If this doesn't make you want the roadster I don't know what will

[Dougg]

Some folks like cool-looking convertibles and roadsters, some figure a solid top is good for protection from the elements... whether sun, snow, or road rash. Takes all kinds!

[headless]

The thing with roadsters is the variable build quality, some were built well, so no leak problems, then others were, what we call a Friday afternoon build, slapped together with a that will do, it's Friday after noon, let's **** off early, attitude.
I can state though that I have had my roadster for 4 years now from new, had it serviced at the right times and not had an ounce of trouble with anything, no leaks or anything dropping off, is does live in a nice warm garage and I use my 4x4 if the weather is really bad though, it is perfect as a second car, I think that people have trouble more if it lives outside and is used every day.

[superstevie]

I'm on my 3rd roadster, and only one of them caused me any problems. It leaked the day after i bought it, and a SAM unit was replaced. My 2 others were left hand drive, and never leaked. Its not just the leaks though, there are many niggly problems that another year of development would have cured i reckon. Smart were loosing money though and brought it to the market too early. Its ashame, because i love my car! The current one is a Left hand Drive roadster with a 61 bhp engine and it has been running smoothly for 6 months in my hands. Its currently living in Scotland at the moment, won't get my hands on it for another couple of weeks, when I move there. I can't wait!

[eozhabes]

Not all cars perfect guys, I use mine everyday and am not complaining (well there are bigger cars in the household if needed) just drive, and have bowl (am I rubbing it in now?)

[roadsterBOJ]

Originally Posted by Fredvon4

IN fact if you follow many of the Brit and German forums the roadster is a real pain to feed and care for... most notably it is a leaky monster and not well suited to rainy weather

I can think of several kit cars that have more power, better handling and more well behaved electronics... hummm where is that "23 "T" bucket brochure?

I will not say a pain, I have not spendt that much on my car, Take services myself doe. Mine has not leaked much, A tiny bit along the mirror on driver side thats it. If you treat it right there is no reason for it to break.. And mine is remaped to 1,5 bar chargingpressure and still on original clutch and turbo.. almost 80 000km now.. They say clutch last about 40 000km but mine has last twise with max remap, And if you change oil around every 5000km ( ye i know but we on **********.no use to do this youst to be shure many of us and its only 3,5 litres every time:P ) then there is no especialy reason for the turbo to brake. You all must remember that many of the pepole buying smart in the first place do not know how to be an mecanic, I do sort of so its easy for me.

[2005smartcdi]

Perhaps Mercedes will reconsider the smart Roadster now that VW has given the green light to their BlueSport Roadster. What a beautiful concept car and TDI to boot! Where do I sign up?

2005smartcdi ...

[epbrown]

If I were CEO, I wouldn't make another model until the company was in the black. Way in the black. PorscheAG-type, deep-pocket, we-could-buy-Daimler style black. The company would have been profitable years ago if they hadn't tried to develop so many models before. I don't get why so many car companies think they have to be all things to all people, rather than stick with what they're good at (Lomborghini Estoque? Porsche Panamera?).

[krassegrand]

Originally Posted by Fredvon4

IN fact if you follow many of the Brit and German forums the roadster is a real pain to feed and care for...

Thats tru about most cars, if You read the forums You will get the wrong impression.

[arieletvizir]

The Smart Roadster is a so different car!

The first time I pushed the "start engine" of mine, all people in cars arround me could see my smile on my face!

Everybody do since two years now. I'm never sad in my Smart Roadster.

THIS IS A CAR MADE FOR HAPPINESS!!!!!!



What is better than one Smart Roadster? Two Smart Roadsters



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[putzie]

first job i did when i bought my roadster was take it apart and seal up the bulk head also meshed the front scuttle as where the blower sucks in air to heat the car is on one side , it then has to go past the wiper motor and tray/tub to reach the blower which is why leaves and debris gets dropped into the tub then blocking it and then it fills up over time and becomes dlow to drain , this means it knackeres the wiper motor as it will not like being submerged in water and then the seals eventually fail and the water leaks into the car with the sam unit just below this exact point !!!!!! doh