Smart CDi

[chmicalcowboy]

Hey guys. I have a question regarding diesel Smart. I saw on EBay awhile back a CDi Smart for sale in FL. Supposedly it was licensed in the US. What are the legalities of say buying CDi in Canada and removing the engine, importing it and then reinstalling it, registering it as a kit car? I really want a CDi bad!!!

[Gentrification]

The problem is the EPA in the states. They are so uptight about the fact that they haven't certified them for use in the USA that they have in the past sent threatening correspondence to Canadians who were willing to sell the CDI to interested US citizens. They were actively monitoring the Canadian CsC forum for that at one time.

I know, it sounds paranoid, but it's true. With all the things that the EPA could be worried about, they were getting litigious over one of the most fuel efficient vehicles in North America.

It can be done - but you can't be overt in your inquiries or actions.

[saskdiesel]

Don't buy any Canadian CDI's..................
I'm hunting for the perfect one!
But seriously, are last years CDI's unrefined?
The one I looked at last week has serious problems with the door handles and the transmission "needed some work" according to the owner.
I never even drove it as the drivers door wouldn't open.

[Gentrification]

Nope - that sounds unusual to me. The cars that were outside all the time needed doses of graphite in the door mechanism annually. The transmission seemed to benefit from a clutch adjustment (physical and software) around 60,000 km, and most of the enthusiasts changed the transmission fluid - but that was all.