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Unsure what ForTwo next after 03 wrecked engine

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  • Unsure what ForTwo next after 03 wrecked engine

    Hi,

    I would like a little help & advice if possible please?

    I had an 03 convertible for 3.5 years until the engine went 'pooof' at 40,000 miles, that was about 2.5 years ago now & I've wanted another one ever since, but I'm really unsure what is the right year for me, as I don't want the same thing happening again.

    When my Smart car died, I got great advice from everyone on here & was also told that 40,000 miles was a known fault for the 03's, for engine trouble.

    If this is correct, at what year was this fault rectified & what year onwards would be a good starting point for me please?

    Many thanks in advance

    Sophie x

  • #2
    Re: Unsure what ForTwo next after 03 wrecked engine

    40,000 sounds about 25,000 miles too early to me, maybe the previous owner didn't look after it.
    You'd be hard pushed to get a low mileage old shape for two for good money so I'd totally recommend a turbo 451 (new shape), or the diesel.

    NOT the MHD.

    The mitsubishi turbo engine and the diesel mercedes engine seems to be very reliable.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Unsure what ForTwo next after 03 wrecked engine

      Originally posted by minisoph View Post
      If this is correct, at what year was this fault rectified
      2007 when the (then) new model 451 went over to Mitsubishi engines. They are reliable but for one but the self appointed censor here doesn't permit me to say anything that could put you off buying one.
      As per above post - turbo 84hp and Merc Diesels are all durable and an early model non turbo petrol can be troublefree.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Unsure what ForTwo next after 03 wrecked engine

        Get the new shape one.

        Mitsubishi reliability

        The MHD (micro hybrid drive) is just a stop start system. Many owners have reported massive issues - the additional strain on the belt can cause it to snap and then the car overheats and fries the engine. Lots of info on this site so make good use of the info available.

        The diesel is a great option but many owners seem to struggle to get the mpg (while others can)

        The petrol turbos are great fun

        Drive a few and make your decision

        JJ

        www.forfour.co.uk (tech 454) - www.quidco.com/user/417377/1833011/ (free £)

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Unsure what ForTwo next after 03 wrecked engine

          No matter if its the 451 or earlier...

          DO not go for Pure, as it comes with steel wheels, which give a horrible springy feel to the car, because of short wheel base, makes cabin go too and fro, ie, dipping down and back up, where as alloys dampen this out and give a far better ride.

          First thing I had to do when I bought my Pure, was buy alloys on Ebay. Kept one front steel wheel for a spare in the boot.

          Also agree not to go for MHD, due to known problems with belt drive.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Unsure what ForTwo next after 03 wrecked engine

            If you can find the readies the Brabus 112 Ultimate Tango Orange version was always a nice cab.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Unsure what ForTwo next after 03 wrecked engine

              Originally posted by ColSmart View Post
              DO not go for Pure, as it comes with steel wheels, which give a horrible springy feel to the car, because of short wheel base, makes cabin go too and fro, ie, dipping down and back up, where as alloys dampen this out and give a far better ride.
              Is this right??
              I bought a Pure with steel wheels and while they looked a little scabby and rusty they look great now I've repainted them,
              I've never noticed a problem with the ride quality though do alloys make a big difference???
              Rab

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Unsure what ForTwo next after 03 wrecked engine

                Originally posted by minisoph View Post
                When my Smart car died, I got great advice from everyone on here & was also told that 40,000 miles was a known fault for the 03's, for engine trouble.

                If this is correct, at what year was this fault rectified & what year onwards would be a good starting point for me please?
                No, 40k is early, but there's no 'formula' for engine failure, just an average mileage at which it will need a rebuild (going 'poof' is rare)

                The fault was never rectified, there are certain models that are hardier (Brabus), but there's no guarantee with a 450.

                If you're looking at a 451 (new shape, 2007 onwards) where the engine is completely different, then be aware that no petrol 451 can give the same economy of the 450. If you want economy, look at the diesel.

                It's hard to advise without knowing your budget though. How much are you looking to spend?

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Unsure what ForTwo next after 03 wrecked engine

                  Originally posted by rabtmac View Post
                  Is this right??
                  I bought a Pure with steel wheels and while they looked a little scabby and rusty they look great now I've repainted them,
                  I've never noticed a problem with the ride quality though do alloys make a big difference???
                  Rab
                  Doubtful.
                  I replaced the (optional) alloys on my Pure with (Roadster) steels and there was nothing but benefit.
                  The springing is in the suspension and tyre - not the wheel.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Unsure what ForTwo next after 03 wrecked engine

                    Thank you all for your replies.

                    I think I have to stop worrying about what happened to my previous car, as it was just bad luck, I guess.

                    I'm looking at around £5000.

                    Many thanks

                    Sophie

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Unsure what ForTwo next after 03 wrecked engine

                      Originally posted by minisoph View Post
                      Thank you all for your replies.

                      I think I have to stop worrying about what happened to my previous car, as it was just bad luck, I guess.

                      I'm looking at around £5000.

                      Many thanks

                      Sophie
                      You should be able to get an older 451 for that money, even a diesel. Avoid the MHD like the plague though.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Unsure what ForTwo next after 03 wrecked engine

                        Originally posted by minisoph View Post

                        I think I have to stop worrying about what happened to my previous car, as it was just bad luck, I guess.
                        Buying another early model (450) will very probably bring the same bad luck - or the worry of it. Unless there is something about the 450 you prefer over the newer 451 (and there are some things the 450 did better though it falls to personal preference) then as per the general advice, consider a 451 84hp turbo, or CDI version if Diesel appeals and give the MHD a wide berth for now.

                        The turbo petrol would be my choice - unless fuel economy was absolutely paramount. At a guess, the CDIs will hold their value as there will not be a Diesel version of the new model and for some, Diesel is all.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Unsure what ForTwo next after 03 wrecked engine

                          My little grain of salt. With a £5000 budget you can have a 2009 with a low mileage (about 20k miles) Passion MHD. Plenty around as "approved used" at MB/Smart dealers. Bear in mind two very important conditions: 1) make sure that the latest 'belt problem' fix has been implemented (if not demand the dealer to do it free of charge as a condition for your purchase. 2) Do not use the ECO start. When starting the engine, just switch it off the ECO. (It doesn't affect the belt very much, but it reduces greatly battery life).

                          You can get this kind of Smart with 0% deposit, interest free for 36 months, one year warrantee and one year Smart Assistance recovery. Basically you will pay around £150/160 a month as HP.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Unsure what ForTwo next after 03 wrecked engine

                            Hiya,

                            Well, I actually brought a 2004 passion, scratch black (same colour as my original) with 11,600 genuine miles, FSH, one previous owner, full sunroof, leather heated seats, auto & paddle shift (not too sure on that yet) for £3500, its immaculate.

                            Very happy & thank you for your replies, I'm so glad to be a smarty again ;-) xxxxxx

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Unsure what ForTwo next after 03 wrecked engine

                              I had no idea that there was still the odd 450 around with such low mileage. Well done you for finding it! An original smart (I'm convinced still that the 450 is the real deal) to boot. I hadn't rated your chances of finding a good one at all highly. I'm happy to be proved wrong. Enjoy it - I'm sure you will.

                              Comment

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