Smart topic in the MB Forum, call the Cops! ForFour BRABUS

[Andrew D]

I'm not sure if this is the correct forum for Smart topics, but I suppose it's a close as it gets (strange there isn't a dedicated one on PH...).

I'm considering a ForFour BRABUS and was wondering if anyone had experience of them. I used to own a Roadster Light, which I adored, and I've briefly driven a ForFour at a launch event, although it was a base model. I understand that the residuals from new were pretty horrendous, but at £11k they seem a good deal now. I'm particularly interested to know if anyone has any comments on;

Performance:- Does it feel quick like the other Smarts do, does it have the playful nature of the other cars or is there too much Mitsubishi in the mix?

Interior:- Is it a nice place to be, does the glass roof help, does anyone know about the sunroof?

Economy:- It's say 40mpg+ in the literature, is this realistic?

Thanks.

[J500ANT]

Andrew D said:

I'm not sure if this is the correct forum for Smart topics, but I suppose it's a close as it gets (strange there isn't a dedicated one on PH...).

I'm considering a ForFour BRABUS and was wondering if anyone had experience of them. I used to own a Roadster Light, which I adored, and I've briefly driven a ForFour at a launch event, although it was a base model. I understand that the residuals from new were pretty horrendous, but at £11k they seem a good deal now. I'm particularly interested to know if anyone has any comments on;

Performance:- Does it feel quick like the other Smarts do, does it have the playful nature of the other cars or is there too much Mitsubishi in the mix?

Interior:- Is it a nice place to be, does the glass roof help, does anyone know about the sunroof?

Economy:- It's say 40mpg+ in the literature, is this realistic?

Thanks.

Performance: Yeah great, I thought it was really quick! Torque steer galore though. However the car has no character at all, no buzzy little 3cyl engine thrumming away behind you. I had mine rolling roaded and it was 15bhp down on the manufacturers claims too, despite running on the mandatory super unleaded.
Interior: Yes its ok, leather everywhere but the seats hardly hold you and the leather facings dont help. I dont recall seeing a BRABUS with an opening sunroof.
Economy: Driven like Miss Daisy 40mpg can be achieved. Expect 30mpg or less.

Servicing: every 6000miles it needs an oil change, the "proper" services are done at some point but no-one really knows when. I went for 6k oil change then 12k for an A service. Cambelt change is an engine out job @ 62,000miles. IIRC plugs for the B service are £100 a set......
Insurance: Group 17iirc. A lot of money.
Running costs: Tyres - I managed 20k from the fronts (£140each for Michelins), servicing is an arm and a leg job from the dealers. The warranty is 2yrs only. I had a new gearbox, new steering rack and all new front suspension to cure noises. Depreciation WAS horrid, I lost £10k in 18months and 25k but if you only pay £11k it shouldn't be too bad.

Would i get another? Nope! Ok so its discreet and you can give MCS and GTi owners a pasting but the novelty wears off quick enough.

Send me an email via my profile if you want to know more.

Edited by J500ANT on Tuesday 24th April 18:49

[markmullen]

I ran one as a company car for a while and whilst it was quick and fun to drive my overwhelming memory is that of it being very very firm, to the point of being uncomfortable (and its not like I haven't owned firmly sprung cars before, this was just too harsh).

I have a good contact at smart dealer if you need any help in finding one, just email me through my profile.