Differences between old Smart and '08 Smart

knipdlo · 05-05-2008, 06:02 PM

Hey all! I'm new to the forums and I have a question about Smart Cars. I have been following the Smart brand since the first Smart car in Europe. I now have the chance to buy a 2001 Smart Pure, or a new orphan Smart Pure.... Obviously I can save some money by buying the 2001.. My question is- how much different are the two cars in regards to speed and safety (regarding ABS, Traction Control, etc etc..)

I know the newer cars are obviously better...but like- do the old cars have a tendency to roll over in emergency maneuvers? Are they too slow to be used on the highway? (my current car is an old Mercedes 240d thats a 4 speed with 65 hp... I know all about slow...)

Thanks!
Tim

**jwight** · 05-05-2008, 06:04 PM

See www.smartusa.com for the tech specs on the new ones. Depending on the asking price for the 2001, there may not be much savings over a new Pure.

The 450 guys can give you the info on the older cars.

bigmike005 · 05-05-2008, 06:12 PM

first of all the new smart has a totally new engine. the older smarts, the engine needs to be replaced around 60k miles

angel · 05-05-2008, 06:14 PM

A difference not asked about but important all the same ...

The new smarts have a dealership network and qualified technicians that can work on the vehicles. From what I understand from someone at the Dallas dealership they are not allowed to service gray market smart cars. Plus a new smart would have a warranty and the option to purchase an extended warranty.

bentoutofshape · 05-05-2008, 06:18 PM

Are 2001's legal? I assume they were driven over here from mexico. Make sure they can be registered. They need an epa and dot paperwork.
http://www.gnkauto.com/news.html

knipdlo · 05-05-2008, 06:28 PM

Yeah, I believe it was one of the official import cars... If not, the owner claims that it has a clear title anyway...

Do they really need the engines changed at 60k miles? That seems silly...

Dave Van · 05-05-2008, 06:37 PM

The 450 would have to be a LOT cheaper than the new Pure. The US spec 451 is a lot different. I too saw the 450 in Europe and wanted one bad...but stayed away from the 'gray market' 450's....they have some issue that might bite you....as insurance, inspection and title. If you go for the 450 do a complete research on the ins and outs!

idahosmart · 05-06-2008, 09:17 AM

I am not aware of any of the pure models being converted by G&K. AFAIK, they could only convert the 698cc engine found in the pulse and passion models for EPA specs, not the 599cc that this 2001 pure would have.

Tom

KingNine · 05-06-2008, 10:18 AM

Yeah, I was wondering where all the Zap/G&Ks ended up. About a year ago I checked with Ragin' Cajun Auto Sales in Reno and the salesman told me they had 27 in stock (!)-at $27k. I figured at that asking price,he'd be sitting on a half million dollars worth of inventory for a while.Last summer I saw one that had shown up on the lot at Carson City Suzuki. It salesman there basically asked me how much I'd be willing to pay. I told he $22k,tops. He never got back to me. There's one guy in Incline Village who has one but I've only see one other on the road in the area since then.

Smart Enuf · 05-06-2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knipdlo

Yeah, I believe it was one of the official import cars... If not, the owner claims that it has a clear title anyway...

Do they really need the engines changed at 60k miles? That seems silly...

Clear title only means there are no other parties with claims on the title (e.g., lienholders, creditors, etc.). A clear title says nothing about whether the car is actually legal to be registered and driven in your state (or even in the U.S.).