Smart models we see most
| Model | US model years | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| fortwo coupe (451) | 2008-2015 | 2008-2009 cars were recalled (18V273000) because a rear engine-bay insulation mat can sag onto the hot exhaust, a fire risk. |
| fortwo cabrio (451) | 2008-2015 | The soft-top version shares insulation-mat recall 18V273000 for the 2008-2009 model years. |
| fortwo (453) | 2016-2019 | 2016 cars were recalled for a loosening parking brake cable nut (17V448000); some 2017s for steering knuckle castings (17V447000). |
| fortwo electric drive | 2013-2019 | Gas fortwos ended after the 2017 model year, so 2018-2019 US Smarts were electric only. |
Known Smart problems that end up at the scrapyard
Engine-bay insulation mat touching the exhaust (2008-2009)
Recall 18V273000 covers about 42,800 2008-2009 fortwo coupes and cabrios, the first model years Smart sold officially in the US. The rear insulation mat in the engine compartment can deform, deteriorate and loosen until it touches hot exhaust parts, increasing the risk of fire. On an unrepaired early fortwo, look under the rear for a sagging mat before driving. source
A brand that left the US after 2019
Smart launched officially in the US for 2008, dropped gasoline models after the 2017 model year, went electric only, and exited the US market after the 2019 model year, citing slow sales and the cost of homologating the fortwo. With no Smart showrooms, owners depend on Mercedes-Benz dealers or independent shops, and repairs on a cheap car rarely make sense. source
Cracked steering knuckle castings on 2017 fortwo
Recall 17V447000 covers a small batch of 2017 fortwo coupes and cabrios whose left front steering knuckle may have casting imperfections that lead to failure, which can affect vehicle control. It's a narrow recall, but on any 2017 Smart with a crash or curb strike in its history, check the VIN and have the front suspension inspected. source
The Smart car’s short US run
Smart came to the United States officially in early 2008, sold through a Penske-run network, and left after the 2019 model year. For 2008-2011 the North American fortwo used a 999 cc Mitsubishi-sourced three-cylinder gasoline engine with an automated manual gearbox. Gas models ended after 2017, and the last two US model years were electric only.
That timeline is why so many Smarts around Chicago are now junk-car candidates. They’re small, cheap to buy used, and expensive to fix relative to what they’re worth. A clutch actuator, a transmission control fault, a dead high-voltage battery or a fender-bender that cracks a body panel can each be more than the car’s value. Without Smart dealers, parts and diagnosis go through Mercedes-Benz service or independent shops.
What a Smart is worth to a buyer like us
A second-generation fortwo weighs about 750 to 795 kg according to Wikipedia’s figures, roughly 1,650 to 1,750 pounds. That’s light for scrap, so complete cars matter. We look at:
- whether the engine or electric drive works,
- whether the automated manual shifts,
- body panels and glass (the outer panels are plastic, so note any cracks),
- wheels, seats and the catalytic converter on gas models.
Our guide to how junk car values are set explains why weight and completeness both count, and why a running car still beats a dead one.
Before the pickup
Electric-drive owners should end any smart app or charging account tied to the car and take charging cards out of the glovebox. Everyone should clear paired phones, remove an I-PASS and leave every key. Tell us which papers you have; Illinois rules decide which ones work for a scrap sale, and we confirm on the call. Browse our full list of brands for other cars you need gone.
Selling a junk Smart: questions
A Smart is so light. Is it worth anything as a junk car?
Yes, though weight carries less of the value than on a big sedan. A second-generation fortwo has a kerb weight of roughly 750 to 795 kg, so what helps most is completeness: engine, transmission, wheels, glass and body panels. Tell us what's on it and what's missing and we'll make an offer.
Do you buy Smart electric drives with a bad battery?
Yes. Tell us whether the car powers on, whether it charges at all, and if any warning messages show. We tow non-running electric Smarts like any other car, and we'll ask where it's parked so the driver can plan the loading.