2004 smart roadster review from UK and Ireland

Leaking rain water down each door.

Front suspension coil spring corroded.

Radio sometimes losses power.

I am now the fourth owner of this 2004 smart roadster and its got a high 71,000 miles on the clock, but I got it for the bargain price of 2000. So far it’s the best £2000 I've ever spent.

Considering the mileage of the car, I can have appreciation for some of the repair work that is required on the front suspension. For this I don’t mind as the parts are reasonably inexpensive. The water leaks are common from what I hear, but there are a number of web sites that recommend solutions, but I hope that some silicone in the right places will stop this, plus I plan to park the car in the garage over the winter.

For such a small car, it handles like its on rails, the steering is so direct, a friend commented that it steered better than his Alfa. You sit very low down that adds to the excitement. Economy is second to none, okay its not the fastest car out there, but for a 0.6 engine, its faster than a few 1.4’s I’ve drove in the past. The engine does a fine down pushing this very light car through its paces.

This car isn’t for the shy and the styling is a lesson in great achievement in how a budget sports car should look, four years later it can still stop people in their tracks, who look over their shoulder as you zip by.

Be warned, this car is not ideal for use as your main car, storage is very limited, I couldn’t live full time using the semi automatic, and due to its height its not the most elegant car to step out off, but I would recommend one for a Sunday drive in a heartbeat.