2005 Smart (mcc) Fortwo Coupe 0.7L Petrol · CP05 UKC

The SMART Fortwo’s most recent MOT test in April 2024 at 95,616 miles passed without defects, marking a significant improvement over the previous year’s failures. The vehicle’s roadworthiness trend has stabilised since January 2022, where it failed on critical issues including a major exhaust leak, corroded brake pipes, and worn tyres. While the 2023 test still flagged front brake disc wear and rear tyre tread concerns, these were classified as advisories rather than failures, suggesting the owner addressed the most urgent faults. The absence of defects in the latest test indicates that necessary repairs—such as exhaust mounting, brake components, and tyre replacement—have been completed. However, the persistent advisories in 2022 and 2023 for brake discs and rear anti-roll bar ball joints imply ongoing wear that should be monitored. The recorded mileage of 95,616 miles over 21 years equates to approximately 4,553 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age and class. This suggests either very light usage or prolonged periods of inactivity, which could contribute to accelerated wear in components like suspension bushes and rubber seals due to lack of movement. Notably, the gap between the 2022 failure and the 2023 test—just under three months—indicates a swift response to corrective action, though the 2021-2022 interval lacks data, making it impossible to assess whether earlier issues were addressed promptly. The low mileage also raises questions about whether the vehicle has been stored improperly, potentially exacerbating corrosion risks in brake systems and underbody components. A buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of the rear suspension and anti-roll bar linkages, as the 2022 advisories for slight play in the near-side ball joint persist without resolution. The front brake discs, though not seriously weakened in recent tests, show consistent pitting and scoring, warranting thickness measurements and surface condition checks. Corrosion on the rear brake pipes—particularly the offside pipe in 2022—demands thorough inspection for leaks or structural compromise, as does the exhaust system, which failed in 2022 for both a major leak and insecure mounting. Tyre condition remains critical; while the 2024 test passed, the 2022 failures on near-side front and rear tyres suggest a pattern of neglect that should be verified with current tread depths and lateral wear patterns. Undershields obstructing inspection in 2022 imply potential hidden corrosion or damage to the subframe or sills, areas that require lifting or removal of panels for verification.