2005 Smart City Passion 61 Auto 0.7L Petrol · KP05 HJO

This 2005 Smart City Passion presents a worsening maintenance trend, culminating in a highly concerning MOT record just weeks ago. The vehicle failed its test on 7 May 2026 at 110,165 miles before passing a retest five days later on 12 May 2026 at 110,169 miles. The pass relied on rectifying a fractured offside rear coil spring and excessively deteriorated front brake hoses, yet the tester still issued advisories for a minor exhaust manifold leak, corroded rear brake pipes, and a slightly noisy nearside rear wheel bearing. The underlying mechanical condition is clearly deteriorating, with multiple critical failures appearing in rapid succession over the last eighteen months. Averaging roughly 5,246 miles annually across its 21-year lifespan indicates light use, though the recent mileage pattern reveals a sudden shift in usage habits. Between December 2023 and December 2024, the car covered just 4,766 miles. It then accumulated 4,748 miles in the four months leading up to the December 2024 test, followed by another 4,752 miles in the five months before the May 2026 test. This sudden spike in daily mileage after a period of relative inactivity often accelerates wear on already fatigued components, which aligns directly with the cascade of recent suspension and braking failures. The braking system demands immediate, thorough investigation. The December 2024 test failed the car on excessively worn front lower suspension arm ball joints and Macpherson strut top bushes, while the May 2026 test flagged excessively deteriorated nearside and offside front brake hoses alongside corroded rear brake pipes obscured by grease. Front brake pads wearing thin were also advised back in December 2023. This progression points to prolonged neglect of the vehicle's hydraulic and friction components. A buyer must verify that the recent repairs to the front hoses and rear coil spring were executed to a high standard, and the corroded rear brake pipes require urgent replacement before they become a structural rupture risk. Suspension wear is an ongoing theme that requires close physical inspection. Front upper strut bushes were flagged as worn in December 2023, degrading into excessive play in the strut top bushes and lower ball joints by December 2024. The fractured offside rear coil spring in May 2026 confirms the chassis is suffering from advanced fatigue and corrosion. The persistent windscreen damage noted across three consecutive tests and the minor exhaust manifold leak also require attention, but the primary focus must be verifying the integrity of the repaired suspension arms and confirming the noisy nearside rear wheel bearing is not masking a failing hub.