FAQ: Help - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

tjc1108 · 10-17-2008, 08:15 AM

I am new at this and just a little apprehensive regarding the purchase of my Smart. I have been reading a lot of information regarding the Smart fortwo and a lot of it is not real positive. I would like to know if Smart 2008 owners are having any problems with their cars. I only have a few weeks before I make the final decission.

Basically, I will be driving my car back and forth to work and around town on small trips. I am sure that I will not be getting the optimum millage but I have expectations. There may be some highway driving from Jackson to Lansing or maybe Jackson to Chicago.

My biggest concerns are with maintenance issues and costs. I have no problem doing some things myself. I have read what individuals have paid for maintenance and I am suprized by the costs. I will be receiving my Smart from the dealership in Bloomfield Hills in Michigan. Travel time is approximately 1.5-2.0 hours and I would like to know from others who have purchased a Smart form this dealer if they are happy with the service. Thank you for you help.

John17 · 10-17-2008, 08:18 AM

Personally, I love my Smart! Its awesome!
GO FOR IT

Turbo42 · 10-17-2008, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjc1108

I am new at this and just a little apprehensive regarding the purchase of my Smart. I have been reading a lot of information regarding the Smart fortwo and a lot of it is not real positive. I would like to know if Smart 2008 owners are having any problems with their cars. I only have a few weeks before I make the final decission.

Basically, I will be driving my car back and forth to work and around town on small trips. I am sure that I will not be getting the optimum millage but I have expectations. There may be some highway driving from Jackson to Lansing or maybe Jackson to Chicago.

My biggest concerns are with maintenance issues and costs. I have no problem doing some things myself. I have read what individuals have paid for maintenance and I am suprized by the costs. I will be receiving my Smart from the dealership in Bloomfield Hills in Michigan. Travel time is approximately 1.5-2.0 hours and I would like to know from others who have purchased a Smart form this dealer if they are happy with the service. Thank you for you help.

You have to remember you are servicing your car at 10,000 miles for 180 dollar, service may seem like a lot but remember thats your first oil change. I had problems with mine at first, since I recieved one of the first ones, but nothing major everything was taken care of right away. So I have no compliants it truly is a great car.

**jwight** · 10-17-2008, 08:22 AM

You can find all the threads on maintenance issues I'm sure. Keep in mind this forum does not have all the smart owners in the USA registered, and the number of cars with problems is a fraction of the over 18 thousand in the US so far. Having said that, it's always possible something may crop up with your car, or any new car for that matter. Over 6,500 miles on ours and zero issues at this point.

As far as maintenance, 10K mile intervals, and most of the items you can DIY. Plenty of info here on oil and various filters needed. New plugs at 30K miles - probably not a DIY for the average owner, but I'm not sure why the short interval anyway. (I'm tempted to run the plugs until they begin to cause problems.)

Several folks here who use your smart center and they will probably chime in with their experiences.

Go for it - pick up your car and enjoy it. Don't think you'll regret it.

Smartfor2guy · 10-17-2008, 04:54 PM

oil and filter $33, do it yourself, what's the expense?? No more than any other car

John_H · 10-17-2008, 05:35 PM

Considering what it costs for routine maintenance on other cars, I don't have a problem with the charges for the Smart routine maintenance.

I've had no issues with the car that would detract me from purchasing again or entusiastically recommending the car to others.

mvaldes · 10-17-2008, 08:44 PM

I had an alarm motion sensor problem when the car was new. Since then, 5 1/2 months and 5200 miles, I've had nothing but joy from it. A lot of the basic maintenance seems like DIY stuff if you're so inclined. For example, the
oil change is easy - I did it with all four wheels on the ground with just a large crescent wrench and a channel lock pliers in about 20 minutes. (BTW, that's the first time I've done an oil change in about 20 years. I did it because I love the car and wanted to, not because of the expense.)
I drive it to work daily on the NYC metro area interstates with no problem. Unless you need to haul more than 2 people or lots of stuff, I can't imagine you'll regret getting a Smart.

Neonspinnazz · 10-17-2008, 10:46 PM

GET THE CAR!!! Awesome. If you order a little later (November) you can get on 09' in which a lot of bugs are fixed.

mfoster · 10-18-2008, 06:37 AM

10,000 on the first one (bought in Feb), 1,000 on the second one (bought last month). No issues at all other than trying to stay out of the car. Always looking for places to go because they are fun to drive. Oil changes are simple without jacking up the car. Oil and filter can be purchased for less than $30. Not sure about attempting plug changes at 30,000 miles. Cabin filter is a breeze to change. first time will take you two minutes, second time less than a minute once you know how to take the cover off.

RVGRINGO · 10-18-2008, 08:08 AM

We have over 17500 Km on our 2007 Passion and have had absolutely no problems. Of course, our engine is a Mercedes 3 Cylinder, six spark plug (dual ignition), while yours will be the Mitsubishi engine. Good news for you is that you don't have to suck your oil out by the dip stick tube; you actually have a drain plug, we don't.