In this guide we explore buying a used smart, the things you should look out for, buying private and from a dealer, and the major pitfalls of buying a used smart.

The smart fortwo

Originally known as the city coupe, or even just the smart car, the fortwo is the original 'smart' car. The older models (pre-2003) have 600cc turbocharged engines producing between 45 and 55bhp. The brabus usually comes with 74bhp.

They come in a range of four trim levels, along with some special editions, if you're buying used, it's a good idea to try to find a more highly specified trim level.

1st Generation (1998 to 2002)

The first generation has 600cc engines, and come as standard with Trust or Trust+ traction control and ABS. These can be identified by the almond shaped lights. Earlier cars (pre 2001) usually have transverse leaf spring suspension, later models have mcpherson strut suspension.

Pure
This is the base model of the range, it has steel wheels, and the least power, it comes with a metal roof as standard. Usually comes with an AM/FM radio, and that's about it. Black tridion and solid colours as standard. All come with softip transmission (semi-automatic)

Pulse
The pulse is the 'sporty' model of the range, usually comes with wider alloy wheels, and may have air-conditioning as an optional extra. Can have softouch as an optional extra, and may have a glass roof also as an optional extra. May have silver or black tridion. Usually have 55bhp.

Passion
The passion is the top specification for the standard smarts, usually have 55bhp, they come with air-conditioning as standard, a glass panoramic roof, as well as alloy wheels, some early models come with fog lights as standard as well, and all come with silver tridion.

Brabus
The brabus is based on a passion specification, but come with brabus bodykit, brabus interior parts (pedals, handbrake, and interior trim), and brabus mapped engine, usually have 74bhp or more, depending on which brabus model.

Things to look out for on 600cc models

The first thing to remember is that most of the underside, and outside of these cars is clad in plastic, so supermarket door dings are nothing to worry about, however, the engines on these are fairly fragile if not serviced regularly.

Turbo manifold on a 600cc engine. Wastegate actuator arm shown. This is what it should look like! Look for patches and cracks around the area where the wastegate arm pivo connects. Also check for any missing studs.

1st Generation 600cc Facelift (2002-2003)

This is known as the Mk6 on the smart forums, all come with the same specification as the previous generation, but have new peanut shaped headlights, all trim levels are the same as above. Can be identified by the SMART badge on the front of the panels as opposed to the new C> badge. The pulse spec engine is now upgraded to 61bhp. Turbo manifold is updated to have a bridge section to help prevent cracking.

1st Generation 700cc (2003 to 2007)

These have the same looks as the 600cc facelift, but the engine has been upgraded to 700cc to comply with Euro IV emission standards. The pure model now has only 45bhp, and the standard cars 61bhp. The Trust+ has been replaced with a full ESP system with Acceleration Skid Control.

Things to look out for on 700cc models

The turbo is updated to include an Exhaust Gas Recirculation route. This manifold is less prone to cracking than the 600cc model, but some have been known to crack. So keep an eye on the turbo.

Points to look out for on all models:

• Blue smoke on starting - This may point to valve stem seal failure
• Blue smoke on acceleration - This may point to piston ring failure, or top breather pipe blockage
• Black smoke on acceleration - Turbo oil seal failure
• White smoke on acceleration - Head gasket failure
• Cracks in the turbo manifold
  
• Water ingress from the rear windows, this is usually apparent from water staining.
• Water ingress from the front windscreen, usually shows up as wet carpets on both driver and passenger side
• Water pump may be noisy
• Timing chain may by noisy, check through the oil filler cap to see if it has good tension.
• Check for any emulsion like substance on the oil filler cap.
• Check for low/high oil level, smarts are very prone to over and underfilling, oil should be between min and max
• Make sure you get a full service history, doesn't have to be a smart service history though!
• Cabriolets can have issues with the roof motors, check that the recall work has been done.
• On later models, check the front springs for cracks, they're prone to snapping off the top of the spring.

Ebay

If you're looking to buy a car on ebay make sure you always get an HPI check, that will tell you if the car has been stolen, or written off at any point. There's bargains to be had on ebay, but be wary, if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is too good to be true. They virtually never come with a warranty, so once you've bought it, that's it.

Private sales

You may well find a bargain scouring the free ads, or in Autotrader, or Exchange and Mart, but the same rules apply as Ebay, buyer beware! Make sure you know what you're looking for, make sure the V5 is present, and they have a good service history, if not a full service history.

Independant Dealers

They're cheaper than main dealers, and have a variety of cars, including modified, and older models if they're a smart specialist. Most will be willing to haggle for a smart enthusiast, you can usually part exchange a car, and you get a warranty usually 3 months, and have the backup of it being an independant dealer who specialises in smarts. Try smarts4u , cambridge smart cars , wellsmart , and smartarse design. Other smart specialists are available.

Main Dealers

Main dealers usually have newer cars, and you pay a premium for this, but you get the backup of usually a 6 to 12 month warranty and a main dealer check and service on the car. If you want and need the backup of a main dealer then those are the places to go. You can try haggling the price down, and of course you can usually part exchange a car.

Best buys!

It really depends what you're after, but usually the best to go for is a Passion, they have the best trim level, and keep their value. Avoid any cars with a dubious service history. Pre-2001 models are only available in left-hand drive and are slightly dearer to insure, they're also dearer to tax as they fall in the £115 (correct at time of publishing) bracket. If you can find one, then a left-hand drive diesel are great for keeping their value, and they're cheap to run.