How to Choose the Right Pre-Owned Smart Fortwo 451 for a BRAAP Smart Car Lift Kit Build
- BRAAP LLC
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
If you're thinking about lifting a Smart car — you’re in the right place. At BRAAP, we specialize in turning the compact and quirky Smart Fortwo 451 (2008–2015) into trail-ready, head-turning machines with our Smart car lift kits and custom off-road builds.
Whether you’re dreaming of a micro overlander or a lifted city cruiser, installing a BRAAP Smart car lift kit transforms your Smart into something totally unique. But before you start the fun part — the build — you’ll need the right base car. Here’s what to look for (and where to find it) when buying a pre-owned Smart Fortwo 451.
1. Focus on a Solid Drivetrain
Since your BRAAP lift kit replaces the entire stock suspension setup, the most important part of your Smart is it's engine and transmission. You’re building on that foundation — and a healthy drivetrain means fewer headaches and more fun after the lift.
Engine Inspection Tips
The 2008–2015 Smart Fortwo 451 uses a 1.0L 3-cylinder Mitsubishi-sourced engine, known for being small, efficient, and durable — if maintained correctly.
When inspecting, pay attention to:
Maintenance records: Look for regular oil changes (every 5,000 miles or sooner) and tune-ups. Lack of documentation can mean neglected maintenance.
Oil leaks: Common on older 451s — especially around the valve cover gasket and head gasket.
Check for wet or oily buildup around the top of the engine and spark plug wells (valve cover gasket leak).
Look for oil seeping down the engine block, coolant loss, or milky residue on the oil cap, which could indicate a head gasket issue.
Oil condition and level: Pull the dipstick — oil should be clean amber, not black or sludgy. Low oil could point to consumption or leaks.
Exhaust smoke: Blue = burning oil, white = coolant, black = fuel mixture.
Idle and startup: Should start easily and idle evenly. Loud knocking or rattling is a bad sign.
Cooling system: Check for leaks at the thermostat housing and radiator. Overheating can warp the head.
Warning lights: Always scan for codes before buying — Smart ECUs can hide issues that aren’t obvious at first glance.
A clean, dry engine bay is a good sign of proper maintenance. Minor seepage is normal for age; major leaks mean future repairs.
2. Check the Undercarriage — Rust Is the Real Enemy
Because your BRAAP suspension lift kit mounts directly to the subframe and chassis, rust-free mounting points are critical.
Inspect:
The front subframe, rear control arm mounts, and floor pans for corrosion or soft spots.
Cars from snowy or coastal regions tend to show more rust underneath.
Surface rust is fine — structural rust is a dealbreaker.
A clean underbody makes for a smoother install and a safer lifted ride.
3. Inspect the Brakes, Wheel Hubs, and Bearings
Your lifted Smart will roll with a new stance, so you’ll want good wheel hubs and bearings.
Check for:
No humming or grinding noises while driving.
Even brake wear and firm pedal feel.
Clean hub threads (you’ll reuse these during your lift install).
These are inexpensive to fix, but worth checking before you buy.
4. Don’t Stress About Worn Suspension
All stock suspension parts — springs, shocks, struts — are replaced when you install your BRAAP lift kit, so worn factory components aren’t a problem.
What does matter:
Straight frame and subframes (no accident damage).
Tight steering feel and good wheel alignment. Even if your donor Smart has saggy shocks, that’s all coming out anyway once BRAAP takes over.
5. Model Year Differences — What Changed from 2008 to 2015
All 451-generation Smart Fortwos (2008–2015) can take a BRAAP lift kit, but each production phase has its quirks:
Model Years | Highlights | What to Watch For |
2008–2009 (Early 451) | The first U.S.-market Smart cars. Simpler electronics, minimalist interiors, lower cost. Great for budget builds. | Early models can have software quirks and rougher shifting if the transmission actuator hasn’t been serviced. |
2010–2012 (Mid-Run Updates) | Slightly refined drivability, improved transmission programming, more color options, and better materials inside. | Still uses the same mechanicals — check for updated software flashes or clutch recalibration. |
2013–2015 (Facelifted Models) | Updated front fascia, LED lighting, interior upgrades, and improved electronics. Later models (2013–2015) are the most refined 451s. | Slightly higher cost, but worth it for reliability and comfort if you want a daily-drivable lifted Smart. |
Pro Tip: If you’re planning a trail or adventure build, the 2008–2009 cars make great, low-cost starting points. For a clean daily-driver or possibly a show build, our personal preference is 2010–2012 mostly for aesthetics (updated interior but pre-updated front fascia which we're not fond of for modifying). 2013-2015 are slightly more refined and often available with lower miles but also little more pricey.
6. Where to Find a Pre-Owned Smart Fortwo 451
These little cars are everywhere once you start looking. Here’s where to find a great donor Smart for your BRAAP lift kit build:
Online Marketplaces
Facebook Marketplace – A top choice for local deals. You’ll often find 451s listed by private sellers, sometimes with low miles or garage-kept condition.
Craigslist – Old-school, but still great for project cars and budget-friendly finds.
OfferUp / Letgo – Regional apps where older Smart cars pop up frequently.
Car-Buying Websites
AutoTrader – Filter by model years (2008–2015), price, and location for clean, dealer-maintained Smarts.
Cars.com and CarGurus – Both have robust nationwide listings with dealer and private-party options.
Bring a Trailer (BaT) – Occasionally features ultra-clean or modded Smart cars if you want a standout starting point.
Local Auto Dealerships
Many dealers or trade-in lots have Smart Fortwos that owners traded in for larger cars.
Ask about maintenance records — dealership cars often come with full Carfax reports.
Smart Enthusiast Groups & Forums
Facebook groups like "Lifted Smart Cars USA", “Smart Car Owners”, “Smart Car Modders”, and “Smart Fortwo Marketplace” often feature well-cared-for cars sold by enthusiasts who know their vehicles.
Bonus: You might find one already partially modified or lifted!
Pro Tip: Since the BRAAP lift kit replaces all the suspension, focus your money on finding a clean, rust-free car with a healthy engine and transmission, rather than paying extra for a low-mile “garage queen.”
7. Plan Your Build Vision
Before pulling the trigger on a car, decide what kind of BRAAP Smart build you want:
Adventure Overlander: Clean, rust-free Smart with solid mechanicals.
Urban Off-Roader: Budget-friendly, higher-mileage Smart with a reliable drivetrain.
Show Build: Pristine example with clean paint and interior.
Whatever your vision, your BRAAP Smart car lift kit makes it possible.
BRAAP Smart car lift kits are precision-engineered to replace all factory suspension components, giving your Smart a new attitude — higher stance, rugged capability, and head-turning style.
Each kit is designed specifically for the Smart Fortwo 451, ensuring perfect fitment, dependable handling, and an unmistakably BRAAP look. Whether you’re hitting dirt roads, cruising city streets, or building the wildest Smart in your area — BRAAP makes it happen.
Comments