[Tiffany 17339]

Good afternoon everyone,
I am a new driver, have just gotten my license and I thought I would come here since I do not really understand in cars, especially the engines.
Basically, I am thinking of purchasing a second hand smart for four 1.0 71 Prime Premium from 2016.
The car has 28,000 miles, Petrol, and is auto-clutch, colour grey and Grade 1.
Now I do not really understand some things, but basically, I am being asked 12,000 euros which for me is ok, because i am from Europe and if I had to import one myself (from the UK) I would be charged the new 28% VAT and Customs fee due to Brexit and on top of that the shipping fee, therefore I found this price good. The MOT tests failed due to tire thread but the previous owner arranged it and it passed the MOT test the next day, thats all I know as far as vehicle history. (2019 vehicle history)
Anyways, what I am asking here is what is your experience with this car as I have heard that some people are having trouble with the petrol smart cars, apart from the good things I heard, I am not ready to spend thousands on maintaining the car due the car already being at such a price. So do you think in the long run it is worth it.
Moreover I was interested in a 2015 mazda demio too due to the reliability of Japan Imports, but i find the size of the smartforfour far much better living in such a small country, and I also prefer the look of the for four.
So sorry for the long Question but do you think that in the long run it would be worth it, I would highly highly highly appreciate your advice

 

[jwight]

The short answer is the forfour was not sold in North America, but the engine is the same as the fortwo we got here. It appears to be trouble free, but each car can have its own problems. Is there a Mercedes/smart dealer near you in case you have a serious problem with the car?

 

[jzchen]

2019 history, not 2020? That's over a year old and lots can happen to a car in one year. This vehicle is local that you can go see in person? Bring someone knowledgeable with cars to see it with you.

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

 

[OliverB]

The U.S. got slightly less than 10,000 smart petrol 453s before they were discontinued here. I have a 2016 with 40,000 miles and have had only one problem early on that was covered by warranty. It was a valve under the bottom of the car that a few others here on the forum also had problems with. Wasn’t an engine or transmission issue. We got the .9L turbo motor here. Which one is in the car you are interested in?

 

[Tiffany 17339]

The U.S. got slightly less than 10,000 smart petrol 453s before they were discontinued here. I have a 2016 with 40,000 miles and have had only one problem early on that was covered by warranty. It was a valve under the bottom of the car that a few others here on the forum also had problems with. Wasn’t an engine or transmission issue. We got the .9L turbo motor here. Which one is in the car you are interested in?

Hello, I am interested in purchasing the 2016 Prime Premium Smart for four with a 999cc Engine(automatic transmission)

 

[Tiffany 17339]

2019 history, not 2020? That's over a year old and lots can happen to a car in one year. This vehicle is local that you can go see in person? Bring someone knowledgeable with cars to see it with you.

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

Hello, Yes I think its because the MOT test (history) is due to be done this January, but no the car is not local I am importing it from the Uk through a dealer but actually before it will get important they will send a mechanic to view the state of the car, any rust, any accident history, and otherwise the dealer wont purchase it for me. This is a trustworthy dealer who will not go through the hassle of buying a faulty car at the expense of ruining his reputation.

When I went Car viewing I did bring someone Knowledgeable but there just was not many cars. There were a lot of Japan imports because in my country they bring a lot of the same models if they know that they sell. I am deciding to import from the UK as many do in my country since they are also left hand drive.

 

[Tiffany 17339]

The short answer is the forfour was not sold in North America, but the engine is the same as the fortwo we got here. It appears to be trouble free, but each car can have its own problems. Is there a Mercedes/smart dealer near you in case you have a serious problem with the car?

Hello, thank you for your reply. There is a Mercedes and smart dealer but it will be useless going there since I am buying a 2016 used car. But there is a very good smart mechanic near me who specialises in smart cars.

 

[smartiealbert]

Hello, thank you for your reply. There is a Mercedes and smart dealer but it will be useless going there since I am buying a 2016 used car. But there is a very good smart mechanic near me who specialises in smart cars.

Hello, Yes I think its because the MOT test (history) is due to be done this January, but no the car is not local I am importing it from the Uk through a dealer but actually before it will get important they will send a mechanic to view the state of the car, any rust, any accident history, and otherwise the dealer wont purchase it for me. This is a trustworthy dealer who will not go through the hassle of buying a faulty car at the expense of ruining his reputation.

When I went Car viewing I did bring someone Knowledgeable but there just was not many cars. There were a lot of Japan imports because in my country they bring a lot of the same models if they know that they sell. I am deciding to import from the UK as many do in my country since they are also left hand drive.

What country are you in?? I don't think you can import to USA any make/model NOT sold in USA before. Or
must wait 20 years until it is considered a "classic". And who would sell you insurance??......................

 

[jwight]

Not the USA...

 

[Tiffany 17339]

What country are you in?? I don't think you can import to USA any make/model NOT sold in USA before. Or
must wait 20 years until it is considered a "classic". And who would sell you insurance??......................

I am in Malta, Europe