driving fabulously!!! I think whoever had it after you put forge pipes on it but didn't clip them on!

[@MattTester]

@@PaulCornish Great to hear it's sorted, the weather is great to get the roof off. You don't happen to know Richard Porter (Top Gear, EVO magazine) do you? He mentioned in one of his recent podcasts with Jonny Smith that a friend of his called Paul had recently bought a Roadster coupe, could just be an incredible coincidence!

[@PaulCornish]

@@MattTester I don't, yet lol... Make the intro, then he'll know two of us :)

[@johncooper7242]

thanks that was a nice little tour. I have just sold my 944S2 and am thinking of going small and this roadster would definitely fit the bill. I need to do some serious research before buying but I've no idea where best to start . Any suggestions for good buying guides ?

[@MattTester]

Your best place to start is Evilution, pretty much the bible when it comes to anything Smart. This is the buying guide, if it doesn't frighten you away then nothing will! www.evilution.co.uk/index.php?menu=info&mod=1167

[@johncooper7242]

@@MattTester excellent .... thank you for the link Matt. Sounds like you had a tough time with your car initially. Johnny

[@MattTester]

@@johncooper7242 You're welcome. I've a my fair share of issues, I recently had a coolant pipe fail and needed work on the brakes for the MOT to add to the list. All part of the fun, though.

[@johncooper7242]

@@MattTester its a gorgeous car and worth every hour and £pound you spend on it . In the space of a few minutes I have learnt many important points about these cars that has taken you months to learn and lots of money to fix. I am set on buying one so I am on the lookout from today and your video has played an important part in convincing me to buy one. Thank you. Johnny

[@johncooper7242]

@@MattTester Matt where would be the best place to find used spare parts for roadsters ? are there any breakers or specialists in the UK ? there are only 36 used parts on ebay which is a serious concern . Is there a good online forum for chatting to other owners ?

[@MrPeach18]

cracking little car,people miss the point of this car .ive got a lexus 450h but id much rather drive this around town.great car

[@baptistefall7131]

Its a 15 inch wheels ??

[@loose_unit]

That roof is a poor mans version of the Pluriel roof...

[@MattTester]

You misspelt 'thinking'. :P

[@ferrumignis]

There is a significant problem with the Pluriel roof. It comes attached to a Pluriel.