2018 Smart Forfour 1.0L Petrol · D6 CPP

The 2018 Smart Forfour currently holds a valid MOT certificate following its most recent test on 16 July 2025, which was passed with no defects or advisories recorded by DVSA. Looking back over the available four-test history, the vehicle has consistently passed each annual examination without any advisories, failures, or component notes flagged by the inspector. This presents a highly stable maintenance trend, suggesting that the previous owner has maintained the car to a standard sufficient to satisfy roadworthiness requirements at every check, though it is important to recognise that the MOT test is a relatively basic safety and emissions standard rather than a comprehensive mechanical assessment. With 59,978 miles recorded over approximately eight years of service, the Forfour is averaging around 7,500 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a small urban-oriented vehicle of this age and segment. The mileage progression across the recorded MOT entries appears steady and consistent, without any unusual gaps that might suggest prolonged periods off the road or sudden accumulations that could indicate motorway use or long-distance touring. For a Smart Forfour, which is engineered primarily for city driving with a modest naturally aspirated engine and a relatively simple rear suspension layout, this annual mileage is well within the expected design envelope and should not have placed excessive stress on the powertrain or drivetrain components, although consumable wear on items such as brake pads, discs, and tyres will still be proportionate to use and standing time alike. Given that the MOT history is entirely clean with no advisories recorded across four consecutive tests, there is no specific component defect history to investigate, but a prospective buyer should still conduct a thorough physical and functional inspection appropriate for a vehicle of this age and mileage profile. Begin by closely examining all four tyres, paying particular attention to sidewall perishing and cracking, as the rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of tread depth, and check the production date markings on the sidewalls to confirm they are within a reasonable service life. A Smart Forfour of eight years of age will typically be on its second or third set of tyres, so deeply dated rubber should be factored into negotiation. Next, inspect the brake discs visually for any obvious signs of corrosion around the outer edges and inner faces, as standing periods combined with the vehicle's light weight can lead to surface rust that may cause initial brake shudder or juddering from cold, while also checking that the calipers are not binding by ensuring each one retracts cleanly after release of the brake pedal. Pay close attention to the rear drum or disc brake assemblies depending on specification, as these are particularly susceptible to seizing from infrequent use. Beyond the braking system, several age-related items warrant close attention during a test drive and under-bonnet inspection. Listen carefully for any suspension knocks or clonks over uneven road surfaces, particularly from the rear De Dion axle and its associated bushes and coil springs, as these are known wear items on the Forfour platform and can deteriorate without necessarily triggering an MOT failure until play becomes excessive. On the test drive, verify that the steering remains tight and free of any sloppiness or clonking, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns which would indicate misalignment or worn suspension geometry. Under the bonnet, inspect the condition and age of the 12-volt battery, as a battery older than five years may struggle to hold charge reliably, particularly given the additional electrical load of stop-start systems where fitted. Finally, verify the service history thoroughly, confirming that regular oil and filter changes have been documented along with replacement of the brake fluid, coolant, and spark plugs at their respective calendar-based intervals, as these time-sensitive fluid degradations are not assessed during the MOT test itself but are essential to the long-term mechanical integrity of the engine, gearbox, and braking system.