2008 smart fortwo maintenance

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Permalink Reply by 451 Kahn on August 23, 2008 at 8:03pm

Just drive it like any other car. Change oil and thats it.

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Permalink Reply by Tony on August 23, 2008 at 10:23pm

Hi SmartyPants, Consider this first. Most cars require a basic oil change every 3,000 miles. My full size truck being one of them. I pay $30.00 on average for just the oil change. Driving 18K a year that is $180.00 just for oil changes each year with standard grade oil. The price sheet I got with my Smart for scheduled services shows
5000 Miles, they Change the oil and filter, using Mobil 1 Synthetic
Check/top off other fluids, check your belts and hoses, tires, and balance of vehicle and give it a bath. $69.95.
10K - they Change the oil and filter, using Mobil 1 Synthetic
Check/top off other fluids, replace AC filter, install engine treatment, check suspension and steering, tires and multi point inspection and give it a bath. $139.95.
20K they Change the oil and filter, using Mobil 1 Synthetic,Check/top off other fluids, install engine treatment, replace AC filter,tires and multi point inspection,Perform brake fluid exchange service, replace air cleaner, replace key fob battery and give it a bath, $299.95.
.... and so on. the 40 and 80 K service points are the most expensive at $399.95, Oil/filter change, Fluid checks and fill, engine treatment, AC filter replacement, Tire Check, Brake fluid exchange, Air filter replacement, Engine Coolant exchange, key fob battery replacement, multi point check, and of course, give 'er a bath.
I can only say that I suspect if you are handy with a wrench, you might be able to perform the oil changes and basic services yourself. You might want to ask Smart if these service checks are required as part of your vehicle warranty. Just a thought. In any case, As many times as you will pass up a gas pump, I am sure the service charges will be far less than how much you are paying for gas and maint. on your current vehicle, when you take it all into consideration. I'm swapping out 12-14 MPG for 35+. I save over $100.00 a week in gas alone. Does this help you out?

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Permalink Reply by mr bad example on August 24, 2008 at 1:53pm

i rarely use my AC (only for job interviews, otherwise i don't mind sweating a little). i think i might have my 5000 mile change done at the dealer, buy a bunch of filters, then have the local oil guys do my 5000 mile changes, then just do the 20k, 40k and 60k at the dealer.

thanks for this detailed info, the manual is totally lacking in this maintenance information. i have purchased 7 new vehicles over the years and the smart is the only one lacking service schedules.

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Permalink Reply by sheureka on August 24, 2008 at 10:17pm

When I got my car there was a separate booklet with the maintenance schedules and checklists. It was in that plastic case with the manual. - sheureka

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Permalink Reply by Jamessmart on August 24, 2008 at 10:41am

I live in Nova Scotia, when my car turned over 15,000, the dash indicator said it was time for it first check up, I can't find my bill right now, it is in one of these piles somewhere! but I had a flat at the same time so with a new back tire the bill came to about $350.00, with the tire coasting about $100.00. That is the only maintenance I have had on the car. Love my smart!!
James

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