new around here

[hughy]

hiya folks im currently looking at purchasing my first smart car later this month (thinking of a silver pulse cabrio 53 reg so any advice on things to be aware of would be gratefully received .many thanks

[adrimo]

Re: new around here

Hello and welcome

There are quite a few buying guides around so please make sure you look in the 450 forum as well as search the threads on the roof, engine rebuild etc.

If I was buying again I would buy the Brabus version, but as I wanted a project I bought a pulse so I could do it up.

[137699]

Re: new around here

What is your budget? I would echo the comments of stretching to the Brabus version if you can otherwise you need to be putting about £1000 aside for the inevitable engine rebuild - unless it's already been done - in which case you need to find out who did it.

You may get lucky and not need one but you can be fairly sure once they reach 60.000 miles you're living on borrowed time.

The Brabus version doesn't suffer this fate so it would be worth spending more and getting that instead if you can......

[Kapt. Q]

Re: new around here

Hi and welcome.

A 53 cabrio is a good choice as it's a 698(700)cc with a SAM that has a few extra bells and whistles like hill assist, touch indicators and ESP instead of trust and a more reliable engine. Check for service history. Look to see how much oil is in it (a good indicator if it's burning it). Look to start it from cold and immediately check for blue smoke. After it's warm make sure you give it a bit of welly for at least one part of your test drive to make sure there is no pulsing under boost that would indicate a cracked turbo manifold. The front end can be a bit noisy, ie. squeaking and knocking. Squeaking can be as simple as anti roll bar bushings but can also indicate wishbone bushings. Knocking is common and usually droplinks and easily remedied. Check under the carpets for water, funnily this is less of a problem for cabrios than hardtops.

A Brabus is a better deal if you can swing it, but don't be put off if you like this one.

Cheers!

[problemchild1976]

Re: new around here

hello and welcome - just do some research and you will be fine

JJ

[hughy]

Re: new around here

thanks for the advice .......my budget is around 3k

[137699]

Re: new around here

Definitely aim for a 2003-2007 Brabus then. There are a few in that range.

[MrPoo]

Re: new around here

Welcome.

I'd strongly advise going for one that's already had a rebuild. The Brabus is a lot more resilient (and fun!) but not quite as economical and will cost more to tax/insure.

Fudgesmart has got a couple in that price range, they rebuild smarts and often sell on ones that they've brought back to life.

Aside from that, service history is key (with a Smart specialist, or Merc), they need a service every 9k or one year without fail so do need a fair bit of TLC to keep going.