2007 Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) 0.7L Petrol · BU56 AOT

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2026-01-08 confirms it remains roadworthy, though the preceding year’s history reveals a concerning pattern of deferred maintenance. Between 2025-01-10 and 2025-01-13, the car failed on critical suspension and tyre issues before passing with the same defects still unresolved—indicating either rushed repairs or a lack of proper attention. The 2025 failures alone highlight severe neglect: front track rod ball joint dust covers were completely deteriorated, allowing dirt ingress, while rear tyres showed advanced perishing. The 2026 pass suggests these were either ignored or patched without addressing root causes, leaving structural integrity at risk. The recorded mileage of 44,583 miles over nearly 19 years averages just 2,346 miles annually, a figure unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The gaps between tests—particularly the 18-month span between 2023 and 2025—suggest prolonged periods of inactivity, which could accelerate wear on suspension components, rubber seals, and tyres. The absence of mileage jumps or rapid accumulation implies the car was likely stored rather than driven, yet the repeated tyre and suspension failures contradict the idea of minimal use. This discrepancy raises questions about whether the vehicle was moved frequently enough to justify the wear observed. A prospective buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the front suspension, particularly the track rod ends and ball joints, which failed repeatedly in 2025. The deteriorated dust covers indicate moisture ingress, accelerating corrosion—check for play or binding in the steering and suspension geometry. Rear tyres must be examined for further perishing or cracking, as the 2025 failures suggest a systemic issue with either storage conditions or underinflation. The headlamp failure from 2025 also warrants verification, as electrical faults in older vehicles often recur. Structural elements like the subframe and wheel arches should be scrutinised for corrosion, especially given the car’s age and the lack of intervening MOT tests to catch early signs.