Smart Roadster Coupe Brabus

Anyone know much about these or owned one?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201304296502101/sort/locasc/usedcars/model/roadster-coupe/make/smart/onesearchad/used/radius/60/page/1/postcode/st174qd?logcode=p

I really like the look of them but know nothing about them, whether they're good or a bit rubbish. I know they're not fast, around 100bhp and 0.7L but outright speed doesn't bother me so long as its fun.

This was my little Suzuki around 10 years ago and was a complete blast, the 3cyl turbocharged engine was amazing and just revved and revved and handled on a sixpence, wished I'd never sold it now, although rust was a problem on them :( Just fancy something similar.



Cheers,

Tim.
 
I've heard they are pretty good.. but for me? erugh. If you want something small and fun to throw around, MX5
 
I'd love to see the roof coming off on that - says it is electric, but where does it go :?

In all honesty, whilst I quite like the exterior styling that interior is very, very dated. Now if it had black and red leather all over the place that would be ace 8)
 
sk93 said:
I've heard they are pretty good.. but for me? erugh. If you want something small and fun to throw around, MX5

Cheers, to be honest I'm just not an MX5 fan, I bought the Z3 over an MX5, I have a bit of a thing for small capacity high revving engines i.e. 3 cyl turbocharged :oops:

Tim.
 
Bing said:
I'd love to see the roof coming off on that - says it is electric, but where does it go :?

In all honesty, whilst I quite like the exterior styling that interior is very, very dated. Now if it had black and red leather all over the place that would be ace 8)

lol don't the roof panels lift out :?

Agree on the interior which doesnt quite match the exterior, I think it was dated when it came out but then I've got the Z3 which is not exactly modern inside :)

Tim.
 
They're pretty zippy, but parts cost a fortune. A friend needed a new exhaust. That'll be £1000 sir!

IIRC one review described it as a modern day MG midget and he wasn't wrong :thumbsup:
 
Z3 interior still looks better than that... Weird, says it has an electric roof - you've made me curious now, going for a google...
 
We had a guy join up in last 6 months from a Brabus Smart , you'l have to trawl back through the newbies :wink:
 
Okay, the cloth bit is electric, but I guess you need to take the sides off and stow in the boot :

[youtube]dj_aMvJEf9Q[/youtube]
 
I quite like the look of these things. Saw a nice black one with black wheels a month ago on AT.
 
You can only get them with a semi-auto so no clutch pedal and the changes are supposed to be slightly pedestrian.
On the plus side they look great and interior space and driving position are excellent.
 
Do people really find these things good looking?

I'm not wanting to start a war, or even put you off, but I look at them and just see horrible lines, half-baked design ideas and a front bumper design that looks like they took a Ford KA front and added wings to the outside of the bumper.
sorry, but it's horrid imo.

:tumbleweed:
 
I think they look funky, chunky and cool. Nice proportions and stance, twin centre exhaust.
And amazing wheels :D
 
Thanks for the replies, didn't realise the roof was fabric but no big deal :) Agree I think they look pretty cool and love the wheels although I understand they corrode badly and the alloy is soft. Only thing I don't like design wise are the roof/hatch hinges which look a bit naff. Been doing a little research on them and seems the door seals are a weak spot with many owners having wet carpet issues so something I need to look out for, this one is up for sale near to me so may go and have a look.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-SMART-ROADSTER-COUPE-BRABUS-xclusive-Showroom-condition-First-2c-will-buy-/181180086520?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a2f2cb8f8

Also wandering how easy they are to service as I won't be taking one to a Merc Dealer :o

Tim.
 
I had a look round the ones on AT - one of them had a hard top in a bag hanging on the guys garage wall, so I guess you can leave the fabric down and put the tin top on, much like the Z but it's only a single panel.
 
I don't mind them at all

I had a look around this one while I was looking a 4x4's

http://www.whitecottagecarcentre.co.uk/used-cars/smart-roadster-brabus-2dr-auto-mirfield-201326520395306
 
I owned a smart brabus roadster coupe a couple of years ago, they're great fun and handle very well, however even in brabus spec they feel quite underpowered for their handling capabilities.. I never really got on with the gearbox, and although I never experienced any leaking problems, if the roof isn't attached correctly with all the seals lined up, then leaks will happen. It always got lots of attention though. Andrew.
 
I know someone that had one and they rated it as THE most fun car they had ever owned. It's not fast but it handles so well that you can have fun in it all day long without being at life threatening speeds.

The gearbox is everyones main complaint but I believe you can have the software updated (relatively cheap to do) and it makes a massive difference.
 
Cheers for the replies, I need to organise a test drive as it will be replacing the Z3 so it will need to be good and worth while swapping and then decide if to sell the Z3 privately or trade in if I can find a low mileage Brabus at a dealer. Theres a private sale close to me but not too keen on a modded example.

Tim.
 
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