Roadster coupe

[zimzimmer]

Hi guys im thinking about buying a roadster coupe as it is a bit more practical with its extra space, i would use it as a daily driver mainly motorway but would be mixed driving, what are they like to live with in the british bad weather being rwd?, i think the only thing putting me off a little is the soggy sam. does the sealing stop the leaks? also is the 80hp coupe a good move?

[137699]

You need to read the buyers guide - will give you all the info you need to know: http://www.theroadster.net/trc/modul...cle.php?id=162

[zimzimmer]

aye ive signed up there but they seem to be having some glitches? its a good rite up.

[137699]

Like any smart (or light car with RWD) in the snow and ice they can be a bit "interesting" to live with. I have had mine nearly 9 yrs and I use it pretty much every day all year round. For the last 3 winters I have had a spare set of wheels with winter tyres - it's usable with summer tyres but having winter tyres makes the whole experience much more confidence inspiring.

[zimzimmer]

ive owned many a car but never owned or driven one of these. ive always loved the look of the brabus. but may just go for the 80hp coupe as ive heard the stereos are not all that( not that i use it much lol) and the lovely looking monoblocks are like cheese. so maybe just make one my own if i ever feel the need to. am not really fussed on gadgets but would like the f1 spec gear changes

[137699]

The radio is actually very good but the speakers are rubbish and the system needs a subwoofer and component door speakers & tweeters to shine. When you set it up like this you can then activate the inboard crossover in the radio to direct the frequencies correctly and the result is really decent.

[zimzimmer]

not as bad as ive read then

is yours a brabus coupe? could the 80hp be as reliable as the brabus? or is it like ive been reading only the early 60hp can give greif?

[137699]

Mine is an 80hp coupe which has been upgraded bit by bit to near-a Brabus spec. In terms of reliability there isn't really any difference between the 80hp and the Brabus. If looked after they can do over 200,000 miles before the engine needs major surgery.

[zimzimmer]

wow thats good to know....200k is damn good for such a small engine. so buying a well serviced 70-80k car is ok.

[ColSmart]

Never mind the engine....

The biggest problem on the roadster is leaks, and it can depend on how good the variable build quality of that particular car was at the time of manufacture. I know I suffered when I had the roadster. Great drivers car, pity about the leaks.

Check websites for all the leak locations from, front windscreen/bulkhead, roof seals, door seals, mirrors and speakers, and boot. (if fact just about all the car )

So before you buy, ensure the dryness of the car first, which will save a lot of work later.

[zimzimmer]

ive been reading about the leaks..... and as much as i want one. this is the main thing which is putting me off. damaged sams etc.... looks like it would be a good idea to look at them in winter as it would sit outside. as my track cars sit indoors atm. maybe a 450 brabus is a betta bet. do these suffer from any leaks cabs?? cheers Jonny

[137699]

Yes 450s leak from the rear windows, the door seals & the windscreen.

Seal up the wiper bucket on a roadster and that's the main SAM-killer solved.

[Thrumbleux]

Yes 450s leak from the rear windows, the door seals & the windscreen.

Rear window leak is easily permanently cured. Door seals just require periodic application of silicon. In rare cases windscreens will leak. A 450 is nothing like as bad leakwise. Nowwhere close to a Roadster!
They aren't at their best on motorways though - but at least you are a bit higher up. (Very low-slung cars always make me feel a little vulnerable among fast moving traffic - especially if there are trucks present).

[zimzimmer]

is that the cabrio 450 or hardtop? or both? i really like the roadster. but many moons ago i owned a couple of escort cabrios.... one i sealed and was leak free the other was ok for a while then started again. i could cope with the odd drip but not so much of enough to damage ecus. if the sealing works then.....

[Thrumbleux]

is that the cabrio 450 or hardtop? .

Two distinct models. Cabrio and (fixed roof) Coupe.