2010 Smart Fortwo Passion MHD Auto 1.0L Petrol · BF60 UEU

The vehicle presents a mixed mechanical picture, trending from a concerning failure to a clean pass within days. The most recent MOT test on 2025-10-27 at 89,118 miles resulted in a pass with zero defects, indicating the immediate rectification of prior faults. However, the preceding test on 2025-10-24 at 89,117 miles revealed serious structural and safety failures, including a seriously weakened offside front Macpherson strut and a nearside front tyre suffering structural separation. Passing shortly after suggests the previous owner addressed these critical items to obtain a certificate, yet the sudden emergence of such severe defects raises questions about prior maintenance diligence. Accumulating roughly 5,570 miles annually, this Fortwo has seen exceptionally light use for its sixteen-year lifespan. The mileage progression reveals distinct phases of activity and dormancy. Between 2023-01-10 at 80,625 miles and 2024-01-09 at 88,227 miles, the vehicle covered 7,602 miles in a single year. Conversely, it drove only 891 miles between 2024-01-09 and the latest test on 2025-10-27 at 89,118 miles. Prolonged standing periods often lead to seized brake calipers, degraded rubber suspension bushes, and flat-spotted tyres, which contradicts the low mileage's implied gentle wear. A physical inspection must scrutinize the front suspension and lighting circuits, as the MOT history highlights persistent vulnerabilities. The tester flagged a damaged offside front Macpherson strut in October 2025, a critical structural component that affects wheel alignment and handling. Although repaired for the pass, a buyer should check for uneven tyre wear, particularly on the offside front, which appeared repeatedly as worn to the legal limit and on the edge in both 2024 and 2025. Suspension bushes and coil springs require close examination for corrosion or deterioration stemming from long periods of inactivity. The recurring inoperative front position lamps across the 2024 and 2025 tests point to an underlying wiring or earthing fault rather than simple bulb failure. Inspect the headlamp units and loom for green rot or poor connections. Verify the condition of the nearside front tyre, which previously suffered a structural tear, and ensure the replacement matches the opposite axle. Test the braking system for binding calipers and inspect the disc condition, as low-mileage vehicles frequently suffer from surface corrosion that leads to uneven braking effort.