Smart Roadster Review | Lotus On a Budget?

This week on Buckle Up, Harry takes a drive in a small, two seater, mid-engined sports car to see if it can hold up to a Lotus whilst coming in well under its price bracket.
We are very grateful for being lent this Smart Roadster by Parkgate Motor Co and you can find the listing to buy THIS VERY CAR right here: tinyurl.com/y2lx9exa
look at their full stock here: tinyurl.com/y2jxdlfz
Or follow them on Facebook: / parkgatemotorco
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[@scottgreen5824]

I’ve had a smart roadster coupe in Australia for about a year now, I love it ,hard to get parts over here , my soft top roof needs to be replaced, but I still love it, it hugs the road which is really important to me , it’s not a racing car, take off is a little slow , but for me I ride a motorcycle usually so I don’t want speed I want style, i turns heads , and so rare to see one

[@robinjones2961]

I have an Aussie delivered Roadster - red with black Tridion - in Central West NSW. Apparently there were 300 delivered here originally, don’t know how many survivors now, a rare sight as you say.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching

[@anthonyplaysbass]

They're pretty much unseen here in Aus. Same with my mx5 really...the crossover SUVs have taken over here, sadly

[@TheLeylander]

Don't keep your foot on the gas when car is changing gear ,If you let off the accelerator between gear changes it shifts quicker .

[@BuckleUpShow]

Unless you let off too much and it changes its mind and doesn't shift at all

[@TheLeylander]

@@BuckleUpShow Yours must be knackered then lol

[@imnotamechanic3491]

This is top of my list to get when I have somewhere to put another car. I have always prefered the roadster styling but as you, thought the baking tray boot in the back was all you got and wondered if I needed the coupe to have any use for the car. So at least now I know I could nip to the shops or have a weekend away in the roadster.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching

[@alex04081966]

A quirky fun little car, built more with the Frogeye Sprite in mind than an Elise. I’d hoped for a refreshing take on the Roadie as there’s little like it outside of Japan these days...but it was just the same old gearbox and storage stuff the grandads of car reviews have done to death and not a look with a modern perspective or as the second weekend car to use just for kicks it is ideal for. Thanks taking the time to make it though :)

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching

[@91_C4_FL]

I saw one of these on a family trip to Italy in 2007 and I’ve wanted one ever since. I’ll be able to import one to the states in 2027.

[@shaydevlin5557]

*2024

[@91_C4_FL]

@@shaydevlin5557 It's a 25 year rule to import a car to the US. 2027 is the earliest I could import a Roadster, but I want the Brabus version, so I'll have to wait until at least 2029.

[@bradador1]

@@91_C4_FL i have a 2004 brabus roadster, its a beauty

[@91_C4_FL]

@@bradador1 I'm jealous! They're neat little cars. So different from what we have here in the US.

[@BuckleUpShow]

They'd be comically small in the land of large cars that is the US, but they're tremendous fun to drive!

[@nuggetbunny5551]

Just purchased my second one, i always regretted selling my first and wanted another. Its crazy good on fuel and yes it has some ‘quirks’ but... the fun and enjoyment of driving it far out weight any of these. It needs either a full auto or full manual gearbox, was wondering if a normal smart gearbox could be swapped out from a doner car and a few other bits to help fix the issues. Have seen alot of engine swaps on these which really tempt me. Id advise lots of people to get one.

[@scottshipley570]

@Miles Doyle go home

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching

[@MrAarongilbey]

There are times I miss my Brabus Roadster Coupé but then like your ex..you remember why you parted! Yes it was great fun, loved the engine sounds and it felt much faster then you were actually going. You get used to the gearbox, up changes were swifter then down changes but it was ponderous if you left it in auto.. especially at roundabouts if you coasted to the stop lines waiting for the gap and wanted to boot it. Downside is they are expensive to maintain when things go wrong, which is frequently. Mine blew the SAM and ECU boxes, which were horrendously expensive to replace by Mercedes. Went through a clutch at around 50k, new clutch actuator etc. It would randomly go into limp mode, cutting engine power which is scarry on a main road! Often threw up the engine management warning triangle light whereby you wince at what's gone wrong this time.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching

[@jamielow317]

Had a Smart Roadster myself.......very fun car to drive!

[@BuckleUpShow]

They certainly are!

[@S-Ltd1000]

I had one, a stunning Jack black brabus coupé remapped to about 120bhp. The paddle shifters make an enormous difference to the gear change as does the remap. I also had the stupidly expensive V6 steering wheel fitted which is arguably one of the best modifications you can do to these cars. It was pretty quick, surprisingly comfortable and handled well but it attracted a lot of unwanted attention. The brabus monoblocks are notoriously fragile and expensive and you end up scanning the road ahead like the friggin terminator looking for potholes. They are pretty complex little cars and not that cheap to run in my experience and some parts are becoming hard to get. They also require looking after by a specialist who knows what they are doing as every single thing seems to involve rigging it up to Merc star diagnostics. Interestingly, I ran it alongside a mk1 Eunos roadster S-limited and after a year of debate I finally decided to sell the brabus. Despite being older and slower, as a weekend car the Eunos is much better to drive, the gearbox is in a different league and it costs next to nothing to run. I'm glad I owned one but not sure I'd have another.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching

[@lisserkc6000]

Do you think that the reason the engine broke down so much is because you remapped it to 120bhp

[@BuckleUpShow]

They didn't say the engine broke down. The Brabus Monoblocks they say are fragile are the wheels - large, soft aluminium alloys that are well renowned for buckling.

[@Data4664]

Nice review and amazing small car I really like small cars;)

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching! We have plenty more reviews on the channel if they take your fancy 😊

[@richardmaxwell4785]

On my second one. First was Brabus - leaked like a sieve - this one 80bhp Sport, better suspension, put an Elise rain-hat on it every night. It's LHD bought B'ham, shipped to Ibiza 14 years ago to where I had a holiday home now just home. Remapped twice, now about 120bhp incl brabus exhaust. Shift speed upped marginally with remap, which is particularly noticeable in high revs in gears 3-4-5. Waterlogged SAM unit replaced once - THIS IS THE BIG ISSUE KEEP THE CAR COVERED. Spikeline(?) wheels on the one shown here also quite fragile. I have rare Brabus ones which I think are called monoblock, very strong, not as pretty as standard Brabus which are like toffee. Also have rear disc kit, recommended for serious blasting. Had M3, 911, Boxster and 2 x Elises, last one a 220bhp, all finer cars in so many ways, none was as much fun as this and it's a site more comfy and far better screwed together than a Lotus. Driven it back to Scotland twice, to my favourite mechanic, Smart Scotland. Gear shift: you don't have an issue in town once you are used to it, as he says you must use it in manual with paddles. On a B road blast, you learn to pull the paddle early, and it's soooo torqey. Fit boot rack - admittedly naff - becomes very practical. Now super cheap as well as super green, just buy one and save it from the scrappy and learn left foot braking. Simply a joy.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching

[@talkandplay]

Good review.Well done .

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching!

[@caledoniancol3803]

Had one for two years from new, great drivers car, hugged the road, was quite nippy, but had the problem of masses of rain water leaks, from door mirrors, door speakers, front bulkhead, soft top roof and boot. Also and more worrying was the problem of noises from the steering rack, at slow speed and rough roads, this was solved by a new steering rack under warranty, as Smart said rack design was an unfix-able interference fit problem, and was a common problem on the roadster. Overall: A lovely car ruined by damp, and so I sold it on. Pity!...Now got a 453 Fortwo Cabrio (petrol engine) and it is bone dry, as it is to a far better build quality :D

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching

[@wckoek]

I understand there are 60 and 80hp versions. Is there a way to identify which one is 80hp by external appearance?

[@Tourist1967]

The 60bhp ones came with steel wheels, not alloys. Wheels can be changed, of course.

[@wckoek]

@@Tourist1967 Thanks

[@BuckleUpShow]

Wheels

[@circuitdotlt]

Have the coupe for over 6 years now. I can't say anything bad about the gearbox. Yes, it's slower than DSG, however it is very predictable and easy to get used to. It's a much better choice than shiftin those gears yourself. Also for me it is much better than a 4EAT of the subaru, which, albeit quicker, is totally unpredictable and has no idea about engine's capability, so is a nightmere to drive. All in all I love the roadster. The žnly disappointing part is poor reliability of the car.

[@philthewriter]

You just have to consider what gear to be in, and avoid any last minute decisions.

[@circuitdotlt]

@@philthewriter once you are used to it, you know how to initiate a gear change with only your accelerator pedal. Like any decent automatic gearbox.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Nothing is better than changing gears yourself

[@circuitdotlt]

@@BuckleUpShow lots of thing are better, and not many things are worse. I'm happy we at least no longer need to crank the engine by hand.

[@andygriffiths9916]

It’s a great car to own but it is compromised, the interior quality is nasty. They are leaky, steam up. Tiresome to daily in the winter in the UK. Can be very expensive to repair and maintain be warned. Not many places can work on them. The gearbox takes ages to select the gear exactly as he said and can feel dangerous when you need to pull away quickly at roundabouts etc. there is often a pause. If you are into detailing they can drive you mad too, there is so much plastic on them, it looks shit unless you continually dress the plastics with product. There is an independent Smart garage in the midlands who kinda had my pants down. Instead of telling me I had gone too cheap and to get another one, they let me start spending on it, the bills came thick and fast. You get to a point where you are too invested to stop. So be careful is my advice.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching

[@johnwhite3294]

I have a 2007 roadster and the gear change is very fast,as fast if not faster than a manual.

[@tomi210210210]

Didn't they stop making these in 2005?

[@dcdc358]

@@tomi210210210 They sold so badly, that you were able to get new roadsters until 2008.

[@BuckleUpShow]

It’s not faster than any way of changing gears

[@lucywucyyy]

just imagine if it came in manual, it probably wouldve been a very successful car, and i for one would buy it in an instant

[@Tourist1967]

Look up the AC Ace - Project Kimber. What might have been.......................

[@BuckleUpShow]

We would too

[@hrungnir00008psp]

Simple solution - change the clutch and the friction plate (there are modified versions of the W451 Brabus version) and get a remap to 115-120 bhp. Shifts are slower than a DSG but quicker than manual. Cost is around £/€ 350-400 for the clutch and same for the software tuning, and you get a different car.

[@BuckleUpShow]

That’s sounds like the opposite of whatever simple is…

[@hrungnir00008psp]

@@BuckleUpShow that is definitely easier than installing a manual gearbox. Given for what you pay, you get a lot in return.

[@lucywucyyy]

i wonder if you could mess with the firmware to make the gearbox faster

[@BuckleUpShow]

It's an automated manual so in theory you could but you would probably need to do some work on the clutch to stop it ruining itself trying to change to hard

[@stpfs9281]

Optigear Performance clutch actuator (New unit performance enhanced) 20% quicker gear changes both up and down the gearbox, for a price! Guildford, UK.

[@Hammerdak]

3:00 “ So ladies and gentlemen, what do you think of the car?” Chickens: “ We really don’t give a cluck!”

[@BuckleUpShow]

😂😂😂

[@connorpimmphotography]

I've long been tempted to get one of these

[@richardlawrence7220]

i have 2 the roadster coup is the one to go for they hold there money better but there is less of them about. and if you can find a Brabus coupe by it as they are slowly going up in price

[@BuckleUpShow]

Did you get one?

[@swecreations]

And it gets absolutely amazing fuel economy, especially for the price, that's what amazed me the most, you really can't get anything that gets 3L/100km for cheaper then this, and that the most fuel efficient car you can get for $6000 is a sports car.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Lightweight and aerodynamic, great comb for fuel use

[@elobiretv]

I really want one of these but the automatic gearbox really ruins it for me. That and every time I see one for sale it seems to have tons of electrical faults...

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching!

[@dcdc358]

Electrical faults on the SmartRoadster mostly come from bad soldering of the SAM-unit and can be fixed for cheap if you can solder or for

[@chriscars_Bayern]

Schönes Auto und schönes Video darüber, danke! Ich hab auch so einen (siehe Titelbild) und bin sehr glücklich damit, schon seit 19 Jahren. Wenn ich es recht verstanden habe, beschreibst du das Problem auf eine Kreuzung zu zu fahren. Man geht vom Gas, das Getriebe schaltet hoch z. B. 3 -4. Dann möchte man abbiegen und gibt wieder Gas, Schaltung rechnet und schaltet von 4-3. Aber es passiert noch nichts, man gibt also mehr Gas, die Schaltung reagiert und schaltet von 3-2. Jetzt steht man langsam mitten in der Kreuzung aber die Kupplung ist noch nicht frei, Panik macht sich breit, man steht voll auf dem Gas! JETZT! Die Kupplung greift und der smart schießt davon... Lösung: wenn ich weiß, ich will gleich nach dem Bremsen vor der Kreuzung wieder schnell weiterfahren, schalte ich vorher von Hand in den benötigten 2. Gang. Dann muß ich nicht die ganze Hin- und herschalterei abwarten! Ich kann dann bequem aus der Kurve rausbeschleunigen und alles ist gut und sicher!

[@BuckleUpShow]

Still a bit more faff than changing gear manually, thanks for watching!

[@chriscars_Bayern]

@@BuckleUpShow Schönes Auto und schönes Video darüber, danke! Ich hab auch so einen (siehe Titelbild) und bin sehr glücklich damit, schon seit 19 Jahren. Wenn ich es recht verstanden habe, beschreibst du das Problem auf eine Kreuzung zu zu fahren. Man geht vom Gas, das Getriebe schaltet hoch z. B. 3 nach 4. Dann möchte man abbiegen und gibt wieder Gas, Schaltung rechnet und schaltet von 4 auf 3. Aber es passiert noch nichts, man gibt also mehr Gas, die Schaltung reagiert und schaltet von 3 auf 2. Jetzt steht man langsam mitten in der Kreuzung aber die Kupplung ist noch nicht frei, Panik macht sich breit, man steht voll auf dem Gas! JETZT! Die Kupplung greift und der smart schießt davon... Lösung: wenn ich weiß, ich will gleich nach dem Bremsen vor der Kreuzung wieder schnell weiterfahren, schalte ich vorher von Hand in den benötigten 2. Gang. Dann muß ich nicht die ganze Hin- und herschalterei abwarten! Ich kann dann bequem aus der Kurve rausbeschleunigen und alles ist gut und sicher! 🏎

[@kipseliotis8791]

how tall are you? Im thinking of buying one but i dont think i can fit. I am 6 feet 3 inches btw

[@BuckleUpShow]

I'm 5'11", you might be okay but definitely sit in one before you put any money down

[@kipseliotis8791]

@@BuckleUpShow Thank you!

[@wardtmar]

You'll fit, I am 194 cm

[@derrenb]

I drive one, and fit comfortably in it at 6ft 2in - great fun car to drive!

[@djgate]

Im six two and fit perfectly however it depends on how ones proportioned.

[@genesiswaltz9632]

Can the gear box changed because i can't drive that one

[@BuckleUpShow]

I've not seen one manual-swapped or had the gearbox replaced - space at the rear of the car next to the engine is very limited. Have you actually test-driven one? They're much better when you manually change gears either with the paddles or using the gear lever itself. Not the best, but still a large improvement as you can predict what gear you will need better than the computer, and also factor in the time needed for the shift.

[@genesiswaltz9632]

@@BuckleUpShow I'm thinking about buying one but I never drove a car with that type of you know? I'm wondering if I'm making a good decision buying one I'm going to be in university and I need a ride to take me to my destination and I saw the car and love it but I've only driven Cars that can be put in Drive, Revers & Park.

[@BuckleUpShow]

This is a box that can be put in drive and reverse. There is no Park, you have to use the manual handbrake for that.

[@genesiswaltz9632]

@@BuckleUpShow can't drive it mate. Never drive cars like it before

[@BuckleUpShow]

Do you have an automatic license only?

[@04dram04]

Such a shame it didnt come with a stick. They totally dropped the ball with it. It had so much potential to be amazing

[@BuckleUpShow]

It would have been amazing with a stick

[@04dram04]

Im American, and to me those roads of yours are insanely narrow. I dont know how people dont side swipe each other all the time. I dont see room for two cars. Especially big cars.

[@BuckleUpShow]

That wasn’t even a particularly narrow road! You have to remember that our cars are generally a lot smaller than yours. A Range Rover or BMW X7 are just about the largest cars on the road over here. It does mean our roads are perfect for testing a cars chassis and handling. Hopefully you’ll get the chance to come and see them for yourself one day!

[@antoine13th75]

I am 150 kg I will fit in there ?

[@BuckleUpShow]

Probably

[@prabhumohana6482]

Im planning to get one in a coupla months but being 220lbs of muscle, im not sure i can fit in one anymore. Its been my fav from the time it came out😔. Im only 5'10 which i doubt is a problem but the width may be

[@Hakstarz]

110kg here and I find it very comfy even though I am also of wide build. It’s very roomy for what it is so quite deceiving.

[@BuckleUpShow]

You'll fit fine

[@PepeDaFrog486]

this car looks very nice and it's very cheap

[@BuckleUpShow]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

[@grandtheftgameryt]

She is strange one but... I like it

[@BuckleUpShow]

So do we, thanks for watching!

[@PepeDaFrog486]

the stereo phone is not after market

[@BuckleUpShow]

Ah okay

[@litalitvinaite891]

Chickens and hens was not keen to coment

[@BuckleUpShow]

They were running riot

[@h.o.cperformancetuning7275]

You can put pizza in the bot

[@BuckleUpShow]

Very true or about 2 packets of A4 paper

[@johnwhite3294]

Yes and it will keep it hot.

[@ronniet906]

Sorry, not a good review of Lotus Elise on a Budget. You missed the 2 most BASIC important points, which you should learn from. 1) Dead steering, Not Direct: Roadster steering is dead and vague, caused by worm drive and power steerting, so no-direct feedback. The steering won't even centre itself quickly, although this can be correct in 15 min, by removing the worm drive and unplug the power steering. 2) Single Wishbone Suspension Front and Rear: This means the tire (especially rear) is not level with the road on faster turns, and digs in. Evident if taking a roundabout/turn at higher speed. Agreed, its seating position is good, can see front wheel arches to place the car in the turn and gearbox crap.

[@BuckleUpShow]

I'm sorry if the steering on yours is broken, but the one on this car was in tip top shape. In a car so light you can get away with the (slight) reduction in contact patch due to camber on tight bends due to single wishbones.

[@robinjones2961]

Single wishbone suspension like 95% of the other cars on the road, that sort of single wishbone? (and only the front - the rear is a ‘De Dion’ setup).

[@JonBrady-fs2un]

You need to learn to drive it I had one for 7years

[@BuckleUpShow]

You've not "LeArNeD tO dRiVe It", you've learned to put up with an experience that is much less rewarding than driving a manual sports car

[@derlachendevagabund7942]

The car drives even better if the driver is under 150 kilograms😁

[@BuckleUpShow]

Charming...

[@darryg]

Mr Perfect over here.

[@ianbromley7218]

Very poorly researched. This video should be taken down

[@BuckleUpShow]

Well good news KZbin is an open platform so if you feel vital information is missing from this you're free to go and make your own 'more accurate' video 🙂

[@lucywucyyy]

one of the best looking cars ever made, too bad it doesnt have a manual

[@SebastienLocteau]

Some rare one were manual and some people did convert it to manual.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Jasper had one for a while

[@johnwhite3294]

They have with a 1200cc moror bike engine.

[@thetruth3213]

Dreadful beard. And what's with the skull n crossbones? Chickens are cool, though.

[@BuckleUpShow]

The beard is a Lockdown special, the Jolly Rodger is there because those Chickens are actually Pirates

[@clivebrackstone1896]

Not with a 10.7 0 to 60 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@BuckleUpShow]

What are we celebrating?