Smart Fortwo Used Cars Guide

History of the Smart Fortwo

The Smart Fortwo has been driving the roads of the world since the 1990s, leaving a distinctive footprint in the history of the automotive industry. This unique small car, developed and manufactured by Smart GmbH, a subsidiary of Daimler AG, has firmly established itself in the global automotive industry.

The beginnings

The Smart Fortwo was born in 1994, when the Micro Compact Car (MCC) company, a joint venture between Daimler-Benz and the Swatch Group, was founded. The aim was to develop a city car that was agile, small and, above all, environmentally friendly. The result was the Smart Fortwo, a mini city car that could literally move in the smallest of spaces.

The development of further models and generations

After the first presentation of the Smart Fortwo in 1997, its series production began in Hambach, France, one year later. Since then, Smart GmbH has introduced several generations and models of the Smart Fortwo. There have been continuous improvements and innovations in terms of the vehicle's design, technology and safety features. In 2007, Smart launched the second generation of the Fortwo, which featured a redesigned interior, improved safety features and new engine options. In 2014, Smart presented the third and current generation of the Fortwo, which, in addition to a new design and improved technology, also offered an electric version, the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive.

Smart Fortwo: The road to electromobility

The year 2007 played a special role in the history of the Smart Fortwo, when the company launched its first fully electric vehicle on the market. The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive was a pioneer of its kind and contributed to the further development and acceptance of electric vehicles in urban areas. This move towards green mobility not only shaped Smart's direction, but also changed the perception of eco-friendly vehicle options in the automotive industry. The history of the Smart Fortwo is a story of success, innovation and constant adaptation to changing market demands. It shows how flexibility and a willingness to break new ground can lead to long-term success in the automotive industry.

All models of the Smart Fortwo

In the following section we present a comprehensive overview of all Smart Fortwo models, starting with the latest model and working backwards to the first model from 1998. Each model is presented with specific features, strengths, weaknesses and engine variants.

Smart Fortwo (2014-2020)

Starting with the latest model from 2014, the Smart Fortwo has undergone a significant overhaul and improvement. With a strong focus on eco-friendliness, electric motor variants were introduced to enable zero-emission driving. A potential weakness of this model could be the lower range of the electric motors compared to the conventional gasoline engines. Strengths of this model include the compact city car with its easy-to-handle dimensions.

Smart Fortwo (2007-2014)

The second generation of the Smart Fortwo was produced between 2007 and 2014. Both petrol and diesel engines were available here, with the diesel engine variants impressing with their efficiency. The focus on safety was stronger in this model, with a reinforced Tridion safety cell and improved driving assistance. A possible disadvantage of this model could be the less comfortable ride, especially on long journeys.

Smart Fortwo (1998-2007)

Finally, the first Smart Fortwo model from 1998 deserves a mention. With its innovative two-seater concept, the model was a real revolution in the automotive industry at the time. Its strengths lay in its outstanding maneuverability and low fuel consumption. A weakness of this model was its low trunk capacity, which resulted in reduced practicality. In summary, it can be said that the Smart Fortwo has been continuously improved over the years, with each model having its own strengths and weaknesses. The individual needs and preferences of the user are always decisive. There is no doubt that the Smart Fortwo is an important part of the cityscape in many European cities and that the Smart Fortwo continues to enjoy great popularity thanks to its constant further development.

Used car market analysis of the Smart Fortwo

Market position of the Smart Fortwo

The Smart Fortwo is a unique vehicle that is particularly popular in urban areas and among people who need an efficient and compact car. As a two-seater city runabout, the vehicle holds a firm position in the small city car niche. Although it is small, it often surprises with its spacious interior and powerful performance. Its small size makes it the perfect city car that can be easily squeezed into tight parking spaces. This perspective sets the model apart from conventional models, which increases its appeal to both end customers and used car dealers.

ROI analysis for used car dealers

In terms of profitability for used car dealers, the Smart Fortwo can achieve a good return on investment. Thanks to its popularity and unique features, the vehicle often retains a high resale value. However, the resale value can vary depending on the model year, equipment level, mileage and general condition of the vehicle. In addition, the compact Smart Fortwo tends to be less prone to massive depreciation compared to larger, more luxurious vehicles. This means less risk exposure for dealers.

Known problems with individual series

Despite its strengths, the Smart Fortwo also has some known shortcomings that potential buyers should be aware of. Among other things, early models may have weak points in the electronics area. In addition, some models may be more susceptible to wear and tear on suspension and steering components. It is important that this information is communicated transparently to ensure customer satisfaction and maintain the integrity of the dealership. However, by implementing a proactive inspection and maintenance policy, the risk of such issues can be minimized and customer satisfaction maximized, ultimately increasing profitability.

Collection of the Smart Fortwo

The Smart Fortwo is one of the most sought-after models in the used car trade. Its compactness, combined with an attractive design and economical energy efficiency, is particularly popular with urban drivers as well as call-a-car and car-sharing companies. But how profitable is it to buy a Smart Fortwo and which sources are relevant?

Buying a Smart Fortwo on used car exchanges

Used car exchanges are a much-used platform for buying a Smart Fortwo, and there are both B2C and B2B exchanges. However, used car dealers, managing directors and decision-makers in car dealerships have often found that transactions are faster and smoother via B2B exchanges. This is because these special platforms are used to sell directly from traders to traders, which has many advantages. Negotiations are often less complicated here, for example, and processing times can also be significantly shorter.

Why you should buy the Smart Fortwo online

Buying a Smart Fortwo online also offers considerable potential. The opportunity to make high profits in Europe through arbitrage transactions stands out in particular. In this context, arbitrage means that you as a car dealer can exploit the price differences between the national used car markets. For example, if the supply of Smart Fortwo cars is high in one country and demand is low, you can buy the vehicle at a lower price there and sell it at a higher price in another country where demand is high.

How CarOnSale helps with the import/export of used Smart Fortwo

Especially when trading across national borders, cooperation with a platform such as CarOnSale can contribute significantly to increasing efficiency. Importing and exporting used cars, especially models such as the Smart Fortwo, often pose challenges due to tax regulations, such as the luxury tax in the Netherlands, Austria and Denmark. CarOnSale simplifies the entire process of car trading, for example by taking care of the tax refund for the buyer, of course in full compliance with the tax regulations of the country in question. The platform supports car dealerships and car traders in processing transactions and helps them to manage their vehicle inventories efficiently. In summary, the Smart Fortwo is a sought-after vehicle on the used car market. With the right strategy and the use of efficient platforms, such as CarOnSale, you can achieve high profits.

CarOnSale as a partner for the online purchase of the Smart Fortwo

CarOnSale is more than just a platform for used cars. It is an innovative and intuitive online auction platform specifically designed for the commercial trade in used cars. CarOnSale not only gives you access to a broad pool of vehicles such as the Smart Fortwo, but also to a transparent and secure purchasing process.

Security and transparency

One of the most important factors when buying a used car is the security and transparency of the process. CarOnSale guarantees this with the COSCheck seal. Vehicles bearing this seal have been recorded and advertised by CarOnSale's own vehicle assessors. This ensures transparency that goes far beyond the industry standard. Furthermore, with the COSCheck Plus guarantee, CarOnSale offers additional security in the event of undetected damage for a small surcharge.

Efficient purchase processing

At CarOnSale, we take care of the entire buying process to guarantee you a hassle-free experience. From secure payment via our COSPay system, to any tax refunds, to document delivery and even transportation of the vehicle if required.

Personal advice

In addition to the digital process, we also attach great importance to personal advice. Our team is available by phone, WhatsApp or email to answer your questions and guide you through the purchasing process.

Quality of the vehicles

Our vehicles come from renowned authorized dealers, fleet stocks or are leasing and financing returns. With regard to Smart Fortwo models in particular, you have access to a wide range of vehicles for a wide variety of needs and budgets. CarOnSale is therefore the ideal partner when buying a Smart Fortwo online and offers a mixture of security, transparency and service that makes buying a used car as easy and pleasant as possible. Whether you are a business looking to expand your fleet or a dealer looking for new models, we look forward to supporting you on your journey.