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Representative Example: You could borrow £10,699 over 60 months with an initial payment of £495.89 (including £199 Admin Fee) followed by 58 monthly payments of £296.89 with a final payment of £495.89 (including optional £199 Option to Purchase Fee). Total amount repayable will be £19,012,40. 26.1% APR, annual interest rate (fixed) 13.3%.

Buying a Used SMART Car on Finance

 

Smart cars are well known for their small size and easy driving, especially in cities. Originally created to solve space and fuel problems in urban areas, these cars have become a popular choice for people who want something practical, efficient, and simple to use. Whether you’re looking at a compact model like the Smart ForTwo or something slightly larger like the Smart ForFour, these cars offer more than just good parking skills. 

Are Smart Cars a Good Car to Buy?

Yes, Smart cars are a great option if you want a compact, easy to drive vehicle for everyday use, especially in busy towns or cities. Their small size makes them perfect for squeezing into tight parking spots or navigating narrow streets, which is a big advantage if you live or work in a crowded area.

Smart cars were originally designed with urban drivers in mind. Models like the Smart Fortwo are tiny but surprisingly comfortable for two people, while the Smart Forfour adds extra space and seating for short family trips. Many Smart cars are now fully electric, such as the Smart EQ range, making them a great choice for drivers looking to cut fuel costs and reduce their environmental impact.

You won’t get sports car power or huge boot space, but you will get excellent fuel efficiency, low running costs, and low emissions. They’re also cheap to tax and often fall into lower insurance groups than larger cars. For many people, Smart cars offer a dependable, budget friendly way to get around town or commute to work.

Smart cars are also built in partnership with Mercedes-Benz, so you’ll often find better build quality than you might expect in such a small car. Most come with helpful tech like automatic climate control, parking sensors, and even smartphone connectivity on higher trims.

Steering Wheel Buttons

Are Smart Cars Expensive to Run?

No, Smart cars are generally very cheap to run. Their small engines (or electric motors) use less fuel or electricity, making them perfect for cutting down on costs. Many petrol models get over 50 mpg, and the electric Smart EQ can be charged at home for just a few pounds.

Insurance costs are also low, especially for smaller models like the ForTwo. Road tax is often minimal or free, and parts are easy to find thanks to links with Mercedes-Benz. Regular servicing is affordable at most garages, and because the cars are simple and light, they’re often cheaper to maintain than larger vehicles.

Is a Smart Car Good for New Drivers?

Yes, Smart cars are an excellent choice for new drivers or anyone who has just passed their driving test. They're very easy to handle, have light steering, and offer great visibility thanks to their upright driving position and large windows. This makes them perfect for building confidence behind the wheel.

The compact size also means you won’t struggle with parking or turning in tight spots, something that can be tricky for newer drivers in larger vehicles. Many Smart cars are automatic, which removes the need to worry about gear changes and helps you focus more on the road.

Running costs are another big plus. Smart cars are usually very fuel efficient or fully electric, which means they’re cheap to run and maintain. Insurance is often lower than average too, especially for models with smaller engines. This makes Smart a smart pick for first time car buyers looking for a vehicle they can afford to run and insure.

Because they’re simple to drive and easy to live with, Smart cars are often recommended as a first car for students, young professionals, or anyone looking to keep things simple.

Are Smart Cars OK on the Motorway?

Smart cars are mainly designed for city driving, but that doesn’t mean they can’t handle the motorway. Models like the Smart ForTwo or EQ ForFour can comfortably reach motorway speeds and stay stable on long journeys. However, they’re not as powerful or as spacious as larger cars, so you may notice more engine noise or feel affected by strong winds at higher speeds.

For occasional motorway use, Smart cars are absolutely fine. But if you regularly do long trips, you might prefer something larger or with a bit more power. That said, the electric Smart EQ models are surprisingly quick off the line, and their smooth drive makes them easy to handle on any road.

Is the Smart Car Built by Mercedes?

Yes, Smart was originally developed by a partnership between Swatch and Mercedes-Benz. Today, the Smart brand is jointly owned by Mercedes-Benz and Chinese carmaker Geely. Mercedes still plays a major role in the design and development of Smart cars, especially when it comes to safety, comfort, and reliability.

This connection to Mercedes-Benz means Smart cars benefit from quality parts and solid engineering. In fact, many Smart components are shared with Mercedes models, which helps keep repairs simple and parts easy to get. This is great news for long term maintenance and keeping costs down.

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Top 5 Financed SMART Models in the UK

Here are some of the most popular SMART Car models financed in the UK, and for good reason. Each one offers something different, depending on what the driver needs or prefers.

Happy Woman Driving Car

Financing a SMART Car

If you’re thinking about buying a used SMART Car, finance could be a simple way to get the car you want without paying all at once. With HP, you make monthly payments and own the car at the end of the finance agreement.

Before applying, it’s worth checking your credit score, comparing offers, and making sure the car has a full service history. Choose a monthly payment that fits your budget. 

Remember: When buying any used vehicle, there’s always a chance that issues may come up later. If you’ve financed a car and start to notice mechanical problems, it’s important to contact both your finance provider and the dealership where you bought the vehicle. Acting quickly can help get the issue resolved and protect your rights.

Disclaimers

  • We are an independent hire purchase lender. We are not linked to or approved by any car manufacturer shown on this website. The names and logos belong to the manufacturers and are used only to help identify the vehicles.
  • The information on this page highlights common points that drivers may want to think about when choosing this brand of vehicle. It is general guidance only, not official information from the manufacturer. Different models may vary, so please consider your own needs and circumstances when deciding.
  • All vehicle manufacturer names, logos and trademarks shown on this site belong to their respective owners. They are used only to help identify the vehicles that customers may choose to finance. We are independent and not approved by, or affiliated with, any vehicle manufacturer. Logos of broker firms are displayed to show our commercial relationships with them. Each broker’s name and logo remains the property of its owner
Smart Fortwo

Smart Fortwo

A tiny two seater city car that’s a breeze to park and navigate through tight streets. Petrol models deliver around 50 – 60 mpg, and the boot holds about 185 litres, enough for shopping. Insurance is low, making it ideal for first-time drivers or anyone seeking an affordable urban runaround. Its sleek city presence appeals to younger buyers and city commuters alike.

Smart EQ Fortwo

Smart EQ Fortwo

The electric version of the Fortwo is perfect for zero-emission city driving. With a 17.6 kWh battery, it offers about 90 – 100 miles of real world range. It retains the same compact size and easy parking, with almost no running costs, often qualifying for congestion free zones and cheap electricity rates. Great for eco conscious city dwellers.

Smart Forfour

Smart Forfour

A four door city car that shares many parts with the Renault Twingo. Petrol versions are peppy and return 50–60 mpg, and the boot offers about 270 litres, more space for small families or shopping trips. Insurance is still affordable, and its extra door makes it more practical for real family use compared to the Fortwo.

Smart EQ Forfour

Smart EQ Forfour

The fully electric sibling of the Forfour shares the same sleek design but with zero emission. It delivers 80–90 miles of range and keeps running costs very low. Families in cities who want a practical, eco friendly hatchback enjoy its roomy cabin and electric efficiency.

Smart #1

Smart #1

The new electric crossover Smart #1 brings SUV practicality to the brand. With an estimated 260 miles of range, 400+ litre boot, and modern safety tech, it’s a step up in size. It’s an option for buyers transitioning to larger, greener vehicles without losing Smart’s city DNA.

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