2017 Smart Fortwo 0.9L Petrol · AX17 ECE

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2025-08-11, at 35,712 miles, confirms it remains roadworthy with no defects recorded. This marks the seventh consecutive pass since 2022, though the record includes an unusual double entry on 2022-06-09—one pass and one failure at the same mileage—suggesting either a clerical error or a brief, isolated oversight. The absence of advisories or recurring faults in the last three tests indicates no obvious pattern of deferred maintenance. However, the 2025 test is now just under a year old, placing it near the end of its 12-month validity period. Buyers should verify whether the current owner has maintained regular servicing outside MOT requirements, particularly for fluid changes and wear items not covered by the test. The recorded mileage of 35,712 miles over nine years equates to approximately 3,968 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age and category. The gaps between tests—most notably the 14-month interval between the 2023 and 2024 MOTs—could imply periods of inactivity or storage. The sudden jump from 18,766 to 23,911 miles between 2022 and 2023 (5,145 miles in under a year) stands out as the most significant acceleration, though it remains well below average for a city car. Such variability may suggest inconsistent usage rather than aggressive driving. The lack of advisories or defects in any test, however, does not preclude hidden issues from prolonged standing, such as seized suspension components or degraded seals. Given the clean MOT history, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on high-wear items that are not routinely tested. The suspension—particularly the coil springs, bushes, and dampers—should be examined for uneven wear or corrosion, as microcracks in these components often develop gradually without triggering MOT failures. Brake discs and calipers, while never explicitly flagged, warrant close scrutiny for lateral runout or uneven wear patterns, especially if the vehicle has experienced rapid mileage accumulation at any point. Structural integrity is another critical area; the underbody, wheel arches, and rear subframe should be inspected for corrosion, as SMART models are prone to rust progression in high-salt environments. Finally, the electrical system—including lights, sensors, and the battery—should be tested, as failures here are common in low-mileage vehicles left unused for extended periods.