2004 Smart Roadster

Introduction: The 2004 Smart Roadster is a stylish and compact sports car. It was available with three engine options: a 698cc turbocharged petrol engine, a 700cc naturally aspirated petrol engine, and an 800cc naturally aspirated diesel engine. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, and a 6-speed automatic. The Roadster was known for its handling and low fuel consumption, but it also had some common issues.

Engine

698cc Turbocharged Petrol Engine

• Timing chain tensioner failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to slip and damage the engine.
  • Symptoms: Engine rattling, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner and timing chain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
• Turbocharger failure: The turbocharger can fail, causing a loss of power and increased fuel consumption.
  • Symptoms: Loss of power, increased fuel consumption, smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+

700cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine

• No Issues Found

800cc Naturally Aspirated Diesel Engine

• EGR valve failure: The EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve can fail, causing the engine to run rough and produce excessive emissions.
  • Symptoms: Engine roughness, increased emissions
  • Solution: Replace the EGR valve
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

6-Speed Manual

• Shift fork failure: The shift forks can fail, making it difficult or impossible to shift gears.
  • Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises when shifting
  • Solution: Replace the shift forks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500

6-Speed Automatic

• Transmission fluid leak: The transmission fluid can leak from the transmission, causing it to overheat and fail.
  • Symptoms: Transmission slipping or shuddering, transmission fluid leaking
  • Solution: Repair the leak and replace the transmission fluid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800

Suspension

• Front suspension strut failure: The front suspension struts can fail, causing the vehicle to bounce and handle poorly.
  • Symptoms: Excessive bouncing, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace the front suspension struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800 per strut
• Rear suspension spring failure: The rear suspension springs can fail, causing the vehicle to sag in the rear.
  • Symptoms: Sagging in the rear, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace the rear suspension springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per spring

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to discharge and the vehicle to lose power.
  • Symptoms: Dimming headlights, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
• Battery failure: The battery can fail, causing the vehicle to not start.
  • Symptoms: Vehicle will not start, dim headlights
  • Solution: Replace the battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Exterior

• Convertible top failure: The convertible top can fail to open or close properly.
  • Symptoms: Convertible top will not open or close, convertible top leaks
  • Solution: Repair or replace the convertible top mechanism
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Door latch failure: The door latches can fail, causing the doors to open unexpectedly.
  • Symptoms: Doors open unexpectedly, difficulty closing doors
  • Solution: Replace the door latches
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per latch

Interior

• Heater fan failure: The heater fan can fail, causing the interior of the vehicle to become cold.
  • Symptoms: No heat coming from the heater
  • Solution: Replace the heater fan
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Instrument cluster failure: The instrument cluster can fail, causing the gauges and warning lights to stop working.
  • Symptoms: Gauges and warning lights not working
  • Solution: Replace the instrument cluster
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800

Summary The Smart Roadster is a fun and stylish sports car, but it is not without its problems. Some of the most common issues include timing chain tensioner failure, transmission fluid leaks, and suspension strut failure. While these issues can be expensive to fix, they are not uncommon for a car of this age and mileage. Overall, the Roadster is a reliable and enjoyable car for those who appreciate its unique design and driving experience.