Reliability issue - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

olddude · 02-18-2009, 08:29 PM

I live 300 miles from a smart center dealer and what kind of relibility does this vehicle have? I can't justify purchasing one if I have to take it to the dealer every 2 weeks for some warrenty work to be done. Help this old retired person and give me some feedback please. Thanks

SunDiego · 02-18-2009, 08:31 PM

I have 4,000 miles on mine and no problems so far. It's extremely reliable.

Duckhunter · 02-18-2009, 08:32 PM

over 3000 and no problems

NCC1701 · 02-18-2009, 08:36 PM

I also live 300 miles from my nearest dealer. Today is #223 of ownership, or a little over seven months. Almost 6,000 miles on the odometer.

So far, nothing severe enough to warrant a return to the dealer ... I haven't been back since I took delivery. I've sold my previous car and my smart is now my only vehicle. I'm not retired, but I'm pretty dang old.

No guarantees your results will be the same, of course. But, as others pitch in I'm sure you'll see that visiting the dealer for warranty work is not likely to be a routine.

Neonspinnazz · 02-18-2009, 08:42 PM

0 miles, 0 smart, but I'd take it from these guys, I'd rather roll around in a reliable smart than in a rusted up junker!

P.S. any problems you do have, many can actually be fixed with minimal DIY.

shellscale · 02-18-2009, 08:43 PM

I have had Squirt since December 27th with NO problems. 2,500 miles, MPG is running between 37 and 40 MPG. Lots of city driving.

Thanks,

Richard D. Shell
Troutville, VA

John_H · 02-18-2009, 08:54 PM

The minor things that got the earlier cars may not be a problem anymore. This included a sensor (apparently) misreporting its status resulting in a check engine light (P0410) and also a "stuck shifter" which was a 5 minute task to lube a button on the shift knob. Neither of those issues were serious even though the check engine light is always a little scary to see; a quick trip to Autozone for a free scan reveals the innocuous P0410.

You should be well set. Besides "usa" isn't that far from the nearest Smart Center.

smart fortimo · 02-18-2009, 09:06 PM

Ol'Dude

I'm 220 miles from a dealer. I've had mine since May 14, driven 14.5K miles, and have been to the dealer once back on Halloween for 10K checkup and oil change.

I'll admit-- it's a leap of faith, but I say go for it!... AND surround yourself with other smart owners who are mechanically inclined.

They are usually a very helpful and spirited group.

Cheers,
Timo

Ahpsi · 02-19-2009, 06:05 AM

6800 miles on the odometer, no dealer visits, 33.4 avg. mpg. Dealer is 50 miles away. Go for it!

headless · 02-19-2009, 06:42 AM

Had my smart since June 04, and have 22,000 on the clock, and it has been faultless, so go for it, it is a brilliant little car that makes you smile every time you drive it, not many cars do that!
My dealer is 4 miles away, but may as well be 300 as I have had no issues, although it was recalled by smart for minor issues the first year I owned it, so maybe that would be a problem if you are 300 miles away.
Ellis.