Used Smart ForTwo Cars for sale (2024)

About Smart ForTwo

Despite its age, the ForTwo design remains modern and unique - although cars such as the Toyota iQ have borrowed heavily from it - and remains an efficient, innovative and fun city car.

Why buy a used ForTwo?

The space in the front is ample enough for a tall driver and passenger, which again pits it favourably against some of its rival city cars. The lack of back seats might limit its overall practicality, but in terms of its requirements - shopping trips, A to B journeys - it is very well equipped and comfortable.

Where it falls behind its rival city cars is in its drive. Up to 40mph it copes well, but beyond that its compact frame and conservative engines start to struggle, which makes the ForTwo a car at odds with even the idea of motorway cruising. A 1.0 litre petrol engine offers 71bhp in its base model, but this extends up to 102bhp in the flagship Brabus model. Its top speed of 90mph is certainly not to be sniffed at, but maintaining this speed is hard; especially considering the effect of crosswinds on the dinky car.

The smallest diesel option - a 0.8 litre diesel engine - offers the best efficiency, with returns of an impressive 85.6mph combined, and CO2 emissions of just 86g/km. As the power increases so to do run costs, but even the top of the range 101bhp petrol engine returns an impressive 54.3mpg and emissions of just 119g/km.

An electrically powered version first released on limited run in 2007, the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive, offers a cleaner performance option, but requires a safe place where it can be plugged in to charge. A decent 70 mile range makes it good as a city runaround, but as a car which can compete with its petrol and diesel fuelled siblings it has some progress yet to make.

In the city its performance is good, and with power steering fitted it is easily manoeuvrable, offers excellent all round visibility, and manages a tiny turning circle. The ride can be a little bit unrefined - especially at speed - and suspension lacks the forgiving nature that uneven UK roads requires, but it makes up for what it lacks in comfort it makes up for in charm and being able to slip in and out of the tightest traffic jams and the smallest parking space.

ForTwo updates

• The first Smart ForTwo was unveiled at the 1998 Paris Motor Show, where it was badged as the Smart City Coupé.
• In 2002 the ForTwo received a facelift, which increased the size of the engine in the base model from 599cc to 698cc.
• A jointly developed ForTwo from Smart and Brabus was released in 2003, and featured a 698cc engine 74bhp, 110 Nm of torque, wider set wheels and a revised exterior including a new grill and exhaust.
• 2007 saw the release of the second generation ForTwo, which added slightly more length and a better safety rating to the existing model. Design-wise it changed very little.
• That same year 100 units of the new Smart Electric Drive were released in London, featuring a fully electrical powertrain.
• The third generation ForTwo is set to begin production toward the end of 2013.

Which used ForTwo should I buy?

Although there's not much space for unnecessary equipment in the ForTwo, there are a good amount of options available. Here are the trim levels in the latest generation and their key features.

What should I look for when buying a used ForTwo?

• Some ForTwos have suffered from their keys and remote controls losing their codes, which causes them to stop working. Check that this is not the case, as any new keys will need to be ordered from Smart and can be a lengthy process.
• Make sure all headlights and indicators work, as replacing a bulb requires the full front of the car to be removed.
• Check that all panels and body kit are free from dents, scratches and cracks. Any visible damage - even if it may seem minor on other cars - could be a sign of a problem on the compact ForTwo.
• Make sure there are no water leaks by feeling the front footwell carpet. If it is damp it could be a sign of a leak; something which could prove to be a problem due to the electrics which run under the front carpet.
• Leave the car parked for 10 to 15 minutes, then check for any oil deposits under the engine. Any oil leaks normally come from the intercooler tract, which will need to be replaced.
• As they are designed as affordable city runarounds, any ForTwo with a high mileage (anything over 50,000) is likely to have a high level of engine wear. Be aware that a Smart car with a 50,000 mileage will display as much wear as a cruising car with 100,000 miles on the clock.
• Any knocking noises coming from the front suspension when driving over bumps could be a sign of a bottom ball joint which should be replaced. Knocking from the back will mean either a problem with a bottom bush or the shock absorbers.