Service costs

[ohiomarty]

I just placed my order for a Smart Car and was wondering about the cost of things down the road, like a new battery. (that turned out to be very expensive in my VW Bug). also brakes. I am also interested in how the transmission holds up. I currently drive a stick and have not had a transmission problem in years.

[Old smart]

Difficult to answer. Once a smart is delivered through one of the various dealers, maintenance and repair prices can vary depending on how the dealers run their businesses. I would asssume that the wholesale parts prices coming out of the smart supply depot in Tulsa are the same, but labor rates and shop fees (maybe even mark-up rates) are up to the dealers.

There have been some transmission shifter glitches, but I don't think anyone has summarily busted a box yet.

[PerryA]

You could ask the dealer about the 'standard hours' for various repairs you are concerned about. Many of the aftermarket parts you would buy for another car aren't showing up yet. For instance, look for a tail light bulb in the guide at your parts dealer and Smart isn't listed. (search here for leads from other Smart owners who have done replacements or searched for parts)

Anything the dealer does is bound to be expensive. Unfortunately, I'm waiting to do any non-dealer maintenance until the warranty has run its course. Don't want them to say my mechanic screwed something up and not honor the warranty (though I trust my mechanic).