Buying a ForFour NEED Advice please!

[Mr_J_P]

Hello All,

I have looked at a Forfour which I would like to buy, everything seems to be in good order, I only have a few minor issues which i hope i can resolve.

1, I usually listen to music from my iPod using AUX. Is there a way to add this feature to the existing cd player. I believe the CD player in the car is Smart 5

2, i've noticed that the curtain type thing covering the panoramic roof doesn't go back all the way and gets stuck towards the end, how would i fix this?

3, can additional features be added at a later stage easily? such as electric mirrors, heated seats?

Has anyone found these cars un reliable? expensive to maintain?

thanks in advance.

[Mitchturbo FFO Timelord]

Re: Buying a ForFour NEED Advice please!

Hello Mr J P
Why not ask these questions in the two forfour forums for a more range of answers
The Technical forfour forum: http://www.forfour.co.uk
The Community forfour forum: http://www.forfourowner.com

Both are the best bet to get the answers you require.

But in view ill answer a couple imho,
1) Yes you can retro fit an aux lead to connect your mp3/ iPhone to the back of your radio system.
2) it might just be catching, might need a fiddle around to fix.
3) some features can be retro fitted, while others almost impossible... Like heated seats, you would really need leather seats imho...
It's worth paying the extra to get a Brabus forfour if you are looking at retro fitting extras as It is really hard work, if possible.
4) I found both my forfours to be good fun and while I loved the Softouch auto I found nearly to the end of ownership it becoming really unreliable and cutting the engine due to a software issue at some junctions.
Therefore I do recommend you buying a Manual forfour or especially a Brabus model.

Although the Softouch is usually reliable, just my experience.

All the engines are bulletproof and the handling is brilliant, almost as good as the smart Roadster.

Hope this helps

[Mr_J_P]

Re: Buying a ForFour NEED Advice please!

Thanks a lot for your reply, I would love the bra bus model but its a lot more expensive unfortunately.

The one I am considering to purchase is manual which is a good point. It has a cable coming out from underneath the CD player which has been cut, as if something was connected to the back of it before, for perhaps a phone of some sort.

everything is in good working order, the engine is slightly noisier than i was expecting but its working well, the oil level was slightly lower than expected, but not too far off the mark.

It does't have the electric mirrors or heated seats but I guess these aren't something that i desperately need.

[Mitchturbo FFO Timelord]

Re: Buying a ForFour NEED Advice please!

Good man
Sounds like a good car, yes the engines are quite noisy (sounds like a sports car)
But I think you'll get used to it in no time. They really are quite unique on the road and sounds like the previous owner had a good ice head on them for already installing an aux lead Hope its a successful purchase and welcome to the dark side

[Mr_J_P]

Re: Buying a ForFour NEED Advice please!

Thanks, its done 80k but seems to be running just fine.
I'm hoping the wiring was for an AUX, cos it has been cut and there a few different colour wires inside the flex.
Hopefully be picking it up tomorrow =D

Good man
Sounds like a good car, yes the engines are quite noisy (sounds like a sports car)
But I think you'll get used to it in no time. They really are quite unique on the road and sounds like the previous owner had a good ice head on them for already installing an aux lead Hope its a successful purchase and welcome to the dark side

[problemchild1976]

Re: Buying a ForFour NEED Advice please!

aux lead fitting is easy - buy from smart mods and it plugs in the back - guide here http://www.forfour.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=33.0

electric/heated stuff is not impossible but implausible due to cost

80k is high but these mitsubishi engines seem to keep going - and its noisy because its a 3pot

manual is best bet tbh

sun shade i would have to look at but its only a roller blind so may just need lubing/fettling with

how much? what reg? what spec?

JJ

[Ferrina]

Re: Buying a ForFour NEED Advice please!

The iPod lead is easy to fit and set up. 80k is a little high, but I guess these cars are getting on now. Not heard of issues with the sun blind before?

My diesel Passion has got 64k on the clock. I fitted the iPod lead when I bought the car. My car is always an option for you, as I'm on the hunt for a Brabus. It's also got an ITG air filter, Brabus front spoiler, MOT'd last weekend, new front brake discs and pads, plus I serviced it last Sunday. The only issue is a 4" crack in the n/s/r/ wheel arch.

I'm sure there are lower mileage ones out there though.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/315620_176656835750412_100002182893593_373119_1265948346_n.jpg

[davros7760]

Re: Buying a ForFour NEED Advice please!

All the engines are bulletproof and the handling is brilliant, almost as good as the smart Roadster.

Hope this helps

Whilst I agree with almost your entire post this part had me on the floor with wet trousers

I drive my roadie and Linda's forFour daily for the last 2 years and like all cars both have good points and bad points, with the ForFour having more good and less bad points...

However its time for a reality check - top of the roadsters good points is handling, not many cars out there to match or beat it.

Whilst there are only 3 on the list, top of the ForFours bad points is indifferent vague handling. Not bad,exactly, but indifferent - though I accept I may be being unintentionally harsh because I'm used to the roadie.

And several other Euroboxes feel more planted too... its not an issue because your average driver wants it to get from A to B but please don't get carried away due to brand loyalty.

[Mitchturbo FFO Timelord]

Re: Buying a ForFour NEED Advice please!

No problem Davros Lol completely understandable
Out of the fortwo, the Roadster and the forfour... The Roadster has the best handling by far, but then it is the forfour that comes second place in terms of the three main smart models (handling wise)

The ford fiesta is one of the best super mini's in terms of handling for example.

[Mr_J_P]

Re: Buying a ForFour NEED Advice please!

Thanks for all the advice so far, I have to be a registered member to view the thread quoted below, i have registered but it says i need to be approved before i can use the site, can anyone explain it on here for me.

thanks

aux lead fitting is easy - buy from smart mods and it plugs in the back - guide here http://www.forfour.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=33.0

JJ

[Mr_J_P]

Re: Buying a ForFour NEED Advice please!

Heres a good question for everyone...

If you had to chose, I MEAN HAD TO!!!! out of a Roadster or a ForFour

Which would you pick and why?

[DaisyDuke]

Re: Buying a ForFour NEED Advice please!

Roadster, all day, every day. I'd only pick a For four if I had to cart more than 2 people around on a daily basis (and even then I prolly wwouldn't pick a For4, it just isn't the car for me )

To be honest it's a bit like comparing apples and oranges, if you want a sporty car that's pretty impractical but loads of fun you get a roadie, if you want something that you can do the weekly shop with and ferry kids, dogs, colleagues about you get the for4

[problemchild1976]

Re: Buying a ForFour NEED Advice please!

Now approved - sorry... It's really hard to check ip addresses on my iPhone so I approve at home on laptop but seeing as I know it's you it's now approved

DD if you want a sporty 2 seater that has some boot space - a roadie is not that. A lotus Elise has similar boot space and in some ways it's more practical and defo more flexible (pootle round town or awesome track day)

If you want a quirky 2 seater that handles well, is economical and cheap to tax and cheap to modify with a great community feel then the roadie is it.

I think forfour is near the top of the list of superminis for value, looks, spec and reliability - it also has the smart styling so that makes it a great car! I look at the fiesta st and mini cooper s and the BRAB wins hands down every time on every aspect

The lower spec models stand up just as well to their competitors

Oh - roadies leak haha!

JJ

[davros7760]

Re: Buying a ForFour NEED Advice please!

Heres a good question for everyone...

If you had to chose, I MEAN HAD TO!!!! out of a Roadster or a ForFour

Which would you pick and why?

Just asked Linda this question - reluctantly chose the forFour because she has to run her grandchild around.

But if I kill off the brat we would keep the roadie - for the sheer pleasure of ownership

[lalli_d1]

Re: Buying a ForFour NEED Advice please!

well having owned a 450 and currently owning a 454.... id have to say a 452 to complete the set