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[9582djk]

I collected my Brabus on saturday and so far it isn't going well. Firstly I noticed a clunking sound when changing first and second gear. Only seems to be on these gears. I went to use the car last night started the engine all was well then I put my headlights on and the rev counter went up and down then the engine light came on with the coolant light with the error message coolant temp turn off engine. I turned the engine off and on again and all that remained on was the engine light. Drove the car and it seemed fine other than that knocking sound mentioned before. Parked the car came back to it an hour later went to start it put the headlights on the rev counter started going up and down then the engine cut out completely. I did notice the engine light wasn't on.
What I don't understand is that this car only had a B service on thursday with the cambelt change.
Along with the major issues mentioned I also noticed that the centre rhs air vent was broken it fell back into the housing. I don't know if it is a common fault but the Brabus trim on the clutch pedal keeps coming off.
I am taking the car into Smart Car Specialist Guildford tomorrow to see what is going on. I have been in contact with the dealer, to be completely honest I want my money back as this isn't right at all. What makes matters worse is I bought it from what I thought was a Smart car specialist.

Sorry for ranting but I'm sure this isn't right and wanted your expert advice many thanks
Dan

[Problemchild]

that sucks!!!!

get it on a star diagnostic and find out whats going on.

the BRABUS clutch pedal should not be coming off

the air vent shouldn't be broken (how does that even happen?)

as for the engine.......could be a similar problem to one that another member just had after cambelt change - a sensor.

have a look at the battery too.....check the voltages with engine running too.

JJ

[mozilla]

'Coolant temp turn off engine' sounds like it overheated... whats the mileage, was the water pump renewed at time of cambelt change?
The clunking could be any number of things

[9582djk]

The car didn't overheat I only started it up from cold and the light came on. The car has 62000 miles on it. I do think the battery could play a part as it looks original. As mentioned it will be having a thorough going through today and if anything is wrong i'm sure it would show.

[mr singh]

who was the seller. a name would be nice

[Alex]

Does it have HID's?

[9582djk]

Right I have heard from Sasho at Smart Car Specialist and he has come across even more issues. I mentioned the cambelt had only been changed last week well it hasn't had the  pulleys/tensioners done. There is oil leaking from the gearbox, oil sump and the aircon. It seems nothing has been fitted properly oh and forgot to mention it has the wrong spark plugs! Finally the knocking sound has been down to the rhs drive shaft.
It has just had a new MOT with no advisories, yet last years it had many concerning driveshaft and shocks. I have an invoice dated back in 2011 saying new shocks replaced all round. But why would a 2012 MOT say shocks worn and then in 2013 nothing found. Something doesn't seem right here.
I shall be returning the car for a full refund as I can't justify all these issues. I have contacted the dealer within the 7 days and for you all who are wondering who is it?.............

CAMBRIDGE SMART CARS!

[Problemchild]

is that a main dealer??

if they start making a fuss, tell them you have had an independent look at the car, have flagged up the drive shaft that was an advisory on mot before the one they did and are considering taking the issue up with VOSA.

JJ

[Brabs]

Hmm, sad to say that it seems to be a 'wrong un'! Shame as they are really good cars if properly cared for and maintained. I hope that this bad experience hasn't put you off... there is a good one out there somewhere for you to really enjoy! I ADORE mine and it is a brilliant car! Good luck with the refund!
 

[9582djk]

I will definately get another one as for the short time of owning this one it has been fun to drive

[Problemchild]

any news from the garage?

i would have dumped it back on their forecourt by now.....

JJ

[9582djk]

It gets better I have since been told that the car is an MOT failure. I wanted to see if there were any issues and so got the garage to put it in for a MOT. I have spoken to the citizens advice bureau and I am well within my right for a refund and now I have proof that the MOT carried out isn't right it has now become a very serious matter!
I will be visiting the garage tomorrow who have done all the checks for a proper break down of the issues

[Fast Eddy]

Real shame about your troubles.  They are great and relaible cars normally, obviously this one has not been looked after and been bodged by the dealer to shift on at high profit.

Eddy

[mozilla]

Cambridge smart cars, shame on you...

[basilbrush]

It gets better I have since been told that the car is an MOT failure. I wanted to see if there were any issues and so got the garage to put it in for a MOT. I have spoken to the citizens advice bureau and I am well within my right for a refund and now I have proof that the MOT carried out isn't right it has now become a very serious matter!
I will be visiting the garage tomorrow who have done all the checks for a proper break down of the issues

Cambridge trading standards are the people you need to initiate contact with. They may well have a history of complaints with this particular garage which is an independent Smart dealer.
A lot of dealers won't spend big money on older cars before they retail them. They rely on aftermarket warranties and hope that you won't be back before the statutory warranty runs out.
Forfours are at least seven years old now and you may well find oil leaks and minor faults that won't be MOT failures, but indicate general wear and tear. In this instance you may well find that going back armed with a list of faults and getting them to fix it may end up giving you a good car and a good result. Either way refund or repair it doesn't pay these days to trust anybody in the motor trade. Go to dealers that offer things like RAC inspection or pay someone to do one.