There’s plenty to love about the Smart Roadster but it’s not without its issues. Here’s how to buy a solid example
Words: Chris Randall Images: Smart, Phil Weeden
It’s been more than 20 years since Smart’s tiny two-seater microcar arrived on UK roads, and there was really nothing else quite like it. However, the company had bigger ambitions and wanted something more sporting. After appearing as design concepts, the Roadster and Roadster Coupé were launched in 2002, reaching the UK the following year.
Replacing the ultra-compact, easy-to-park proportions with a far sleeker, more stylish design, the new models used a turbocharged 698cc three-cylinder engine that delivered lively performance. The automated manual gearbox was far from perfect, but you could mostly work around its quirks, and it didn’t seriously detract from what was a very entertaining package. Light and compact – the Roadster tipped the scales at under 800kg – they combined economical motoring with open-air enjoyment, thanks to a sliding soft-top roof on the Roadster and removable roof panels on the Coupé.
For those wanting more performance, the Brabus versions were uprated to 101bhp, cutting the 0–62mph time to 9.5 seconds. They also looked more aggressive, fitted with 17-inch ‘Monoblock’ alloys and a body kit, while the interior gained leather trim. There was no escaping the compromises of such small dimensions, with very limited luggage space, but that was part of the trade-off.
If practicality wasn’t a priority, these Smarts offered an affordable way into genuinely fun motoring. Even today, that remains true, with around £2500 enough to get you behind the wheel.
smart Roadster values
Although not especially abundant in the classifieds, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding this sporty Smart. Prices are similar for both models, and start at £1500-£3000 for an example with up to 100k miles on the clock and potentially in need of a little work. Increase the budget to £4000-£5000 and you’ll bag a car from the last year or two of production, in good order and with 50-60k miles showing.
You’ll likely need to spend £6000 or so to get your hands on a Brabus model, with closer to £7000 being the point where you’ll find final edition and sub-25k mile cars.
It’s worth saying that while a cheap one might be tempting, the cost of bringing it up to scratch means you’re better off spending more on a decent one to begin with. Keep that in mind, and you should enjoy everything these entertaining little motors have to offer.
Insurance Costs
2004 smart Roadster Coupe, £3500 value
Example quote: £287.45 or £305.45 with Agreed Value.
Quotation supplied by Lancaster Insurance. Tel: 01480 400761
Quote based on a 45-year-old marketing manager, access to another car, no claims or convictions, club member, 3000 miles per year, no modifications, living in SP2 0HL. Disclaimer: Subject to underwriting criteria. An additional charge may be payable. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Bodywork
Like other Smarts of the period, these cars use a steel ‘Tridion’ safety cell with plastic body panels. The cell itself doesn’t usually suffer from corrosion, but it’s still worth a quick inspection to ensure everything is sound, and check the history for any signs of previous accident damage. It’s also wise to spend time closely examining the panels. Alongside the usual scuffs and scrapes, look out for peeling lacquer (some colours seem more prone than others), and bear in mind that finding new replacements is becoming increasingly difficult. Fortunately, there is still a reasonable supply of used panels available, with front wings and rear quarter sections starting from around £70.
Certain trim pieces and panel fixings may have become brittle with age, making them easy to break, so check that everything is properly secured. Rattles from the Coupe’s removable roof panels are fairly common and may be something you simply live with, but on the Roadster you should carefully test the electrically sliding roof. If the drive cables fail, replacement is around £400 including labour, and a similar figure applies for a full roof re-trim, meaning faults may well have been left unresolved.
The most significant concern, however, is water ingress, which can have a serious impact on the electrics. Common problem areas include roof seals, the areas around the door mirrors, and the scuttle or bulkhead, so take time to look for any evidence of leaks. The luggage compartment can also become damp, and although previous repair attempts may have been made, they are not always effective. Finally, check for condensation inside the front and rear light units, and ensure the rear lights function correctly, as the electrical connectors can be prone to corrosion.
Engine and transmission
The small engine is quite robust if it’s been properly looked after, so check for proof of oil changes every 7000 miles and confirm that the spark plugs have been replaced during the major ‘B’ service. This particular task is more awkward than it sounds, as the three plugs closest to the rear number plate are difficult to reach, meaning various sections of bodywork have to be removed beforehand.
Exhaust smoke can indicate worn cylinder bores or a turbo beginning to fail, so use the road test to look out for any misfiring that could be caused by failing coil packs. Ben Coleman of Smart-TECNIC specialists notes that cracked rear ABS rings can also create similar symptoms at higher speeds, although they are relatively inexpensive to replace.
Timing chain wear is another known concern, and replacing it as a preventative measure is strongly advised. As Mercedes no longer supply new parts, aftermarket components will need to be used, and you should expect to pay around £500 for a specialist to carry out the work. It is also worth finding out whether the ECU has been remapped, as this can release additional power and alter how the car drives.
The automated manual gearbox was never one of the car’s strong points, not only because it can spoil the driving experience, but also due to its potential for expensive faults.
The clutch typically lasts between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, with replacement costing around £650 when done by a specialist. It also requires fairly frequent adjustment, which some specialists include in a routine service. If charged separately, this should cost about £100 and may resolve particularly jerky gear changes. Actuator replacement is more costly at roughly £450. Given the possible expense involved, having a specialist inspect the gearbox before purchase is a very sensible precaution.
Suspension, steering and brakes
The light kerbweight means the suspension – with MacPherson struts up front and a de Dion axle at the rear – isn’t placed under heavy strain, so it’s mainly a matter of checking for typical wear in ball joints and bushes. Anti-roll bar drop links are a frequent source of knocks and rattles, though they’re inexpensive and simple to replace, and rusty front wishbones can be replaced for around £40 each. It’s also sensible to inspect the front coil springs for cracks, although this isn’t a common fault.
Provided they haven’t been neglected, the brakes should be trouble-free, but because they wear so slowly it’s not unusual to find rear drums that have been overlooked for too long. A rear disc conversion is possible – expect to pay about £650 fitted – but given the modest performance it’s unlikely to be essential. Also check carefully for ABS faults, making sure the warning light behaves correctly on startup. The power-assisted steering should feel light and precise, and isn’t known for any inherent issues.
There was no spare wheel; instead, a sealant can and compressor were stored behind a trim panel in the front of the passenger footwell, so ensure these are present. Finally, on Brabus models, inspect the wheels for damage, as they’re prone to buckling and can suffer badly on today’s pothole-ridden roads.
Interior, trim and electrics
The interior isn’t especially large, so checking the condition of the seat trim, carpets and dashboard plastics won’t take long. Door handle release cables can be fragile, so make sure the door opens properly from the inside, and check the air-conditioning works as it can suffer from perished hoses.
Then there’s the well-known issue of water ingress, where the most thorough inspection is needed. If water reaches the wiring loom and then the SAM (Signal Acquisition Module), it can cause all sorts of electrical faults, so multiple glitches often point to this as the cause. The unit can also develop dry solder joints, adding further problems. Some Smart specialists offer replacement and recoding, but costs can run to around £900, so any car showing symptoms should be treated carefully.
Electrical issues don’t end there, as the instrument cluster can also fail, either due to the cluster itself or SAM-related faults. A blank mileage display, dead speedo or non-functioning warning lights are all warning signs, although repairs are possible with specialists typically charging about £150. You should also check that both keys are present and working; replacement or recoding isn’t too costly, with around £75 for recoding.
Smart Roadster: our verdict
If you’re after an antidote to today’s big, heavy and complex offerings, the Smart Roadster could be just the ticket. It has a mixed reputation for reliability, but buy carefully and you could land a cracking sports car for not much money. It remains a left-field alternative to the BMW Z3, Toyota MR2 and Mazda MX-5.
Smart Roadster timeline
1998
Design work begins
1999
Smart Roadster first shown at the IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt
Work begins on Coupe version
2000
Roadster Coupe unveiled at the Paris Motor Show
2002
Production-ready versions of both bodystyles shown at the Paris Motor Show
Sales begin
2003
Brabus V6-powered concept produced with an engine derived from two standard three-cylinder units. 10 examples made but not for public sale.
2004
Roadgoing Brabus-tuned versions go on sale with more power, bodykit and 17-inch alloys
2005
Smart Roadster Brabus RCR (Roadster Coupe Racing) arrives, limited to 50 examples
2006
Smart Roadster Collector’s Edition arrives
Finale Edition car introduced as run-out special for UK and Swedish markets
Businessman David James tables Project Kimber, a proposed restarting of Smart Roadster production in the UK with MG and later AC Ace badging. The project fails to get off the ground
