Service in the USA (smart roadster?)

[Neonspinnazz]

So I've been surfing the net lately and a smart roadster just popped up in California. Of course most of us want a roadster in our garage but knowing that the car was never meant for here, is it too much of a hassle?

If one damages their body panels, they could be ordered from across the pond but how would one install them?

And are they servicable like other cars? Just order the parts and take them to get serviced at a shop or MB dealer?

These are the questions one should ask themselves before considering getting a grey-er market roadster.

So my choice is still fortwo for now but these would be nice facts to know before buying a car in a foreign land of the US of A. Because we all have a little roadster in us...

If you think you could do it, here's the link to the California roadster. Get it before it's gone!!
http://en.bhmotorcars.com/inventory.php?make=41

P.S. to anyone who might buy this car, the rear bumper valence is missing, I'd ask about it or order another one

[jimvw57]

The motor is a Mercedes with the turbo. I'd guess that most MB dealers could get parts for it. I wouldn't get it as an every day car seeing as there are very few in the USA, more of a weekend and special event vehicle.

As for replacing panels, whats wrong wih doing it yourself?? but then I have rebuilt motors and complete cars in the garage before. Just take your time and watch the details.

[briansmart]

Using Evilution - Smart Car Encyclopaedia you could do some of the repair work yourself.

However, if you have used Mercedes-Benz Repair Shops - Find a Mercedes Mechanic | BenzShops.com to find an independent Mercedes Benz repair shop to work on your 450, they would have no problem working on a Roadster. I would even venture to guess they'd want to take pictures and brag about how they're your mechanic since these are so rare. Let alone how rare they are in the US.

[Neonspinnazz]

I never thought about the 450 smart. I wouldn't own a roadster as a everyday vehicle either. A car soooo rare shouldn't be on the streets everyday...

My dream is to have a daily driver 451 and a roadster for special occasion.

At least I'm not asking for a lambo I guess...

But this will probably be years down the road, becoming a car collector...

[RACNXTG3]

lol i already had another thread w/ the same roadster. 20k is not cheap as id rather take my chances not being caught with the cops than having to pay 20k and still have no registration. And if i do happen to get by into getting one here in the US I would use it as a daily, not some trailer queen. Anyone up for some 4B11 swapping?!

[Neonspinnazz]

Originally Posted by RACNXTG3

lol i already had another thread w/ the same roadster. 20k is not cheap as id rather take my chances not being caught with the cops than having to pay 20k and still have no registration. And if i do happen to get by into getting one here in the US I would use it as a daily, not some trailer queen. Anyone up for some 4B11 swapping?!

It would be registered, as a kit car or as an import that has gotten in by a Military soldier or by other means.

A dealer wouldn't sell a car without a registration though.

So the car would be registered, but would YOU like to take chances with repairs?

I would, she's a beauty of a car...

[jimvw57]

The story I heard was that it was converted to meet the USA specs, thus the high price tag.

[Neonspinnazz]

Originally Posted by jimvw57

The story I heard was that it was converted to meet the USA specs, thus the high price tag.

It would have to be to meet not only state standards (I'm staring at you, strict California) but federal standards. The mods just jack up the price, just like with the imported 450s.

[headless]

Just to answer a few of your questions as a roadster owner.
The engine is a Mercedes Suprex 700cc turbo engine, to do an oil change the oil has to be sucked out as there is no drain plug, and it is easier to take the whole of the back end off the car to do a plug change as 3 plugs are on the top and 3 on the botton as it has 2 plugs per cylinder and the bottom ones are a pig to get to unless you take the back off, but subsoquently it means that a lot of the backs get damaged if you don't know what you are doing, I presume that is why a bit of the back is missing on this roadster, the parts are easy to get hold of at smart parts direct, and they bolt on and off the same as the for2's, but there are a few small plastic clips at the bottom that always snap as you pull them off and you have to order loads of extras clips, just in case.
If I can answer any more questions for you let me know.
Ellis

[jimvw57]

ah, send me a roadster with a 2008-2009 fortwo serial plate on it. That way customs won't hassle me.... They probably won't know the difference. (just joking)