451 Reliability Issues - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

Old smart · 11-06-2007, 06:29 AM

I have an open thread set up “over there” (UK) requesting input on reliability issues for the Euro 451 based on their earlier experiences. Like all forum threads it has meandered a little but then comes back to centricity. So, so far….

The Brits identify an occasional problem with the door locks not operating properly (or at all). It is not an issue that has been addressed and solved in the ’07 Continental 451s because apparently the UK 451s have different latches and locks (and it sounds like the same ones as the N.A. 451s). It might have something to do with their RHD configuration and/or turning part of the wiring loom backwards.

There is a problem (in France primarily) with the theft of the easy-off front access panel.

They are not overwhelmed (this may be a "yet") with the fuel consumption of the 451 as compared to the 450. Their history with the 450 has it that you need about 5K break-in miles to see expected MPGs. They (the Brits) too crave for a diesel, which they are also denied.

They don’t have much history for the Euro 451 yet, as they have only had it for about six weeks now.

As good as Evilution (http://www.evilution.co.uk/) is with the 450 and its variants, don’t look for much on the 451 soon. “Evil” himself is not going to buy a 451 and dissect it for us as he did with the 450. Apparently his size is such that he has interference with the steering column and new (for the U.S. market) dash. And, he has gotten little input from new 451 owners so far.

Carnut · 11-06-2007, 06:41 AM

Fish, glad to have you as a forum member. Your input has always been of value. Thanks.;)

DaveInTexas · 11-06-2007, 06:46 AM

I believe I have seen that thread.

Are you CallSign BULL

Old smart · 11-06-2007, 06:48 AM

Roger - Out.

Mitspowered · 11-09-2007, 10:36 PM

Thanks for checking "over there". Which UK site is it that you are frequenting?

Old smart · 11-10-2007, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitspowered

Thanks for checking "over there". Which UK site is it that you are frequenting?

http://www.smartmaniacs.co.uk/forums/forumindex.php

So far the only reliability issue I have noted with the new 451 is the door locks sometimes not working. But they haven't had the cars very long either.

lhoboy · 11-10-2007, 06:29 AM

Fish,

Great recon, thanks.

Plasmodesmata · 11-19-2007, 09:54 PM

I'm a little concerned with the overall nature of the vehicle. While I haven't seen them in person, they look VERY plastic in pictures.

saronian · 11-20-2007, 12:52 AM

I've seen and touched a US Spec fortwo in San Francisco. The fit, finish and quality of materials was excellent. Better than my expectations, better than the cars used in the tours, and better than my Scion xA.

I think you'll be impressed by the quality.

spdickey · 11-20-2007, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saronian

I've seen and touched a US Spec fortwo in San Francisco. The fit, finish and quality of materials was excellent. Better than my expectations, better than the cars used in the tours, and better than my Scion xA.

I think you'll be impressed by the quality.

I've done the same at the LA Auto Show and at the smart House in Venice, CA. The US spec cars are wonderful. And they drive even better than I remember the Euro cars at the road show or the 450s I've driven in Europe and the G+K cars across the USA.