[TADEI173]

I'm looking for a pre-owned Smart in my area. The only ones for sale are brown orange or white, not what I want. When I find the features I want, but hate the color, who still sells replaceable panels?

 

[Shalmaneser64]

Some panels are still available through dealers, and plenty of used ones on the market - ebay/salvage yards. Even here, with cars getting parted out.

 

[jwight]

Body Panels - Sale, Wanted or Swap Thread

 

[Stephen Mikkelsen]

What body style are you looking for? 451 or 453? I honestly don't know anything about the 453, or if those panels come off.

 

[TADEI173]

I'm unsure exactly which model, but am looking at a few 2016 Passions? I am new to this, so don't know where to find the 3 digit numbers some are referring to. I'm looking a only 2016 and newer as they are automatic and have power steering. I'd love to find a Green, but can live with Gray/Silver, if mileage is low. Any help with where to point me is appreciated!! I live in S. Florida.

 

[TADEI173]

I guess one other question would be, where would I look for a shop that would do the swapping out? Not sure I could on my own!!

 

[Shalmaneser64]

I'm unsure exactly which model, but am looking at a few 2016 Passions? I am new to this, so don't know where to find the 3 digit numbers some are referring to. I'm looking a only 2016 and newer as they are automatic and have power steering. I'd love to find a Green, but can live with Gray/Silver, if mileage is low. Any help with where to point me is appreciated!! I live in S. Florida.

Don’t limit yourself. The 08-15 models have an auto shifting manual transmission (no clutch pedal) and some have power steering as well.

 

[OliverB]

I'm unsure exactly which model, but am looking at a few 2016 Passions? I am new to this, so don't know where to find the 3 digit numbers some are referring to. I'm looking a only 2016 and newer as they are automatic and have power steering. I'd love to find a Green, but can live with Gray/Silver, if mileage is low. Any help with where to point me is appreciated!! I live in S. Florida.

All 2016 and 2017 gas models are 453s - the 3rd gen of smart cars. Dramatically different from the 2nd gen 451 smarts. Most 453s have the 6 speed automated manual transmission. Some are 5 speed manuals. All U.S. 453 gas models are turbocharged. Having owned both a 451 and now a 2016 453 gas model, my recommendation, if cost allows, is to go with the 453.

 

[TADEI173]

Don’t limit yourself. The 08-15 models have an auto shifting manual transmission (no clutch pedal) and some have power steering as well.

Thank you for this info. I didn't know this was an option!!

 

[TADEI173]

All 2016 and 2017 gas models are 453s - the 3rd gen of smart cars. Dramatically different from the 2nd gen 451 smarts. Most 453s have the 6 speed automated manual transmission. Some are 5 speed manuals. All U.S. 453 gas models are turbocharged. Having owned both a 451 and now a 2016 453 gas model, my recommendation, if cost allows, is to go with the 453.

Thank you very much!! That (and learning what "automated manual transm" was!!!) gives me more to look at. Thanks!

 

[Jo e Lefors]

Thank you very much!! That (and learning what "automated manual transm" was!!!) gives me more to look at. Thanks!

I recommend against buying any smart for two. If you absolutely must have one. Get the 453
Forget about the 451 08-15 compared to the 453 they are garbage. The 451 has offers a problematic transmission, terrible ride quality, smaller interior.
Personal opinion.
Considering dealer, service and parts for this orphan car. You would be better off with a car that is still sold here and that is easier to get service on.
Good luck

 

[Igor Barbaros]

I recommend against buying any smart for two. If you absolutely must have one. Get the 453
Forget about the 451 08-15 compared to the 453 they are garbage. The 451 has offers a problematic transmission, terrible ride quality, smaller interior.
Personal opinion.
Considering dealer, service and parts for this orphan car. You would be better off with a car that is still sold here and that is easier to get service on.
Good luck

I second that. Don't get a smart, but if you really must get the 453. Preferably a 5 speed

 

[Shalmaneser64]

I suspect that some of us with 451s might take offense to them being called garbage. I certainly do. Personally, I prefer the looks of the 451 over the 453. I’m quite happy with my spartan interior and non-turbo engine, thank you very much. The cars do what they need to do just fine. And considering that there were a hell of a lot more 451s sold than 453s, spare parts might be something to consider. 87,562 451s vs 11,238 453s.

Year	Sales	Growth	Market Share
2008	24,622		0.19
2009	14,595	-40.72	0.14
2010	5,927	-59.39	0.05
2011	5,208	-12.13	0.04
2012	10,009	92.19	0.07
2013	9,264	-7.44	0.06
2014	10,453	12.83	0.06
2015	7,484	-28.40	0.04
2016	6,211	-17.01	0.04
2017	3,071	-50.56	0.02
2018	1,276	-58.45	0.00
2019	680	-46.71	0.00

Buy what YOU like. You’re the one who’s going to be driving it.

 

[Igor Barbaros]

I suspect that some of us with 451s might take offense to them being called garbage. I certainly do. Personally, I prefer the looks of the 451 over the 453. I’m quite happy with my spartan interior and non-turbo engine, thank you very much. The cars do what they need to do just fine. And considering that there were a hell of a lot more 451s sold than 453s, spare parts might be something to consider. 87,562 451s vs 11,238 453s.

Year	Sales	Growth	Market Share
2008	24,622		0.19
2009	14,595	-40.72	0.14
2010	5,927	-59.39	0.05
2011	5,208	-12.13	0.04
2012	10,009	92.19	0.07
2013	9,264	-7.44	0.06
2014	10,453	12.83	0.06
2015	7,484	-28.40	0.04
2016	6,211	-17.01	0.04
2017	3,071	-50.56	0.02
2018	1,276	-58.45	0.00
2019	680	-46.71	0.00

Buy what YOU like. You’re the one who’s going to be driving it.

Aren't the 453 still being made in Europe?

 

[Shalmaneser64]

Aren't the 453 still being made in Europe?

Sales figures are for the United States. Sorry, should have stated that.

 

[1stiski]

We own two 451’s and one 453 , we enjoy driving all three !!! Each has its own feel and ride . Our 09 451 gets the most road time . It’s fun to drive and completely stock . The 15 Brabus is also a fun ride , different feel from the 09 . The 17 453 is yes more powerful and has a smoother ride , yet it’s not always the pick of the pack . Get what you like and can afford , go and spend a couple bucks and get a wrap of the color you want without the hassle of switching out panels . Good luck and enjoy whatever you get

 

[jwight]

Until 2022, the ForTwo will continue to be built at Smart's factory in Hambach, France, and production of the ForFour will continue at Renault's plant in Novo Mesto, Slovenia. The two Smart cars share underpinnings with the Renault Twingo.

After 2022, the Hambach factory will build electric cars for Mercedes.

Daimler, Geely will relaunch Smart as China-based EV brand

The Smart brand will be expanded into the subcompact segment and will build all future models in China in a joint venture owned by Daimler and Geely Holding.

europe.autonews.com

 

[TADEI173]

I recommend against buying any smart for two. If you absolutely must have one. Get the 453
Forget about the 451 08-15 compared to the 453 they are garbage. The 451 has offers a problematic transmission, terrible ride quality, smaller interior.
Personal opinion.
Considering dealer, service and parts for this orphan car. You would be better off with a car that is still sold here and that is easier to get service on.
Good luck

I appreciate you have an opinion. For the driving I do, a Smart is my choice. I wouldn't have joined this panel, if it was a guess. Thank you.

 

[khlam]

I'm looking for a pre-owned Smart in my area. The only ones for sale are brown orange or white, not what I want. When I find the features I want, but hate the color, who still sells replaceable panels?

Keep in mind that 451 and 453 are two different models of Smart, in shape, form and size. Most of their parts are NOT interchangeable. Also, they have electric drive models too. For some reason, many people, when they talk about Smart Fortwo, they tend to assume it as 451.
I bought my pre-owned Smart Fortwo 453 DCT 6 months ago and had many confusing hours reading about it online.
Here were my decision tree when I finally decided to buy:

• Are you into service the car yourself?
  • dealer services are expensive
  • local mechanics reliable and willing to service Smart may be hard to find
• 451 or 453?
  • 451 parts are easier to find on the internet as there were relatively larger number of vehicles sold since 2008 (comparing to 453)
  • 453 only sold in the US since 2016 but not selling it any more
• How will you use your car (daily driver or as a "2nd car")?
  • 451 may have more "troubles" as you can read online. But most of them are known issues and fixable if you are handy. More after-market parts available and more knowledgeable people online if you need help
  • there are less information online about 453 as it is relatively "new" but so far, not too many major issues.

Good luck on your decision. By the way, if you don't like the color, I think car wrapping may be an option too.

 

[TADEI173]

Thank you! I appreciate all the input. I've already begun checking to see what mechanics in my area work on Smarts. Hopefully, by the time I locate one I will be all set! Thanks again!