Composite Bodywork, Turbo rear engine and made in France

Well what do you know. I have just had a look on line and there is a black brabus just 1 mile from my door. Looks nice should I have a look?

[mettersl]

Yes, I'd prefer a black one.....but don't expect much from the gearbox change speed.

Check for
1) Wheel damage inside edges (Soft and vulnerable, expensive to replace, can be repaired but budget 50-75 each ), tyres 450 a set
2) Damp under carpets...at the back under the seats and under the carpet at the front..v hard to do on drivers side. There shouldn't bee too much condensation in the car. (cheap to fix, almost inevitable, can lead to electrical issues if neglected...look for evidence of wiper box reseal)
3) Any sign of odd electrical behaviour, walk away..wipers need to work as normal, dash lights come on and go off as they should. There are some cheap to fix faults but many need persistence and some cash.Can cost 500-1000 to fix.
4) Expect no aircon and broken compressor pipes, easy fix, costs about 150. New design does not fail.
5) 1.4 bar on the boost gauge max, not too oily around turbo. less could be turbo or actuator, more is a remap.
6) Roof opens and closes without help- (20-800 to fix if not, drive cables 250, roof 450, feet 40.)
7) Rattle free exhaust with the baffles still visible in the tail pipes..NLA, needs specialist repair or 500 aftermarket.
8) Brabus side skirts in place and not loose. Mountings around 100, replacement 350.

You can see why these cars appeal to Alpine drivers....the need care, but reward it ( except they don't rust, the tub is well rustproofed and tough, subframes plentiful) .

They are as cheap as they are going to get now and brabus models are going up in price. Next two months will see price peak (convertible isn't it) .
Lee

Thanks for that comprehensive reply Lee. Not sure I want one but definitely alot of interesting car for the money

[mettersl]

Sorry Miles, caught me at a bored moment at work, I should cross post that to the Smart Roadster forum
However it got me thinking, there are some old GTA/610 buyers guides. These things change as the spares situation and age of vehicles changes their ailments and costs of repair.
If we are expecting new owners to be attracted by the new alpine (and have more interest in our old stuff) I wonder if an updated set of buyers guides and pricing guides would help?
Who would write them?
Lee

Hi Lee

Thanks for the comprehensive list of what to look for when viewing a Brabus.

Miles

Which car is 1 mile from you please?

Morning Paul
It's in Burgess hill on Auto Trader.
Hope that helps with the new Smart empire

Morning Paul
It's in Burgess hill on Auto Trader.
Hope that helps with the new Smart empire

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... ars&page=2 ?

[mettersl]

https://www.smarlinette.fr/

Alpine berlinette body kit for the smart roadster.....I’m tempted..only 110 HP Max and let down by a bad gearbox, but good handling and light...plus ac and abs make it quite practical...and you also get a sunroof in the berlinette too.
The clincher for me is I could fit in it, I’m way too tall for the originals.

I like it Lee. So how much for a RHD Smarlinette then?

[mettersl]

16950 Euro fully built...but I’ll get in touch and see if the panels are available on their own.
The smart is ideal for this kid of thing as the body comes off for maintenance in two bits...about 20 minutes an end to remove or put back.
I fancy a soft top berlinette...not as quick unless you put the Toyota starlet engine in and get it up to 160 HP with a normal gearbox...it’s been done a could of times and at 850 kg, it would fly.

looks ok from the front and rear but side on.....