2005 Smart Forfour Passion Semi-Auto 1.3L Petrol · KM05 XAL

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a trend of persistent structural corrosion and mechanical wear. While the most recent test in January 2025 at 75,207 miles passed, it revealed new issues such as binding brakes on the offside front and rear and a front exhaust leak. These faults follow recurring advisories from previous years, suggesting that while the car is kept in legal order, the owner is reacting to symptoms rather than performing preventative maintenance. At 21 years old, the recorded mileage of 75,207 miles is exceptionally low, averaging approximately 3,581 miles per year. The data shows consistent low-usage patterns with only 1,189 miles driven between January 2024 and January 2025, and another 1,915 miles in the year preceding 2024. This low mileage explains the advanced degradation of rubber components, such as the heavy age cracking and perishing tyres noted in 2022, which often occurs when vehicles remain stationary for extended periods. A buyer must prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the front sub-frame, which has been flagged for corrosion since at least 2022. Although the tester noted it was not seriously weakened, the persistent nature of this rust across multiple tests suggests active oxidation that may eventually require structural attention. The rear coil springs have also shown consistent corrosion on both sides for three years, which should be checked for signs of fatigue or imminent failure. The brake system requires close monitoring due to documented reports of binding calipers and fluctuating discs over the last three test cycles. Additionally, the long-standing oil leak from the sump has been present since 2022; while described as not excessive, it indicates a long-term seal failure that remains unresolved. Given the age of the vehicle and the low mileage, all rubber hoses, bushings, and tyres should be inspected for cracks or perished material despite the low distance travelled.