Anyone know the pros and cons of the 2008 Mercedes Smart Car?

Car Reviews
1

I’m considering buying a 2008 Smart Fortwo, and I’ve been doing some research, but I want to gather some firsthand experiences and opinions from people.

Here’s what I’m curious about:

  • Pricing: What should I expect for a fair price?
  • Specifications: What are the key specs I should look out for?
  • MPG: How efficient is it in real-world driving conditions?
  • Performance: How does it handle both city and highway driving?
  • Common Issues: Are there any common problems that I should be aware of?
  • Buying Options: Where is the best place to find one for sale?

I’ve come across a few reviews online, but I’d appreciate any insights you guys can share. Thanks!

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2

I had a 2008 Smart Car for a couple of years. One major issue was the gear shifting problems, especially when changing from automatic to manual. Regular maintenance helps, but it’s a bit of a pain.

3

I can relate! My Smart also had electrical gremlins, especially with the headlights flickering. Replacing the fuses sometimes helped, but it was inconsistent.

4

I’ve heard other owners mention that the smart’s brakes wear out quickly. It could be the car’s weight distribution. Regularly checking them is essential to prevent bigger issues.

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5

Brakes have been a problem for me too. I replaced mine at 30k miles! You’d think they would last longer for a city car.

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6

Overall, I think maintenance can be a real challenge with these cars. Anyone tried using a specific service center for repairs? I’m looking for recommendations.

7

I often change the oil more frequently than recommended because I want to avoid engine troubles. But, I haven’t had much luck with other fixes.

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8

Are you guys finding that a lot of these issues are common across all the 2008 models? I’m curious to know if later models improved any.

9

From my experience, yes. The 2008 models had some rough patches, but the later versions seem to be better with less frequent problems.

10

I heard a rumor that the engine is quite reliable. Is that true? Or do you all think that’s just wishful thinking?

11

I’ve had decent luck with my engine, aside from the usual wear. Maybe I’m just lucky! It’s possible it varies per car.

12

Honestly, as small and quirky as the Smart Car is, I still enjoy driving it around the city despite the problems. It’s like having a pet!

13

Haha, well said! It’s definitely unique! But I wouldn’t call it a ‘pet’, unless you enjoy feeding it repairs constantly!

14

I’ve owned a 2008 Smart Car for a few years now. Regular oil changes are crucial, ideally every 5,000 miles. It makes a huge difference in performance!

15

Absolutely! I also recommend checking the tire pressure monthly. It ensures better fuel efficiency and safer handling.

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16

Great tips! Don’t forget about the air filter. A clean air filter can improve your car’s efficiency and prolong engine life.

17

Good point! Also, keep an eye on the brake pads. They wear out quicker on small cars like this.

18

I love my Smart Car, but tire care is vital. Rotating the tires every 6,000 miles helps them last longer and improves overall traction.

19

I had to replace mine earlier than expected, so definitely make that a priority if you drive often!

20

For fluids, use only manufacturer-recommended types. I learned the hard way how important it is not to skimp on quality!

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