A small car with a not so small problem. CAR WIZARD reviews a 2013 Smart FourTwo
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- The CAR WIZARD 🧙♂️ reviews this cute, little 2013 Smart FourTwo. See what has brought it into his shop and what it takes to fix the problem.
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i did my homework before i bought one. It had a five star rating with Geico, You are surrounded by airbags, and you are surrounded by a steel roll cage like a racing car! I was broadsided by a car going 55-60 MPH, and lived to tell this story! I bought another one! Very safe! Imagine this.... if you got hit in the drivers door going 55-60mph would YOU survive? A german engineered car, made by Mercedes!!! Awesome car!
The car is actually very safe, I hit a deer many years ago in mine. Car was repaired and I still have it.
You still have the deer or the car?
@@mrpcb2566 still have the car, no idea where the deer went.
If you blinded it is it a noeyedeer?
@@pbysome and if he paralysed it, it's still noeyedeer.
I always like the "What if you get hit by a semi on the highway?" argument against safety in these cars as if you would survive getting by a semi at highway speed in any car.
Lots of variables. The safety cage structure of this car is essentially a roll cage like those used in NASCAR race vehicles (or the European equivalent). With zero speed limit on some parts of the Autobahn in Deutschland (Germany), German vehicles are often made to go at speeds considered insane here in the USA, and protect the occupants in the event of a collision. These Smart® cars are designed and built by Daimler Benz (Mercedes Benz). Originally these cars were supposed to be a partnership between the Swatch® watch company and Daimler Benz, but IIRC, Swatch pulled out at the last minute.
I've actually crashed head-first into a 10-wheel dump truck doing about 40 - 50 mph (approx 70 Km/h) in a 1983 VW Rabbit (Golf Mk1). Blind curve on a 2-lane dirt road. VW bounced off the front of the truck. The front of the VW was slightly askew and obviously the front bumper, grille, radiator, and headlights were no more. Nothing behind the radiator was damaged. The owner of the dump truck claimed the radiator and steering box were damaged. Back in my teenage years.
At least a decade later, an 18-wheeler changed lanes into the lane I was driving in. Freeway in downtown Dallas. Vehicles in front and behind and an elevated concrete curb/ridge/flange with a drop-off to dirt to the left. 1995 VW Golf III vs. 18-wheeler. Blowing the horn was futile. I slowed down as much as I could without risking getting rear-ended. Entire right/passenger side of my car got wrinkled by the 18-wheeler. Passenger side mirror and front passenger window were obliterated. Truck never stopped and my wife and I were too shaken up to get the livery/name or license plate of the truck. Certainly not a head-on nor a t-bone by any means, but it was still a 3,000 Lb (1,360 Kg) car vs. a potentially 80,000 Lb (36,000 Kg) truck/lorry. A fender and door from a junkyard and my car kept on going for several more years, albeit with a paint scheme reminiscent of the Harlequin Edition VW Golf.
The primary design objective of the Smart ForTwo is to squeeze two of them into a single standard-sized parking spot in dense cities. Alleviate congestion. But, they're capable of 80+ Mph (130+ Km/h) speeds and still have to meet EU, US, Canadian, UK, and Australian crash safety regulations. And, they're built by Mercedes Benz - who are known for making very safe automobiles.
If you were sandwiched between a semi/18-wheeler and something else (say, a concrete wall), you wouldn't stand much of a chance of surviving in almost any "passenger" vehicle (from an F-350 down to a Smart ForTwo). However, in a wide open area, depending on the speed, angle, and a long list of other variables, getting hit by an tractor-trailer rig could be VERY survivable, even in a Smart ForTwo. I do NOT recommend deliberately testing this theory. YMMV.
I used round numbers instead of exact figures (typing this far too late at night for even the OCD nerd in me to be bothered).
I had a Chevy Equinox hit both my semi and the semi behind me head on, and the 2 teenagers who were in it were unscathed (they were on drugs though). If that's not an advertisement for the safety on that car I don't know what is.
While a Smart may have the best safety cage in the world, as someone already asked, what about crumple-zones?
Or are airbags the only major energy-absorbing feature in these cars?
@@velocityraptor9270 I still believe that certain laws of physics tell me I would almost certainly be better off in something substantially larger than a Smart.
@@velocityraptor9270 I never said it was unsafe. I just prefer a much larger crumple zone. The official crash tests are performed using a fixed barrier. Head-on between a small and large vehicle, the large nearly always wins.
And I drove a '67 Sunbeam Alpine roadster for many years. Not what most people today would consider a 'safe' car. But way safer than a motorcycle!
Wow, you invented a whole new type of car racing. Running in circles around the car...😂😅🤣
I laughed at the hesitation in Mrs Wizards voice when he suggested it.
Unpopular fun fact there are Brabus Versions in Europe for the Fortwo :D
But in the end it's a Mercedes product so they are suuuuper exensive for what they are..
Usain bolt would have covered nearly 50 meters in that time!
"And he's coming out....of the fourth turn!"
Good job Mr. Wizard! I think you'll be surprised if a bad sensor is your only problem with your Smart Car. These actuators are notoriously not maintained properly during their 10,000 mile scheduled servcice
They still sell Smart Cars in Canada, it would probably be easy to get parts shipped down from there rather than from Europe.
Nope. 2019 was the last year it was sold in Canada. If you still have a dealer in your city, they are selling used ones or NOS 2019s, which is doubtful since it's 2021 in a few weeks.
@@OMGWTFLOLSMH Your right the last ones were sold this year BUT parts and service are still available
is it so difficult to order parts directly from europe?
@@mmkuyt With covid, shipping costs have really ballooned.
If you're in Vancouver, BC all the Mercedes Benz dealership's here sell Smart parts.
Smart: Swatch/Mercedes/Art. Back in the day, it was designed by the watch company.
Tridion cell (that c shaped side that starts on the A pillar and ends at the door) is what makes them super safe to drive. Fifth gear crushed one against a concrete barrier at high speed; couldn't deform passengers space.
Yes: They are safe against stationary objects like concrete barriers (their own mass). They fail miserably against higher mass vehicles in collisions (especially head-on).
It's not all about deformation, but how violent the deceleration is. You might not be crushed to death, but you ain't gonna survive the high forces either. That's the most dangerous with all small cars, the lack of crumple zones..
@@MrCarGuy In that scenario, you'll end up spinning around a bit.
@@gabon4000 Yes, but the main target for this car was city where you barely touch highway. It was designed for european city centers, not to crush against a F 650
I have one of these and though it is true that it is an automatic manual, you can turn it in to a manual by pushing the shifter to the left. It really has great storage in that trunk too. I have placed 16 packages of adult diapers in one layer or 16 bags and 4 24 packs of pop back there with no problem.
That's a lot of diapers 😳
Sounds like a good time LOL
I had a smart car and I loved it. My daughter wanted it. I gave it to her. It’s a fun car and it’s a lot of fun to drive. There are tons of them at the mercedes Benz of Catonsville , Maryland. I’m looking to get another one. I love small cars. My othe small car was a Minni Cooper, and a VW Bug. All these are fun cars to drive. The big cars are fun and safe . But life is about having fun and living. America has forgotten about having fun. I used to just drive my little cars and people and kids were amazed by it and it made me feel good that it made so many peoples day. And it was a good conversation piece. Great channel. I was amazed that you new so much about the car since most small towns mechanics are not so knowledge.
Ours is a yellow 2008 Passion with approx 45k miles. Have owned it for 12 years, Its the fastest thing around. It has a NTSB safety rating of 5 stars on front collisions and a 4 star rating for side collisions. 5 star is the best possible rating, even better than the 4 star rating for front of a Toyota Pruis. It actually feels much bigger when sitting in it. California is the only state that doesn't allow it to park perpendicular to the curb in a parallel parking space. I should add, after driving it for 12 years, the wind doesn't bother me any more and it will cruise at 80 mph all day with lots of pedal left. Back when there were dealerships, the service manager told me to drive it like a hot rod which I've done for over 10 years and it isn't broken yet.
“It’s the fastest thing around”. 🤣😂🤣
@@vincedibona4687 hey don’t laugh.
@@ogonbio8145 *ROFLMFFAO*
@@vincedibona4687 noooo
@@ogonbio8145 yesss
4:01 was the most wholesome thing I've seen on youtube in a long time lol
I have a 2013 brabus. Very good on gas! I avoid driving freeway on windy days.
I own a corvette, a porsche 911, an a 2015 smart. I love my Smart. I go through 4 gals of gas per week and as far as safety it gets a five star safety rating. You really can't laugh at that. It's designed like an Indy car is for safety. Mine doesn't have the brake pedal thing going on like this one.
The smart is kind of like a micro Porsche lol.
Yeah I am curious if he's making a mistake since you turn and hold key momentarily then it'll start I don't know just a weird thing I haven't seen unless it's a preface lift thing
I've just got one of these a couple of days ago...a CDI. Got it for work...delivering 100+ newspapers every morning. Test drove it in North London, seemed fine, bad traffic most of the way home, then got on the M25 and it wouldn't go above 68mph no matter how hard I pushed on the accelerator pedal. It was also louder than a tractor when I got home. God knows what on earth I've bought!
this is one of the best videos on the smart fortwo on youtube. love the honesty and insights. we have a 2015 passion, its our baby.
(Passion has 8 airbags and has a safety rating rivaling the best sedans btw)
i have the Pulse
Very safe car, had one for 12 years. Something wrong with it if you cant engage the brake to start. Color panels are changeable. I have mine worked on in OKC. That one has more airbags than mine.
That needs to be Hoovie’s next Hoopy!
No! Just no! Not even Tyler would buy that!
Yeah an try nitro like The toyota
Im a 6ft male, quite a big build and i have a smart fortwo and honestly its really good to drive. You have a LOT more room than people expect and its really cheap to run. The only downside is the gearbox but once you get used to the gearshifts, it drives really smooth.
When I was visiting Europe a few years back I saw a roadster version of this which was pretty cool.
I had a brabus roadster with about 120bhp. 😊
@@S-Ltd1000 the roadsters are actually based on the older 450 version.
I’d drive the hell out of it. I also drive in a small town 2.5 miles to work round time. If I just get in my truck and go to work it just putting heat out good when I get to work also 45mph is the highest speed limit. However I like my old Nissan hardbody, BMW Z3 M roadster, and my Honda motorcycle.
For a first vehicle as a new driver, whether if it is for a teenager or any adult or senior of any age, a mid-size or a full-size sedan (older or newer), an older mid-size SUV with 4WD or 4x4 or a newer compact or mid-size crossover with AWD is the safest and most popular decision to stick with. I am more of a fan of a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD mid-size SUV with the 3.5 L V6 engine, because most individuals can see better on the road, compared to a 2010 Hyundai Sonata GLS mid-size sedan with the 2.4 L four-cylinder engine. The Santa Fe has a higher seating position and higher ground clearance, while the Sonata seating position is lowered. I would definitely go for the Santa Fe because it is a lot more reliable, than the Sonata which is fairly reliable. If you are going to plan to buy your first vehicle, always look for the best, safety features, like ESC (electronic stability control) which is the most important safety feature. Do not buy any sub-compact or compact sedan, which will most likely be unsafe, due to poor handling and no ESC. Do not also buy any full-size SUV or crossover or any pick-up truck, which are prone to roll over, while taking corners at higher speeds, other than the warning or suggested speed limit and/or carry numerous amount of passengers, as well as minivans, which can also carry numerous amount of passengers or any sports or muscle cars, which can tempt any teen or young adult to speed on city streets or excessively speed on highways or freeways or which can tempt any middle-aged or older adult or senior to drive cluelessly, which is going too slow on most city streets or going way too slow on the highway or the freeway. We all want to be safe and responsible for ourselves and other individuals, too, when we are on the road, driving inside our vehicle, taking public transit, taxi cab or ride-share or walking on foot. Thank you very much.
I had 1... They are a LOT of FUN!!!
I had one of these model 451s from new on 2008 until a couple of years ago, it was a cabrio and the roof would come off at any speed. 36000 miles per set of tyres, 54 to the gallon and the only thing that went wrong with it in over 10 years of ownership and over 70000 miles was a footbrake sensor.
It saves you money if you’re in an accident. They don’t use the jaws-of-life they just bury you in it, which is smart.
Look up some simple facts, like the top 10 most dangerous cars in the u.s. and also mortality rates... you'll find you are VERY WRONG.
This vehicle has a four star safety rating. The Smart has what Mercedes calls a Tridion Safety Cell, and is shrunken version of what is used in actual Mercedes vehicles. I have worked in the auto salvage and collision industry for 27 years and see a lot of wrecked vehicles. The little cars hold up far better than most people would believe. A lot Hyundai and Kia vehicles don’t hold up as well!
The "automated manual" transmission is the same type as the "DPS6" DCT in a Ford Focus and Fiesta. The transmission itself is "mechanical". Stepper motors operate the clutch and make the gear selection. The transmission requires just 2 qts of transmission fluid to keep the gears lubricated. It doesn't need periodic fluid changes. It is VERY quick shifting (
I have an 05 and an 06 diesel versions. I love them! 57MPG! Yes, they can do over 90mph. I love the plastic panels and being able to park anywhere very easily. Yes, we have put people in the back area. The issues I have are electrical. I need a SAM unit and an EBox. Like you say, parts are a problem!
I'm surprised how many of these I've seen and worked on in our shop. I almost never see them on the road around here but yet they come in for service every now and again.
First of all: I owned and drove a Chevy PU Silverado K1500 Z71 for 22 years. Had to sell it because of our house. Since 2014 I have been driving a Smart 1.0 liter 3-cylinder with 60 hp from 2009 and already have over 300,000 km (186,451 miles) on the clock. Gasoline, not diesel! I replaced the exhaust for the first time in 2023, the actuator (for the gearshift) for the first time. The clutch is still the original.
I don't want to say that American cars are worse, I loved my Chevy, it never let me down. But the km the Smart has already done, the parts are also partly cheap - it is a good car to get from A to B, dry, warm, safe.
I own a 20year MK1 smart fortwo, with 470K Km on the clock already. Based in Athens, Greece, i never ever had an issue to find any replacement part. Even when brand new parts aren't available, there is so big inventory in used parts at the local dealerships, which makes you feel very safe keeping this car for many years to come.
I am sorry parts availability in the US was really bad, let me know if I can help on finding anything you need in the future mate.
Interesting review. Not particularly comprehensive or accurate though. The only transmission available has both automatic and manual shift modes. That car probably has the shifter paddles behind the wheel. I own 3 of them, and they are quite enjoyable to drive, and very practical. Extremely roomy for driver and passenger. Perfect for grocery run. I've had one of mine up to be 100 mph. They will cruise at 80 without issue. Parts are abundant online.
We work on a lot of them. 3 cylinder, not very good on gas surprisingly. Shift is so badly delayed it feels like it might not happen.
Just put a PCV in one, requires engine/cradle removal. 💰
The venlator holes are the ones facing upwards on the back bumper. One of the holes on the bumper with the "plug" is for being towed in case of break down
I’m lucky enough. My area supplies genuine smart parts. AutoZone Walmart etc. We also have a Mercedes dealer who works with Smart specifically because they have a mechanic who is “Smart certified” I’d like to see the peace of paper. I love my little car. I’ve got a convertible smart fortwo passion.
I remember the old Renaults had 3 lugnuts. About 40 years ago.. Jeez, I'm old.. Lol.
Me too bro me too
Can someone tell me why we don't make more cars with plastic panels? These smart cars always look new on the exterior. It hold up so well, and it would probably cut down manufacturing costs. They could recycle their own panels if they use something like HDPE.
I have a 2017, 453 model (in Puerto Rico), and our main Mercedes Benz dealer offers full parts and service for them. Lucky me! 😂
I used to see them a lot in Europe, parked perpendicular to the curb. They are so small, their length is shorter than the width of most cars! Therefore they can back up to, or nose into a curb, in a tiny space, and not stick out farther in the street than any other parked car. Literally can park it anywhere!
Probably the safest car in in your shop. 5 star rated.
I did own a 2002 one. I sold it in less than one year. I hated how weak the AC was - I got in the car cold, and I arrived at work just when the heat was beginning to come out of the AC. Then there was the automatic transmission. I got into roundabouts and would wait seconds for the gear to shift - it wouldn't move! Meanwhile, cars were coming straight at me.
It was small but it felt cheaper. It needed frequent oil changes/top ups.
I overtook plenty of Mercedes on the motorway. Excellent fuel consumption. I could drive it anywhere.
If newer versions solved the transmission problems; if the AC was improved, I would get another one.
Safety is not in size. I'd rather crash in one of these than in an American lump of metal, more likely to chop off my legs.
We have 3 of the little things one of the original ones which is about 20yrs old, one convertible and one normal. They are one of the most fun vehicles I have ever drove but the eat front springs. Also even in the UK we can't get hold of non OEM parts for it. So it's always an expensive trip to the local mercedes dealer.
ive parted out a couple of these at work once you know how they are made its not the worst car to work on! kidda like the B200 car once you see where the starter is! 😬
I seriously looked at buying one of these back around 2007 as they would be great for getting around and parking in Sydney's shitful traffic.
However at $30K+ it was just ridiculous pricing compared to the alternatives.
Send it to the crusher. Those things are death traps because there's just not enough crushable structure around the passengers.
I love my smart Cdi turbo diesel 70 mpg
You would think they would do more. A old 2001 Astra 1.7DTI did 70mpg. And my 2016 Mercedes A220d 2.2d gets 72mpg.
@@dj_paultuk7052 that's average I get 80 if I drive all highway
You two must be the kind of pricks always stuck in front of me at 25mph in a 40mph area. Ride a bicycle if you want to save fuel.
And i love my Chevrolet Caprice Classic 5.0 l V8 - 305.. by the way i have been once in a passenger seat on one of these Smart cars while driving in Milano.
@@katja904 I drove a few of these Smartcart. ORRIBLE thing to drive (especially when driven on the motorway/freeway). The gearbox it's slow as f***k, they don't handle well, the diesel version sucks more than the petrol. The smart roadster, instead, it's a fun thing to drive, i drove a couple of them and also a tuned one. No particularly fast but quick and funny. I'd take you Caprice any day, no matter the MPG ;)
A dangerously slow ten second 0 to 60 times, a notoriously bad transmission, and MPG no better than a hybrid that would have more power, cargo and passenger space, be faster, and cheaper to own. I just don't get why anyone outside of a city would even consider buying that toy
Aside from the price, and how slow it is, my biggest complaint regarding this car is the poor mpg's. A Honda Civic of this vintage gets better gas mileage.
Remember the shifting in a 1968 Volkswagen bug Autoshift?
My 1987 Firefly only had about 48 HP, so this is power house in comparison.
I don't even know how they even sold 1 of these in America considering that we're obsessed! With big trucks and V8s..
Interesting video. Glad I watched. I was thinking of getting one to tow behind my little 22 ft motorhome. If parts are that hard to find and how many shops will work on them? What did that replacement cost the owner, parts, shipping and labor? These are still bringing 10k and up on Carvana.
That was excellent, you answered alot of questions I had about this vehicle.
Even Renaults as big as the early R20´s had 3 lug wheels along with the smaller stuff like R4,5 12,14 15 17´s
Always entertaining watching an American trying to understand something made elsewhere. "Its so weird, it's so weird" Lol.
Atleast this engine is larger than the 0,8 L diesel version with 45 HK.
Next time you're going to comment on a car, read about it. Make sure what it is before making stupid comments.
The smart car is actually extremely safe in an accident
Fun fact. You can fit a washing machine in the rear( Europe)
The problem that had me cursing and spitting blood was the fact that the AC pulls in hot air from right next to the radiator
A panoramic sunroof that turns the car into a greenhouse, with miserable weak and AC that's trying to cool hot air down to... less hot made me want to drive this thing headlong into a brick wall
Do you have a video showing how to clean the AC drain line.
Mr Wizard,
Simi trucks are using automated manual
transmissions more & more as of late.
Probably because the industry
offers short pay and no one who will accept
those wages knows how to drive a 18 speed.
!
You are exaggerating and I think you are spreading cheap advertising about this car. I have owned this car for four years and it is amazing
I'd drive one. Looks like a good car for someone to learn how to drive in
This car in 2012 cost here in brazil the same as a GM cruze. I really like the car, but it's pricey and the maintenance is hard to do in my city. I see them often being driven by old people.
Wizard, I drive an ‘06 four two for 5+ years. I’m a big man and it was the most comfortable car I’ve ever driven but the short wheelbase made for a bouncy ride on potholed streets. As for safety, my car was killed when I was hit head on when a person turned into me while I was driving 60km/h. The triton roll cage which surrounds the passenger compartment did its job. None of the glass broke, both doors still opened and my only injury was bruises from the lap belt. I miss that car and would own one again in a heartbeat.
That was part fo the reason the cars were a failure. In order to make such a small car safe they had to add a lot of heavy bracing in the car. The result was a much heavier car than you would imagine. Over time they reached a weight of more than a ton. Which when pushed around with the small engine didn't give great gas mileage. If memory serves me it was a couple of years after they first came out that the new Honda Civic managed to beat them on gas mileage, were also cheaper and had room for twice as many people. That was really what killed them. The overly expensive and heavy safety frame led to a car that was simply not smart if gas mileage or price was your main concern.
Good for you. Thanks for sticking up for the smart car
Man if you think that's comfortable just wait until you discover leg room
they also have 7 airbags in addition to the cage. I have the EV version. I want to get a gas model too but I can't find one!
We have one here in the UK and there are loads of them here. It’s tiny by the gas guzzling American cars that’s for sure. It’s definitely not the best gearbox in the world but they are fun to drive and nippy on British roads.
I once owned a Toyota IQ3 with a multidrive and that was a better car than the Smart.
"As for safety, the ForTwo did well enough in crash tests by the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to earn the group’s highest rating-five stars-thanks to the car’s steel race-car style frame and liberal use of high-tech front and side airbags." Just don't hit a squirrel!!
It is very safe but the heavier vehicle will always win, provided it has structural rigidity. But around the city unless you are T-boned by a truck this thing as safe as any other modern car
Frames are made by Magna they are bullet proof. you do not need much steel to make a safe frame it how you engineer it. door handles window regulators fall off
Absolutely! I did my homework before buying one! This car saved my life after being broad sided by a car going 55-60 in my driver door!
They also tend to skid easily and roll over.
@@Commentator541 No actually it isn’t and proves how clueless you are. Shorter the wheel base the easier it will skid and lose control.
Car wizard looks like a bear getting out of the circus car LOL
🤣
The look on his face was priceless.
The Smart Car is a Disposable Garbage Car, which only makes sense in a city if you legally park sideways. Since only San Fransico allows that as sideways parking has resulted in many accidents in Europe, the main feature is not something you can use...
@@davidhollenshead4892 Yeah, it's also way too expensive for what it is.
@@davidhollenshead4892 exactly why would you get this car there's plenty of fantastic small cars out there like Micras Clio's ford focus Honda civic ect so many I can't think of them all
"In America, we're not used to turn around and see the back window right there in your face"... unless you drive a pickup truck!...
I miss the days of the standard cab truck.
Boom
I was just about to write the exact same comment.
and the Corvette C5 coupe
My first thought, then remembered I have a mega cab.
Older French cars had 3 lug wheels in many cases. 2CV's, Renaults, etc.
Almost all Citroens prior to the BX had only 3 wheel studs
Yes, the Renault LeCar used only 3 lug nuts.
Even peugeot
Citroën
@@cambridgemart2075 The early low power versions of the Saxo had three.
Literally did this fix myself about a year ago. Ordered the part on amazon... 👀 Had the part 24 hours after ordering.
Are they reliable
fun fact.. Smart actually stands for Swatch Mercedes Art Car
since this car is made as a collaboration by both companies.
But Swatch was smart & bailed out of the project...
Next up: a car made by Adidas and MaltOMeal...
Hoovy: " Welcome to Hoovies garage the dumbest automotive channel on TH-cam! This is a 2013 Smart car..."
Wizard: "OH FFS!"
Oh yeah. Absolutely
Never watched that channel, but a quick search shows it has triple the subs this channel has....they got beef?.....I love this channel btw just never heard of the other one so I was just curious.
No, but Hoovie's Garage has been around longer. The Wizard is Hoovie's main mechanic. Sometimes he goes to The Ninja. The Wizard is featured in a lot of Hoovie's videos. Usually telling Hoovie how much it will cost to fix his cars.
@@danhall6791 hoovie literally brought the wiz to us.
@@colliemayfill4234 and for that, we are eternally grateful.
I've been driving this same model car for around 4 years now
..
In my time having the car it's mostly been really great, it doesn't actually feel small when you're inside. I had two major problems with it though - both surrounding the gearbox actuator. To increase the car's longevity you should turn off 'eco-mode' before you drive, this stops the engine from turning off and on every time your foot's on the break.
To the 'problem' raised about using this car on the highway - it's fine!!! The smart car is in fact one of the safest small cars on the road, I've been driving back and forth on the highway with it for years, even pushing it to go 148kmph at times. Look up its safety ratings if you're worried.
Overall, a really fun car to drive.
So is it more like a motorcycle transmission? Which would make sense. Nice simple setup to make computer controled
Although I'm aware of it, the smart 451 sold here in the USA did not have this option (I forget what it's called) that shuts the engine off at stops. It seemed to me from what little I know of it, that it would severely shorten the life of the starter motor, especially in city driving.
Yeah ok, A 148 mph. Right 👍
@@abbysapples1225 The obvious implication is that the smart is slow. But, at 92 MPH (148 kph) it'll do the highest speed limit in the country all day long without complaining. Although, its driver might grumble when slow pokes hold him/her back on the entry ramps.
@@Vector_Ze dang that sounds fun! I was looking into buying a used one.
Often asked, “Hey, where’s the other half of your car?” I reply, “it’s in my bank account.”
i highly doubt that. a passat 2014 cost about 11k while one of these from the same year cost about 10k and whe i had my passat i uded to get over 30 mpg which is pretty close to this.
Yea im a bean counter too, but used prices are still way to high for used bmw reliability and fuel economy isnt that great, you can pick other cars with comparable fuel economy with 4 seats. You are buying it for the looks and attention...which is okay i guess..
@@robertdlew it’s a Mercedes with a Mitsubishi based engine, no bmw components. There are no major issues with reliability. Conversely every Vw I ever had (2 rabbits, a mk5 gti and a scirocco) have all had major issues.
Darren Griffith VW US is a total mess because of the lack of quality control. In Europe they are A)Affordable thanks to their Skoda sub brand and B)Are known to be reliable and the parts are cheap. Smart is realiable, the only real issues are motor mounts which can get loose and a leaking aircon but these are minor things. Other Mercedes products are hit and miss. Burn Money W is just not a reliable car.
Ohhh snappp
These micro cars are supposed to be really safe because of the steel cage around the frame of the car
Exactly, funny how it´s safer than most old SUVs.
I don't care what the data or crash data says, I'd choose my fuel hog F250 over this in a motor vehicle accident.
Trucks are so damn easy to flip, are you sure?
Oh sure, the steel cage will successfully contain the liquified remains of its occupants, but crumple zones are cool too.
Fifth Gear tested one at 70mph into a Concrete block!
I'll let you make your mind up whether it is considered as "safe"!!!!
I've got a little blue Smatcar, just like this one. It's peppy up hills, is easy to park, is cheap on petrol and has tons of legroom and head height inside. It's bumpy over bumps, but it's a great little car. I love it.
Doug: the smart car has 4 cup holders.
Car wizard: let's race around the car lol
Doug is a joke where Car Wizard is the real deal.
Wizard the car not starting when you put your foot on the brake may be an underlying issue of some sort? I have two 2013's and both will start with my foot on the brake. Not sure if you're going to see this, but the car should also move or as mercedes call it creep when you take your foot off the brake, just like an automatic transmission car
Just call smart dealer in Canada to get the parts and get them to ship it to you not hard we still seel them here.
Or just buy it online? A stupid sensor like that if you have the partnumber shipped from Germany is still cheap! At this size of a car other micro cars burn you pocket much harder. Smart a though and cheap
I am a A/B class driver owner still as the interior is much nicer
Rock auto seems to have that sensor
@@mrpepper45 yes, they do, I just checked it, it costs $18.78 ... plus tax and shipping, of course.
I live in ROme italy, and these are the best selling car. they are eery where and prices for a 2008 model start at 3000 euros
Italy has some of the smallest and coolest cars I’ve ever seen. I’m from Canada a small car here is massive there
In a country that has such stylish vehicles I cannot and will not understand why these would be a top seller. These things look like they belong in Korea.
@@DarkFilmDirector simply because we have literally no parking spots available since our cities where built when cars didn’t exist, and therefore a smart here will be parked anywhere possible ( sidewalk, crosswalk, on a tree stump) ahaha anywhere it fits
As an American visiting Rome, I will never forget all the tiny cars that just back up into spaces on the street, instead of parallel parking!
@@bandguy360 Paris can be the same
That "hood" is what Smart calls a "Service Flap"
They couldnt make it open like a normal hood these things werent cheap when new
@@CRAPO2011 Why make it open like a normal hood when simply unclipping it (by using the extremely simple 2 catch release levers that Wizard was clueless about) removes it completely out of the way in seconds.
@@DiscoFang in the freezing cold i rather pull a prop rod than thave to carefully remove the hood
@@CRAPO2011 bc youre used to use a rod
There’s a lever on each side of the grille that releases the hood.
Yes, thank you. What the heck was all that yanking for - google it or read the manual.
Yeah, it took me a while to work that out on our smart!
I was laughing at this guy when he ALMOST damaged the front hood by opening it the wrong way !! He will not be be MY mechanic !!! READ UP on a car before you touch it, buddy !!! hahahahahaha !!!
@@haukepowers8491 you a 🤡
@@haukepowers8491 no problem you can glue it back, it that would be an upgrade
Please, please start running around every vehicle and timing it.
How else are we going to know how big the car is!
Pretty soon, he'll look like Hoovie, with a beard.
😂😂😂
@@qx4n9e1xp ....and talent.
next car: 1959 Imperial, wizard collapses.
CW: "Now let's look underneath. Instead of the lift, Mrs Wizard is going to bench press the car while I talk about it."
Good one..lol
Pretty sure I could get the car all the way in the air with just my floor jack.
@@1337penguinman They aren't quite as light as they might look due to the thick steel in the "tridion" safety shell.
@@ferrumignis two flips and you can play 'Spin the SmartCar'
He would..hahahahahahaha !!!
The Smart has an incredibly strong safety cell. I watched a video where one was driven into concrete blocks at 70mph and the doors could still open.
But what about crumple zones?
Was on fifth gear uk tv show
Have you seen the video of Shaq O'Niel driving a new Smart car?
@@samuelbaird4983 In a SMART car, YOU are the crumple zone. The Smart marketing people said the SMART car activates the crumple zones of the OTHER car... but what if the other car is another SMART car? Doesn't sound SMART to me.
@@CareyHolzman that would be a problem.
I saw a smart car crash a VW Golf and there was a hole where the left foot of the driver would be.
remember you are driving a rear engine, single clutch Auto-Manual transmission! It is just like a supercar
There are actually smart sports cars based on this flat form :)
"It's just like a supercar, other than the looks and performance." :)
@@markh.6687 I really like the smart roadster...I only saw one in the US, someone imported it but I don't think it is road legal
@@CarlsGarage1 It may be possible to import those as "grey market" vehicles, and get them legally titled, but from what I read a while back it can be a real headache.
The wizard completely fills up that car when driving it to the lift, hilarious.
Never had that transmission issue. But as a Smart owner (9years, same gen) it is a blast to drive.
False
@@alexanderdrago7166 ?
@@alexanderdrago7166 Stupid.
I agree! Love mine 🚙💨
@@alexanderdrago7166 he likes driving it. Got a problem with that? Jerk!
The window is right behind the drivers head of any single cab pickup :) just sayin’
With roughly 6 -8 foot of truck bed behind that.
Tpklmale Willed with heavy loads that can go straight through that window and into your head.
@@Commentator541 welp that is why you tie the cargo down!
@@Commentator541 Is that how your papaw (aka Commentator539) bought the farm?
This was very embarrassing for him... He could've spent 10 minutes on the internet to find out that this is one of the most popular cars in Europe, has a Mitsubishi engine, is built by Mercedez-benz and is VERY reliable (you see a lot of cars with 200k, 300k miles and still going strong). I own a turbo charged Smart Fortwo (they only sold naturally aspirated engines in the US) and it's an amazing car.
Kinda' makes me wonder why Daimler decided against selling the turbo here...
I don’t think he was embarrassed at all. Maybe you were, for some reason, but the Wizard wasn’t.
All I can hear is Arnold saying “it’s like driving a shoe!” 🤣
Had one of these for close to five years. Wonderful city car. Mitsubishi motorcycle engine, easy to work on in your own garage. Worst part of the car was the transmission until they fixed it with a true manual. Great visibility when driving as its like being in a bubble. Low insurance payments and plastic replaceable body panels made scratches and dings not a big deal. Its a lot of fun to drive and was super reliable and great on gas.
In Australia they're 600CC and its a Mercedes BADGED engine. Might be the same engine, could be different
Yep thats correct,@@OffGridInvestor the 1.0L Petrol was a 3b20 from 2006-2014 and the 3b20t both were Mitsubishi motorbike engines. Which were the 999cc motors. The 599cc engine you speak of was the first gen sadly not available in the states which was the M160 and OM660 *diesel. Then in 2014-2019 they offered a M281 898cc and turbo made by joint operation of Ford and Mercedes and now as of 2019ish currently offering the vehicle as an electric only car.
For the first few seconds I though I had opened aging wheels video. When will you collab?
I service these at work occasionally and I always appreciate the irony that we stock the same 0w-40 Mobil for smart cars as SRT-8 Hemi V8s
The tiny engine is under the same load ;-) compared by size so
Do they have oil drain plugs in the US? Early models in the UK had no oil plugs for a spill & fill. You had to vacuum the oil out via the dipstick tube which took 45 minutes cos it was so damn thin! 🤪
Yep 3.5 qts
Yes drain plugs.
got a srt8 and thinking of getting these as a daily 😌
a guy i used to work with delivered pizza in one of these except it was straight piped and tuned and the dude was basically only ever filling up the tank like once a month maybe
They actually don't get very good mpgs.A Prius gets better. I'll have to double check but it was only like 35mpgs
Latches on the rad open the hood also your comments are a bit off it’s not chintzy it’s solid see crash videos I’d rather be in this than a Japanese subcompact that’s for sure
I have had two of these cars, (Im in the UK) they are great. They are actually very safe cars.. the triton cell (the silver part) acts like the shell fo a nut and protects the occupant.
Personally, I’d feel safer in a Lexus barge than this lol. They’re safe until an article lorry comes from behind; just need to search Smart car and artic lorry to see the impact and then you’ll never buy one again. If you literally just do city meals it might be a good buy; I’d still prefer a Toyota Yaris or a CT200h
@@Tunguska_Gamer1908 litterally everything would get crushed by a lorry, ok maybe not military tanks. you just doesnt like small cars and that is okey. but don't use that black hole down there in your bottom to talk with..
Can it float 👩🎓in water?
They protect the passengers body's for autopsy. There's no ability to absorb crash forces, very little crush zones.
@@matthewking5612 It has a 4 star NCAP rating
The tiny car with the huge smile. Believe it or not, these are very safe cars. These are engineered by Mercedes. They're pretty tough little cars. You might get dinged up quite a bit in a car accident but you will probably be OK.
Regarding the three lug wheels, the BMW Isetta from the 1960s also had three lug wheels and also had a three cylinder engine.
What's even more remarkable is that a few of these Smart cars have been LS (LS4 from the front wheel drive Pontiac GXP, Chevy Monte Carlo SS and Impala SS, and the Buick Park Avenue Ultra) V8 swapped. A LOT of reengineering and a lot of welding but it has been done.
The Citröen 2CV and AX and the Renault 4L also have 3 lug wheels.
Smart Car Tridion Shell, safest car in its class Mr Wizzard🤣🤣
Right!? I love the channel but I hate when people talk bs about what they clearly don't know. This car was the safest when it was released, maybe losing only to Renault. Plus the wizard didn't even took 5 seconds to Google how to pop the hood, the way he did could've broken it.
How many cars are in the same class?
You guys must be from Europe or somthing there are a million huge trucks that will sqash this thinh like ant in America
@@whatsreallygoingon253
We have big trucks in Europe but they don’t twist in the middle like US Semi tractors. A Smart would bounce off anything of any size. The steel frame is VERY strong.
@@davidelliott5843 im reffering to pickup trucks that are lifted to just the perfect height where the bumper would smash through the window into your face if hit at the right angle or a 34 inch swamper mud tire in your lap not fun id bet
My neighbor has one of these, loves it! It is sufficiently fast enough being so light and the interior room is much better than you would think.
I’m about 6’2” and I sat in a Fiat 500 with a similar size to the Smart car. I fit perfectly in it, was comfortable too. I fit better in it than my wagon actually
Have the same year Smart, just over 50k miles on it currently. We use it for everything, great buy for us when we got it.
What kinda MPG do you get?
How much is insurance?
@@matt23727 between 35 and 50, depends on how and where I drive. Insurance is about the same as a subcompact car. Love it
I'd love a Smart Roadster Coupe, amazing handling. As for 3 bolt hubs my Citroen GSA and many old Renaults had them.
Yes, but manual. My friend had one (and before he had the fortwo like this in the video). The transmission was damn slow as in the fortwo :(
@@AlessandroGenTLe You have to get some time to learn, how it works in manual mode.
In auto mode it is hopeless when cold, but warmed up it works ok.
In manual mode there is still some auto functions, as when stopping, it will go in 1st gear, and if over revving, it gears up. Using manual ( gearstick/flappypads), not the doubleclutch fast, but fast enuff.