Why Did I Buy a SMART CAR? | RUNNING COSTS? | What is it Like to DRIVE?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
  • Why Did I Buy a SMART CAR? | RUNNING COSTS? | What is it Like to DRIVE?
    In this video we discuss how much I paid for my Smart Fortwo, running costs and what it is like to own.
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    Our Smart ForTwo is looked after by (please mention us if you contact them):
    Smart-TECNIC, Unit 5, Proof House Business Park, Andover Street, Birmingham B5 5RG.
    Website: www.smarttecni...
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    Have any suggestions, vehicles to review or anything related to our channel? Please email me at livetodriveuk@gmail.com
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    #SmartForTwo #MCCSmart #ProjectSophie

ความคิดเห็น • 82

  • @LivetoDriveUK
    @LivetoDriveUK  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

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  • @catpurrson3651
    @catpurrson3651 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I luv my Smartie. Had her a year now and no issues.

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes I love mine. Great fun.

  • @philthewriter
    @philthewriter 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Was nice to meet you at Ben's earlier, Paul (yellow 450 owner!), always good to chat to enthusiasts while waiting around. Found your car on Hubnut, looking forward to watching!

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Yes it was great to meet you too. Now thinking what car I would like to try and find and buy back 🤔

    • @philthewriter
      @philthewriter 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@LivetoDriveUK Ahaha. It's the second car I've done that with - also bought my first Elise back for another couple of years, so the Smart is in good company. Just noticed you have an Imp - it's on my wife's hitlist as well. What are they like to run these days - parts reasonable to source? Body panels? Patent parts? You have good taste in oddball cars!

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Parts are ok and there is a very active club and the ‘Anderson Brothers’ who (one lives down South and on in High Wycombe) hold many used parts including mechanical and trim. I love the Imp but the day may come when I decide to sell as I need to sample more cars whilst I’m still here 😬

  • @DrscammerRacingrush2
    @DrscammerRacingrush2 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    These are cute little car I pet one because they cute 😍

  • @martyndormer
    @martyndormer ปีที่แล้ว +18

    I bought mine in August of this year and am really pleased with it. My father was a motor dealer, so I have driven more cars than many people, but the Smart really suits my needs nowadays. Nice video.

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks. I have that much fun in my Smart. Happy on country roads and motorways.

    • @dennislebaigue1795
      @dennislebaigue1795 หลายเดือนก่อน

      J get new mum a nine

  • @katsadventures7027
    @katsadventures7027 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The only thing it's absolutely filthy 1st nice day I'm going to clean this car big time.😀

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  ปีที่แล้ว

      Think of all that lovely satisfaction when it is clean 😁

  • @badraven_indieauthor
    @badraven_indieauthor ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I love my Smart Car. I'm a single guy that only needs to get from point A to point B. I'm not selling it, ever! I love driving it!

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Agree. Love mine too. Those that know, know. Those that don’t just think what a silly little and unsafe car. Their loss.

  • @joesepspindel3335
    @joesepspindel3335 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

    I live in the "not so united" states. I bought a smartfortwo because it's easy to park, it's fun to drive and I am only one person driving back and forth to work so I don't see the need to drive a huge truck or sport utility vehicle if I never haul anything or have passengers. Here vehicles are status symbols so the more money you spend on something the better you are...NOT... only stupid people believe that and we have a lot of them. As a result I get no road respect and people laugh at me and pull out in front of me like I don't exist. The more people hate my car the more I like it so I started putting decals on it that I like as if I was some young person slapping stickers on my lunchbox. There is no public transportation around me or I wouldn't own a vehicle, they are pretty much built to fail and designed to separate you from your hard earned money.

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      The UK is also like this and we have many narrow roads. I look right back at them and laugh at their stupidity.
      Very happy to be in a minority than follow the herd.

  • @davidplatten9872
    @davidplatten9872 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Mate, I bought a 2006 Smart 4 for 2 a couple of years ago while my daily drive being a 1960 Messerschmitt KR200 was going to be laid up. I thought I would just enjoy it for a while and then sell it when my KR200 was back on the road. No fekin’ way ! The Smart is such a great car, I can’t let it go. It reminds me of driving a 1960’s Mini Cooper. Thanks for your video, I really enjoyed it. All the best from the Sunshine Coast Australia. 🍻👍

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks. You have a 1960 Messerschmitt as a daily? Awesome. The Smart is my favourite and those that don’t like them can… do one 😆 Agree with you they are great cars. Appreciate the support… all the way from Australia 💪

    • @robredz
      @robredz 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@LivetoDriveUKMesserschmitt KR200 a car I have always wanted I also love the Smart would love a Brabus

  • @stuartashworth1866
    @stuartashworth1866 21 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    I found one owned by an older lady. 2007 ForTwo with only 26,000 miles on it. Garage kept, all service records. $6,000. Just waiting for paperwork to come back from the DMV to switch over title. I can hardly wait!

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  21 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Great. All the best with the Smart.

  • @djfmitv
    @djfmitv 24 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    @LivetoDriveUK - Was the insurance figure of £100 a per calender month figure or £100 per year for an older driver? Am in my late 30s and have passed my automatic drivers licence first time two months ago, looking for my first car, but cannot afford lofty insurance premiums, so if the Smart Fortwo is good in that regard, am very much considering getting one

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  24 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Since the video it has gone up like all insurance but the £100 was for the year. It's about £160 at the moment based on location, age, driving record etc.

  • @carly-beatz-DJ
    @carly-beatz-DJ หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Lovely video mate.
    Just bought a 2006 Fourtwo Grandstyle with 83k on the clock. I think I'm the third owner. FSH and appears to have been well looked after. For all of the hate of the gearbox, personally, I love it - like you say; it's a quirk.
    As a single bloke, doing town and some A road driving - this thing will be perfect hopefully 🙂

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks. Love the Grandstyle and prefer the 450 to the later ones. Think you will have a lot of fun on a good A road and twisty B road. Thanks for your support.

  • @nigelbryant5932
    @nigelbryant5932 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    My wife has owned 3 smart cars and the concept is great. However all 3 have been really unreliable. One was from Wales and was completely rotten. She was so frustrated she bought a Toyota iQ much better car

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@nigelbryant5932 I have a 450 and 451. Both are extremely reliable. Any car that has had a poor to no service history will likely end up unreliable. The 450 in this video has an engine that to be honest is only good for between 70-90k miles before it would need a rebuild. Something that a Toyota IQ wouldn't need. My 451 has the Mitsubishi engine and is good for 200k+.

  • @juliecotton7305
    @juliecotton7305 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Love my smart got it last year and love driving it but sick of people saying they aren't safe your right when you say other car drivers are surprised at how fast they get upto speed I was shocked myself when I test drove it

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      They are wonderful cars and so fun to drive. Mercedes spent a lot making the Smart as safe as they could and if you have anyone say to you “they’re not safe” again… please show them this ☺️ th-cam.com/video/ueafSvK9T-M/w-d-xo.html

  • @jimmykucera8627
    @jimmykucera8627 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Agree with you, if you learn how to drive them properly the gear changes can be smooth… Safe economical cars… funny trying to reach forward and try to touch the front windscreen when you can reach around and touch the rear easily 🚙

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yes great cars. Fun in town, country and even good on a motorway. Thanks for watching and your comment.

  • @Reverend-Rodger
    @Reverend-Rodger 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    It reminds me of the classic Mini, basic and fun to drive, perfect for empty nesters. 🤣👍

  • @scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain
    @scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Recently bought the Hubnut Smart and have fallen in love with it already, they get under the skin quite quickly, I love the engine noise, the cheap tax and having the roof down. Hands down one of the most fun cars I have had and puts a smile on my face. Already trying to justify the need for a Smart Roadster to replace my daily car 😂😂 when I come to replace possibly in a few months time.
    Totally agree with the car on bumpier roads, it can be back breaking on roads where I am.

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain Yes they definitely get under your skin. Roadster is like sitting in a go kart and a lot of fun.

  • @jamesoldroyd6906
    @jamesoldroyd6906 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Ringo Starr auditions for Top Gear great work

  • @IAm-hp6mc
    @IAm-hp6mc 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I love my 2013 smart car. Moon roof, padal shift, heated leather seats, black with silver trim, I added a tow hitch and small Harbor freight trailer with gray lamo wood flooring, and roof rack mounts. This is my go to vehicle for quick and local runs. I LOVE IT! The 3 jeeps, corvette, Chevy Silverado truck, and Ford excursion get really pissed off m😅ost of the time. 😃 and don't fotget, $40.00 bucks to fill up even in California 😥 and still can drive locally for a month without fuiling up at a gas station, or go for it and hit the hwy 100 miles + at 70 mph or more if you need to. Really a cool and unique car. 😂

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      With 3 Jeeps, a Chevy, a Ford… and still love your Smart? Awesome. I believe the US didn’t get the original 450 if I’m right? I also have a 451, but not 3 Jeeps etc 🤦‍♂️ They are fantastic cars. Love driving them. Over here, road tax (a yearly payment to use the roads in the UK) is just £35, compared to at least £180 for other vehicles.
      There is a strong following over here and active club meets. Do you have any there?

  • @katsadventures7027
    @katsadventures7027 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I just got yesterday 2013 for $2500 it has 100000 KM on it. I love it so far taking it to the garage next week to have it checked over. I hope it's all good..

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I hope it is all good too 👍

  • @badbooks476
    @badbooks476 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great video. Clever cars & What a great buy & bargain, regards the fact it had always been under cover & the mileage / as new condition.

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks. I think it was worth it. Prices at the moment are higher but even though I paid probably the higher end at the time it is the condition of it that made me have to own it.

  • @wisecat.
    @wisecat. 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I bought mine 6 years ago. It was a 2001 Smart Fortwo convertible with a little under 40000 miles on it. An absolute snail on wheels but my snail and I came to love it. After lots an lots of starter problems and roof problems I swapped to a 2008 2nd gen Smart fortwo coupe MHD 1.0. A killer upgrade I would say. This Smart is fast compared to my first one. Wow.! But sometimes I still think of my litte snail🐌now wasting away in some junkyard😢

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      The 451 (2nd generation) is definitely smoother on the road. My 451 is an 84hp Turbo and makes me laugh when I drive it.
      Thanks for watching and your comment.

  • @kashifmughal6838
    @kashifmughal6838 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I bought a 2004 smart 450 96000 miles cat N minor damage to the bumper really happy with it drives nice very reliable as its nearly 20 years old comes under classic insurance great result

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  ปีที่แล้ว

      Absolutely. Excellent cars and cheap to run for both petrol and insurance.

  • @JohnStewart73
    @JohnStewart73 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Still a bargain for the mileage that it has. I take my Smart 453 to S2smart near Milton Keynes and had taken my previous 451 there.

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes I think I agree. It’s wise having a specialist to take them to.

  • @Honir4
    @Honir4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    are the seats comfortable?

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I say they are and know someone who fitted 450 seats to their 451 as they think they are better but then I find my 450 and 451 comfortable.

    • @Honir4
      @Honir4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@LivetoDriveUK thanks

  • @TheLeylander
    @TheLeylander 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I had a 450 and now have a 451 I miss my 1st generation and I'm tempted to get another 450 it was that good .
    Thank you for sharing your experience it was very enjoyable watching this .

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      We are going to film a comparison between the 450 and 451. There are many things better with the 451 but I would always choose the 450 if I had to pick only one. Thanks for the support.

    • @TheLeylander
      @TheLeylander 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@LivetoDriveUK Wow I very much look forward to that, thank you 👍

  • @katsadventures7027
    @katsadventures7027 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I would give this 10 thumbs up if I could.😀

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks. That is very kind of you to say. 💪

  • @kimberley7953
    @kimberley7953 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just bought one and havent been out much but I will love it but only a summer car for now where I live too much snow and cold. I have to learn how to drive it properly thanks

  • @rabbitrr
    @rabbitrr ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Bought a Smart fortwo 450 nightrun Mar 2022. Great little car, up and down the M4 every day and keeps up!

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  ปีที่แล้ว

      Excellent. The cars are fantastic and some of the critics have never even driven one. Thanks for watching and your comment.

  • @andykirkwood4179
    @andykirkwood4179 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You can change the sump cheaply to one that had a sump plug.

  • @dan_t8161
    @dan_t8161 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You've found yourself a bargain there!

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I realise that now. Thanks for watching and your comment.

  • @thetravellingcarpenter1621
    @thetravellingcarpenter1621 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Hi There may i ask who you used for insurance? I know you said you got it in 2001 so has your insurance gone up by much? i am getting ridiculous quotes? Thanks

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Bought in 2021. It’s currently on a multi car policy with LV. Of course age, driving record, location etc effects the premium. I’m old so nothing seems to be to expensive now.

    • @thetravellingcarpenter1621
      @thetravellingcarpenter1621 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@LivetoDriveUK Yes i'm old too haha i will give them a try thank you 👍

  • @hippiewithacowboyhat
    @hippiewithacowboyhat ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You're driving on the wrong side of the road mate ! 😂

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  ปีที่แล้ว

      It’s because you are sitting on the wrong side of the sofa… 😂

    • @hippiewithacowboyhat
      @hippiewithacowboyhat ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@LivetoDriveUK 🤣

  • @thestringquartetcompany
    @thestringquartetcompany 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    What is the jump pack you recommend?

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      The one I use is no longer available. Would not be able to recommend any others as I’ve not tried them.

  • @austinmatthews347
    @austinmatthews347 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What mpg can you get at 70mph on motorway

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  ปีที่แล้ว

      I don’t know but in 6th it’s only doing 2500rpm at 70 so the engine isn’t working that much. A well serviced example driven steadily is never going to use much fuel.

  • @thestringquartetcompany
    @thestringquartetcompany 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    What a lovely sound the car makes!

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Odd cylinder engines always sound nice. When the turbo kicks in and the 3 cylinders are revving it does sound great.

  • @LOTPOR0402
    @LOTPOR0402 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Keep it on a trickle charger

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      We have 3 cars on trickle chargers.

  • @davidpilgrim5664
    @davidpilgrim5664 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Had two 450s, and I love them.

    • @LivetoDriveUK
      @LivetoDriveUK  ปีที่แล้ว

      The 450 is my most fun car. I have friends that don’t understand that. They obviously are missing the point… and have never driven one. Thanks for watching 😁

  • @tommyolsen8224
    @tommyolsen8224 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Love our Smart Fortwo 450 🤍