2006 Smart (mcc) Forfour 1.5L Diesel · FT06 AAO

A remarkably clean MOT history defines this 2006 Smart Forfour, with the most recent test on 15 July 2025 recording a pass and no advisories or defects logged. What stands out about the record is the pattern of dual pass-and-fail entries on the same date in both 2024 and 2025, which is a recognised DVSA practice when a vehicle fails initially and is then retested and passes within the same inspection session, rather than indicating a genuine mechanical crisis. The fact that no advisories or specific component defects have been recorded at any of the recent tests suggests that the car has either been maintained proactively between tests, or that the components traditionally flagged on older vehicles such as corroded brake lines, perished suspension bushes, worn coil springs, and exhaust corrosion have not yet reached the threshold for advisory reporting. The absence of any recurring component mentions across the available record is the strongest single indicator of consistent roadworthiness on this chassis. With 182,257 miles recorded against an age of approximately twenty years, the vehicle has averaged around 9,113 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a car of this vintage and indicates steady, regular use rather than periods of extended standing or unusually heavy motorway mileage. There are no obvious gaps in the MOT testing history that would suggest the car was off the road for any significant period, and the absence of flagged mileage inconsistencies implies a continuous, well-documented usage pattern. Mechanically, an annual accumulation in this range generally means that consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, drive belts, and fluids will have been replaced on a sensible service interval rather than suffering the accelerated wear seen on high-mileage examples or the deterioration typical of cars left standing. For a 2006 Forfour, which uses a Mitsubishi-sourced 1.3 or 1.5 petrol engine depending on specification, this kind of mileage spread is also unlikely to have placed unusual stress on the clutch or manual gearbox internals, provided the vehicle has been serviced in line with manufacturer recommendations. Despite the clean paper record, a prospective buyer should approach the test drive with the known weak points of this particular model firmly in mind, as the MOT test does not cover engine internals, clutch bite point, or many of the cabin and underbody components that degrade with age. The Forfour is well documented for developing wear in the rear beam axle bushes and trailing arm linkages, so it is worth selecting a stretch of road with undulations and listening for clonking or knocking from the rear suspension, particularly over single bumps at low speed. Steering wander or a feeling of instability on motorway speeds can point to worn front wishbone bushes or top mount deterioration, both of which are common on this platform at this mileage. It is also worth inspecting the underside of the car for any surface corrosion on the rear beam assembly, as the Smart Forfour is more prone to corrosion in this area than its predecessor. Given the high recorded mileage, particular attention should be paid to the braking system during the inspection. Even though no brake-related advisories have been logged, components such as front discs, caliper slide pins, and rear drum mechanisms will have endured significant wear by 182,000 miles. A firm pedal with no excessive travel, straight-line stopping without pulling to either side, and the absence of any grinding or squealing under light braking are all reassuring signs. The cooling system is another priority, as the Forfour's Mitsubishi engine is known for water pump and thermostat housing wear as the mileage climbs, so the buyer should check for any signs of coolant loss, mayonnaise on the oil cap, or a history of overheating. Finally, a compression test or at least a smooth idle with no misfires on cold start would provide additional confidence, as the absence of MOT advisories does not by itself guarantee that the engine and drivetrain remain in sound mechanical condition at this accumulated mileage.