Hi, I have the 453 Cabrio, a few points about your video. You can drop the bonnet right down over the front of the car and it holds on the straps. You can also lock the bonnet as the RHS has a lock, but do not use your key to pull open the plastic cover that hides the lock, or you can bend your key, so use a flat headed screwdriver. Once plastic cover pulled down you can lock with your car key. Then replace the plastic cover with a push in. The 453 just like the previous 451 and 450 always ends up with rusty brake covers within two years from new, so you have to paint them with some heat resistant paint. I use Hammerite and just paint on with a brush, as you get a thicker coat than spraying. I never use start stop on these cars, as there is more disadvantages (wear on engine and battery) than advantage (a drop of fuel saved). Two ways of getting rid of start stop, either get it disabled by software. Or there is an electronic chip you can buy off ebay that gets wired in behind the start stop switch and stops it working. You will find the 453 a really good car. Cheers Col.
AWESOME ADVICE AND INSIGHT!! Thanks Col. I agree on the rear brake hubs. It’s a minor point I guess but it does detract from the looks. Also, I agree regarding start stop the MHD 451 was a pain and yes, reduced efficiency of the starter motor and the batter and alternator .. also the delay in kicking in sometimes is ponderous and can place you in a difficult situation when wanting to pull away or nip out into traffic flow. It truly is a great car now and with the manual transmission it’s gives additional flexibility Thanks for the tips I’ll check them out 👏👏💪
@@smarte.r.1450 I also went for the 453 manual 5 speed box as had lots of problems with the auto box on my previous 451..Here is my video on my 453..... ruclips.net/video/hN4KSP4ZrbU/видео.html
@@caledoniancol3803 1 out of three of my 451s had the failing to reverse issue resulting in loads of. Foot out the door antics. Hahaha I’ve liked your vid fella
Question, as you seem to know stuff about smarts , I had an old shape 08 model and I traded it in for 18 model new shape last year, it’s just gone for MOT on sat and passed with flying colours, he said it was a great running little car, I’ve upgraded a few bits, installed internal lights ( so Ming from a mini convertible and an A class merc both having internal ‘ party lights’ unneeded but I love them, put in an arm rest ( ironically, saw your vid just then) and done a few other internal bits, I may upgrade to a screen I’ve seen then suitable for my car and the walkthrough doesn’t look too hard, but, back to my issue, one light bucket, front headlight, the whole bucket, has a lot of play, consequently it’s lower and won’t stay up, thinking it through I reckon it’s 2 screws ( as I know the new model has 3 screws now 4 holding the bucket/ frame in place) I reckon the side screw in in, but the bottom and possibly other side screw is missing so, my question, how can I gain access, easily, and what is the easiest way to keep that held in place if I can’t…. I was thinking cut to shape foam under the light bucket temporarily??? This will mean I can place from outside getting my hand round the back and under the unit, (a lot more room on these new models than the old, but I don’t want to take to a garage who’ll charge me labour and possibly parts if I pretty much know what it is…. They’re so basic it’s all it can be….. have you removed your lights on your new shape? But interested to know your opinion, just needs lights to level so securing that whole headlight head bucket is all I need to do, easier way pls, I’m 48 year old disabled woman on her own so I do what I can but it can’t take too long if that makes sense. Thank you 😊any thoughts welcomed ….. Ps cheers for posting stuff about the smart, there’s very few videos relating to UK smarts and repairing of them, so thank you, they’ve helped me loads 😊
Awww firstly thank you for your kind words… I also have had a mini countryman PHEV and Mercedes GLA with mood lights… doesn’t float my boat but appreciate we are all different. I have not removed the front lights on the 453 model… so not familiar with the issue.. however, my immediate thought is why/how this has happened.. look for accident damage,… someone’s had those out for whatever reason.. there may be other issues looming.. On the previous model the 451 it’s was a combined wing and bumper deal NOT FUN OR QUICK OR EASY… checkout Evilution… he has a wealth of manuals and diagrams and may be of better use than me.. I must say, the quality on the 453 newer versions are so much better than the older 451… did you know the newer for four like my current one has a Renault sister? The Renault Twingo. Good luck and sorry I couldn’t be of more help 😔
Hi, great review I think they’ve improved a lot of what the older cars were missing. unfortunately the only only thing wrong with smart cars is that it’s owned by Mercedes. The parts are expensive, difficult to fix, rare awkward problems that are simple fixes but mechanics say otherwise. Owning a smart car after 2.5 years I really regret it. The problem I’ve had are incredibly stupid. I’ve spent as much money on repairing the car and it’s accessories as much as what the cars worth. I’ve got one final issue, ‘can’t reverse’ lolol and gear gets stuck in gear 1. As soon as this is fixed I’m getting rid of it and never looking back. Never buy a smart unless your ready for a challenge. Great review again.
Final edition??? 451 or roadster? Thanks for the kind words. This is smart no.4 for me and it’s in a different league altogether. Quality and execution…..grrrrreat! Best of luck
@@smarte.r.1450 YES I really want to buy the new Smart Fortwo lol ;( like above a 14plate) they look dapper. I’ll be honest it’s not the newest of cars. It’s a 2005 Smart Fortwo. I’ve had the odd mechanical problems but that’s fine I guess it’s like that with any car. Not including servicing obv. It’s just that honestly every problem I’ve had Like this one I’ve got atm it’s an absolute joke. Every mechanic makes fun of me. I can’t go into reverse 0 shows. And if I stop put into gear 1 it’s says there. When I go to turn car on it doesn’t work. I LITERALLY HAVE TO HAVE SOMEONE RATTLE THE CAR to get car to select into gear ;((((((((((((((. I phoned up Merced’s they said £120 just for diagnosis. Omg it’s so sad mate.
@@daroproduc4994 get rid mate. Cut your losses. The newer 453 is a different beast and. So much higher build quality. I looked for 5-6 months for the right one.
Thanks for the question Richard. Yes. I’m very happy with how it is. Happy with its reliability. Happy with its limited performance. Happy with its flexibility. Happy with its economy. It’s the best Smart Ive owned thus far. My neighbour loved mine and she got a 2016 Prime plus it has better LES rear lights and steering lead driving lights. It’s a great little car and I’ve had no breakdowns whatsoever and it’s a daily driver. I’ve done South Wales to Dover and back a few times and a lot of small train station commutes. Hope that helps? Any questions pop me a message here
@@smarte.r.1450 Good hear hear it is all going well. I'm after a city car for my wife who drives 25 miles a day. She currently uses a 2006 A-Class which is now getting old and we are spending too much on maintenance. It's bettter to spend the cash on a new car. The city car space is busy and it's hard to know which one to get. So many mixed review. It seems the VW Up and Skoda Citigo get the best reviews, but the i10, Aygo, Fiat 500 and others are worth a good look. I just like the Smart ForFour and I actually had the older model some years ago. Have you driven yours with 4 adults in it? Did they fit ok?
Hi, I have the 453 Cabrio, a few points about your video. You can drop the bonnet right down over the front of the car and it holds on the straps. You can also lock the bonnet as the RHS has a lock, but do not use your key to pull open the plastic cover that hides the lock, or you can bend your key, so use a flat headed screwdriver. Once plastic cover pulled down you can lock with your car key. Then replace the plastic cover with a push in. The 453 just like the previous 451 and 450 always ends up with rusty brake covers within two years from new, so you have to paint them with some heat resistant paint. I use Hammerite and just paint on with a brush, as you get a thicker coat than spraying. I never use start stop on these cars, as there is more disadvantages (wear on engine and battery) than advantage (a drop of fuel saved). Two ways of getting rid of start stop, either get it disabled by software. Or there is an electronic chip you can buy off ebay that gets wired in behind the start stop switch and stops it working. You will find the 453 a really good car. Cheers Col.
AWESOME ADVICE AND INSIGHT!!
Thanks Col. I agree on the rear brake hubs. It’s a minor point I guess but it does detract from the looks.
Also, I agree regarding start stop the MHD 451 was a pain and yes, reduced efficiency of the starter motor and the batter and alternator .. also the delay in kicking in sometimes is ponderous and can place you in a difficult situation when wanting to pull away or nip out into traffic flow.
It truly is a great car now and with the manual transmission it’s gives additional flexibility
Thanks for the tips I’ll check them out 👏👏💪
@@smarte.r.1450 I also went for the 453 manual 5 speed box as had lots of problems with the auto box on my previous 451..Here is my video on my 453..... ruclips.net/video/hN4KSP4ZrbU/видео.html
@@caledoniancol3803 1 out of three of my 451s had the failing to reverse issue resulting in loads of. Foot out the door antics. Hahaha I’ve liked your vid fella
I just wanna cry every time I come across these videos. I wish I could buy it here in the US :’(
Such a shame. But I thought these were imported at one point??
@@smarte.r.1450 Only the 453 Fortwo imported to USA, but not the 453 Forfour.
@@caledoniancol3803 thanks Col… what a diamond
Great cars ❤❤
Very underrated. Some brilliant entering went into these
@@smarte.r.1450 I have own 14 Smart cars in total, so I’m a massive fan 😍
Question, as you seem to know stuff about smarts , I had an old shape 08 model and I traded it in for 18 model new shape last year, it’s just gone for MOT on sat and passed with flying colours, he said it was a great running little car, I’ve upgraded a few bits, installed internal lights ( so Ming from a mini convertible and an A class merc both having internal ‘ party lights’ unneeded but I love them, put in an arm rest ( ironically, saw your vid just then) and done a few other internal bits, I may upgrade to a screen I’ve seen then suitable for my car and the walkthrough doesn’t look too hard, but, back to my issue, one light bucket, front headlight, the whole bucket, has a lot of play, consequently it’s lower and won’t stay up, thinking it through I reckon it’s 2 screws ( as I know the new model has 3 screws now 4 holding the bucket/ frame in place) I reckon the side screw in in, but the bottom and possibly other side screw is missing so, my question, how can I gain access, easily, and what is the easiest way to keep that held in place if I can’t…. I was thinking cut to shape foam under the light bucket temporarily??? This will mean I can place from outside getting my hand round the back and under the unit, (a lot more room on these new models than the old, but I don’t want to take to a garage who’ll charge me labour and possibly parts if I pretty much know what it is…. They’re so basic it’s all it can be….. have you removed your lights on your new shape? But interested to know your opinion, just needs lights to level so securing that whole headlight head bucket is all I need to do, easier way pls, I’m 48 year old disabled woman on her own so I do what I can but it can’t take too long if that makes sense. Thank you 😊any thoughts welcomed ….. Ps cheers for posting stuff about the smart, there’s very few videos relating to UK smarts and repairing of them, so thank you, they’ve helped me loads 😊
Awww firstly thank you for your kind words… I also have had a mini countryman PHEV and Mercedes GLA with mood lights… doesn’t float my boat but appreciate we are all different.
I have not removed the front lights on the 453 model… so not familiar with the issue.. however, my immediate thought is why/how this has happened.. look for accident damage,… someone’s had those out for whatever reason.. there may be other issues looming..
On the previous model the 451 it’s was a combined wing and bumper deal NOT FUN OR QUICK OR EASY… checkout Evilution… he has a wealth of manuals and diagrams and may be of better use than me..
I must say, the quality on the 453 newer versions are so much better than the older 451… did you know the newer for four like my current one has a Renault sister? The Renault Twingo.
Good luck and sorry I couldn’t be of more help 😔
Hi, great review I think they’ve improved a lot of what the older cars were missing. unfortunately the only only thing wrong with smart cars is that it’s owned by Mercedes. The parts are expensive, difficult to fix, rare awkward problems that are simple fixes but mechanics say otherwise. Owning a smart car after 2.5 years I really regret it. The problem I’ve had are incredibly stupid. I’ve spent as much money on repairing the car and it’s accessories as much as what the cars worth. I’ve got one final issue, ‘can’t reverse’ lolol and gear gets stuck in gear 1. As soon as this is fixed I’m getting rid of it and never looking back. Never buy a smart unless your ready for a challenge. Great review again.
Final edition??? 451 or roadster?
Thanks for the kind words. This is smart no.4 for me and it’s in a different league altogether.
Quality and execution…..grrrrreat!
Best of luck
@@smarte.r.1450 YES I really want to buy the new Smart Fortwo lol ;( like above a 14plate) they look dapper. I’ll be honest it’s not the newest of cars. It’s a 2005 Smart Fortwo. I’ve had the odd mechanical problems but that’s fine I guess it’s like that with any car. Not including servicing obv. It’s just that honestly every problem I’ve had Like this one I’ve got atm it’s an absolute joke. Every mechanic makes fun of me. I can’t go into reverse 0 shows. And if I stop put into gear 1 it’s says there. When I go to turn car on it doesn’t work. I LITERALLY HAVE TO HAVE SOMEONE RATTLE THE CAR to get car to select into gear ;((((((((((((((. I phoned up Merced’s they said £120 just for diagnosis. Omg it’s so sad mate.
@@daroproduc4994 get rid mate. Cut your losses. The newer 453 is a different beast and. So much higher build quality. I looked for 5-6 months for the right one.
Are you still happy with the car? I'm thinking of getting a 2016 version.
Thanks for the question Richard. Yes. I’m very happy with how it is. Happy with its reliability. Happy with its limited performance. Happy with its flexibility. Happy with its economy. It’s the best Smart Ive owned thus far.
My neighbour loved mine and she got a 2016 Prime plus it has better LES rear lights and steering lead driving lights.
It’s a great little car and I’ve had no breakdowns whatsoever and it’s a daily driver. I’ve done South Wales to Dover and back a few times and a lot of small train station commutes. Hope that helps? Any questions pop me a message here
@@smarte.r.1450 Good hear hear it is all going well. I'm after a city car for my wife who drives 25 miles a day. She currently uses a 2006 A-Class which is now getting old and we are spending too much on maintenance. It's bettter to spend the cash on a new car. The city car space is busy and it's hard to know which one to get. So many mixed review. It seems the VW Up and Skoda Citigo get the best reviews, but the i10, Aygo, Fiat 500 and others are worth a good look. I just like the Smart ForFour and I actually had the older model some years ago. Have you driven yours with 4 adults in it? Did they fit ok?