The short answer is that you can no longer buy a new Smart car from a traditional dealership in the United States. Smart officially left the U.S. market in 2019. Today, your primary options are the used car market through online platforms and local dealers, or purchasing a new Smart model (if available internationally) through specialized importers, which is a complex process.
When Smart was sold in the U.S., the lineup was limited to the Fortwo model. Its discontinuation was largely due to low sales volume, as American consumers generally favored larger vehicles. For a used Smart car, your best bets are major online marketplaces like Cars.com, AutoTrader, and CarGurus. These sites aggregate listings from both private sellers and certified dealerships across the country. You can filter by year, mileage, price, and location. It's also worth checking used car inventories at Mercedes-Benz dealerships, as they were the parent company and often serviced and sold Smart vehicles.
Purchasing a newer-generation Smart model, like the #1 or #3 sold in Europe and China, is not straightforward. Since these are not certified for U.S. safety and emissions standards, you would need to work with a registered importer. This process involves significant costs for modifications, shipping, and paperwork, and may not be legal in all states. It's generally not recommended for the average consumer.
| Consideration | Used Smart Fortwo (U.S. Model) | New Smart Model (Import) |
|---|
| Availability | Readily available on used markets | Limited, requires specialist importer |
| Cost | Typically $6,000 - $15,000 | $30,000+ (including import/modification) |
| Process | Standard used car purchase | Complex, time-consuming, regulatory hurdles |
| Legal Compliance | Fully compliant with U.S. regulations | Requires modification to meet standards |
Your most practical and cost-effective path is to focus on a well-maintained used Smart Fortwo from a reputable seller.
