2018 Smart (mcc) Fortwo 1.0L Petrol · AX18 EOS

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 11 August 2026, but the overall maintenance trend is concerning and shows a clear decline. While the record was clean between 2021 and 2023, the last three years have seen a recurring pattern of advisories that have remained unaddressed. The persistence of the same defects across multiple annual tests suggests a reactive rather than proactive approach to vehicle upkeep, which may indicate other neglected maintenance areas. With a recorded mileage of 36,977 miles over eight years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 4,622 miles per year. This is significantly lower than the national average for a city car. While this results in less mechanical wear on the drivetrain and engine internals, low-usage vehicles are often more susceptible to degradation caused by standing. This is particularly evident in the rubber components and fluid stability, where time-based decay becomes a more prominent factor than mileage-based wear. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the front suspension and tyres. The anti-roll bar linkage ball joints have been flagged for slight play since 2025; during a test drive, listen for intermittent clunking or knocking sounds when traversing uneven road surfaces or during low-speed cornering. More critical are the tyres, which have been noted as cracking and perishing since 2024. This indicates the rubber has hardened due to age and UV exposure rather than tread wear. Given that these advisories have persisted for three years and now include cuts to the rear tyre, a full replacement of the tyre set is strongly recommended to avoid the risk of structural failure. Beyond the MOT advisories, the low mileage necessitates specific physical checks. Inspect the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion or evidence of binding calipers, which can occur when a vehicle is left stationary for extended periods. The 12V battery health should be verified, as infrequent short trips often fail to maintain a full charge. Finally, ensure the service history confirms oil and filter changes based on the manufacturer's calendar intervals rather than mileage alone, as engine oil degrades over time regardless of the distance travelled.