2003 Smart

[cch4000]

I'm considering purchasing a 2003 Smart for my wife. It has less than 10,000 miles on it. I know very little about this cute little car. How realiable are they? Are parts available? If anyone can advise me it would be greatly appreciated.

[Mehdi]

Why buy used when you can buy her a new one?! These cute little things aren't expensive are they? I'd rather use the price of a used one as a down payement if needed.
Oh yeah they are reliable. They are made by Mercedes, they've been in Europe for over a decade. They have a safety cell that wraps around the whole occupants space and it serves as a cockpit pilot like in nascar! Verrry solid little thing..plus 4 airbags, ABS, ESP , ...etc

[jefferios]

I'm not sure about the 2003 models as I have little knowledge about them. You will have much better service with the 2008/2009 smarts as the dealerships here know and stock more parts. For a 2003, you would have to order parts which would add a significant delay and cost to repairs.

[smart2]

You can search e bay for the average price , several on there now , the 03 may have only 2 air bags, is it a diesel? if so parts are available in Canada, some of the parts will fit on a gas model, the Mercedes dealers in the usa won't work on anything older than 08 or sell parts, i have two 2002 , bought the first one in july 04 , i drive one almost daily, it dont have the P on the shifter and its a 6 speed, 50 mpg highway, i like it!

[cch4000]

Thanks for your help! It was very helpful. I quess I am part of the smart family now. Does anyone know where to buy maintenance items (ie. filters, belts, hoses, brake pads, etc.)

[Neonspinnazz]

Originally Posted by cch4000

Thanks for your help! It was very helpful. I quess I am part of the smart family now. Does anyone know where to buy maintenance items (ie. filters, belts, hoses, brake pads, etc.)

Your local dealer's service center or approved service shop.

(bolded words) Indeed, but one question, what is the asking price for the 03'?

I'd still go for the 09' though it'll take some time, even for the Orphan program.
This site should provide all the info you need!

BTW - Welcome to SCOA!

-neon- 16yr old smart enthusiast.

[idahosmart]

You can get service parts for the 2002-2006 model smart cars from several vendors, including:

G&K (did the conversions on these cars for the US) at gnkauto.com

SmartCarParts LLC in South Carolina at smartcarparts.us

Flying Tiger in Canada at flyingtiger.ca

Tom