do you know..? (car's longevity)

[andy'smart]

Hi. Im new and have lots of questions for other smart owners.

I have tried to speculate on the lastability of our drivetrain system, but its just too new. The guy at the dealership told me it should go at least 100k, but others say (I would have to agree) that because of its small size, it runs faster.. thus.. lowering lifetime lastability. What is the safest top speed to go IYO? That little engine has GOT to be going good at 70!

- I couldnt love my car more tho!!!!!!!!!!!!

[paroyboy]

If you look on E-Bay at early Geo Metros which also had a one liter three cylinder, 100K miles seems on the low side. Not real familiar with Mitsubishi engines but I would think they're at least as good as a 15 year old Suzuki design! Also think it mostly depends on how its treated.

[forestacademy]

Since these cars have been on the road for 10 years, there should be some Europe stats on this.


Any one from the EU have any stats on this?

[Westfield 11]

Originally Posted by andy'smart

Hi. Im new and have lots of questions for other smart owners.

I have tried to speculate on the lastability of our drivetrain system, but its just too new. The guy at the dealership told me it should go at least 100k, but others say (I would have to agree) that because of its small size, it runs faster.. thus.. lowering lifetime lastability. What is the safest top speed to go IYO? That little engine has GOT to be going good at 70!

- I couldnt love my car more tho!!!!!!!!!!!!

I believe that the engine is turning about 3000 rpm at 70? That's only 1/2 way to redline, at that rate it ought to last for well over 100k miles. At 90 it's still a long way from redline, I would be more concerned about over revving in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear.

[Quagmire]

FYI... The 100,000 Km Club - Club smart Car

[rfernatt]

Originally Posted by paroyboy

If you look on E-Bay at early Geo Metros which also had a one liter three cylinder, 100K miles seems on the low side. Not real familiar with Mitsubishi engines but I would think they're at least as good as a 15 year old Suzuki design! Also think it mostly depends on how its treated.

Agreed. The greater use of synthetic oils and better materials/techniques should also improve the longevity situation, if the car is cared for appropriately.

[paroyboy]

Originally Posted by forestacademy

Since these cars have been on the road for 10 years, there should be some Europe stats on this.


Any one from the EU have any stats on this?

Its a Mitsubishi motor now though, not the Mercedes it used to be

[jediknight36]

Originally Posted by paroyboy

Its a Mitsubishi motor now though, not the Mercedes it used to be

So is the first time this engine has been in production?

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by jediknight36

So is the first time this engine has been in production?

Yes, it was made for this particular application

[andy'smart]

WOW! thanks guys!! i only posted like 3 hours ago! haha.

i agree that having new oils will help. i treat that car like a baby too! thanks quagmire for the FYI. those benz ones seem to have some lastability. i think that the exclusion of the turbo can only help too. the simpler, the better. I didnt know that the geo was also a one letre. who made that for GM? was it also Mitsubishi?

what about launching from a stop with other cars? the car needs to be pushed to get going along with other cars from a stop light, but i take it slow. i feel like other people get annoyed with me for doing so. what do you guys do? I almost had someone bump me from behind when the car shifted from 1st to 2nd once! it has to be said that he was quite annoyed and sped on the shoulder around me. in that instance i was also starting on an up hill incline tho.