What Are Some Common Problems for the 2008 Smart Fortwo?
The 2008 Smart Fortwo has two open recalls on it which make it a less than desirable used car option.
Written by Serena Aburahma
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
In other countries, smaller
car brands
(and producers of Kei cars) aren't uncommon. These cars often have lower prices that contribute to cheap insurance
premiums. While wider American roads can accommodate bigger cars, small vehicles are very useful in crowded cities. You might not have even heard of the Smart Fortwo, which hit U.S. streets for the 2008 model year.
Are there any reasons why people don't talk about this quirky commuter car?
2008 Smart Fortwo common problems
According to
KBB
, there are currently two recalls on the 2008 Smart Fortwo. The latest one was issued in 2018 and concerns the engine compartment's rear insulation mat. It has an increased risk of causing a fire if it deteriorates and makes contact with the exhaust components.
A structure problem was reported for a small number of 2008 Smart Fortwos in August of 2007. In these examples, paint was applied to areas instead of adhesion. Due to this, it was possible that the roof and windshield could separate from the car's body.
The latter recall is so old that it has probably been fixed on the affected models. However, buyers of the 2008 Smart Fortwo should review the vehicle's history report for mentions of the latest recall.
If it hasn't been fixed, drivers are instructed to take their cars to a Mercedes-Benz dealership for a free repair.
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2008 Smart Fortwo common problems discovered by Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports
warns drivers about the elevated noise levels inside the Smart Fortwo. Most noises are caused by the engine, a 70-horsepower three-cylinder that buzzes constantly when pushed to its limits. The transmission is also unpredictable, either operating too slow or too fast. It also causes a sickening rocking sensation inside the car whenever it upshifts.
Riding inside the 2008 Smart Fortwo also doesn't inspire much driver confidence. The suspension does nothing to mute bumps in the road and the car doesn't have good cornering skills.
Because it's so lightweight, highway winds might make you feel as if the Fortwo is being pushed off the road.
The 2008 Smart Fortwo's small cabin also feels unorganized. Many of the controls are hard to read and some of them are too far away for the driver to reach conveniently.
While CR says the cabin is spacious enough, there's only so much room that two seats can provide.
Should anyone buy the 2008 Smart Fortwo?
The 2008 Smart Fortwo is a great car for city dwellers because it doesn't use a lot of gas. It's rated for 36 mpg combined city/highway, but the engine needs premium fuel to stay in optimal condition.
The Smart Fortwo is also incredibly compact, meaning virtually no anxiety about squeezing into small spaces. It's also fairly cheap: most drivers paid less than $6,000 for one.
Still, the 2008 Smart Fortwo has issues that many drivers would consider dealbreakers. As long as you never take it on the highway, it's probably a serviceable vehicle.
Finding affordable car insurance is an all-too-common problem
A vehicle like the 2008 Smart Fortwo, which is older and was already cheap upon release, will usually have dirt-cheap insurance rates.
However, many insurance providers will give you higher quotes if you're driving a rare or electric vehicle. You can also be charged extra based on your age, location, and driving record.
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