2009 Smart Fortwo Coupe 1.0L Petrol · EK59 OTT

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2009 Smart Fortwo Coupe, conducted on 1 April 2025, resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded. However, it is worth noting that the vehicle failed an earlier test on the same date before presumably being rectified and re-presented for the subsequent pass. Looking at the broader history, the car has passed three of its last five recorded tests without advisories, with failures logged on 21 February 2023 and 1 April 2025. While the absence of recorded defect details means the specific failure items cannot be analysed, the pattern of failures followed by clean passes suggests the vehicle has historically been maintained on a remedial basis rather than proactively. Overall, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable but with occasional lapses that warrant closer physical inspection by the buyer to confirm nothing was merely papered over prior to the most recent test. With 130,668 miles recorded on a 17 year old vehicle, the Fortwo is averaging approximately 7,686 miles per year, which is reasonably typical for a car of this age and suggests consistent rather than sporadic use. This is a positive indicator for the mechanical condition of a Smart Fortwo, as the small three-cylinder engines and accompanying drivetrains in these vehicles are known to suffer from oil starvation, internal corrosion, and premature wear when left standing for extended periods. The mileage accumulation appears steady without any glaring gaps or implausible jumps between MOT readings, lending credibility to the recorded odometer history. Continued mixed-use mileage of this nature is broadly beneficial for keeping seals, bearings, and the turbocharger lubricated and functioning as intended. Given the relatively clean MOT record and the absence of specific advisories, age and mileage-related wear items should take priority during a physical inspection. The Fortwo's distinctive rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout places the drivetrain directly behind the passenger compartment, which can lead to heat soak issues and accelerated degradation of associated components such as the intercooler, exhaust manifold, and the automated manual transmission actuator. On a test drive, listen carefully for any clonks from the rear suspension, which uses a de Dion arrangement with specific bushes and bearings that wear over time, and pay attention to the behaviour of the automated manual gearbox, particularly any hesitation, jerkiness, or failure to engage gears cleanly, as actuator and clutch wear are common complaints on high-mileage examples. The brakes should be checked for binding calipers, particularly at the rear, as the system is known to suffer from seized mechanisms after periods of light use. In addition to mechanical items, several calendar-based service items require verification regardless of the recorded mileage. Tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall cracking and perishing due to age, as rubber compounds degrade after roughly six to seven years even with adequate tread depth, and the small 15-inch wheels on the Fortwo make the sidewalls particularly vulnerable to kerbing damage. The 12 volt battery, now well over a decade old, is highly likely to be approaching the end of its service life and should be load-tested prior to purchase. Brake fluid, coolant, and transmission oil are all time-sensitive and should have been replaced on a calendar basis rather than purely mileage, so verifying service book stamps or invoices for these renewals is essential. Finally, conduct a thorough under-bonnet inspection for any signs of coolant or oil leaks from the rear-mounted engine, examine the exhaust system for corrosion where it passes near the heat shields, and ensure the SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) units, a known weak point on Smart vehicles of this era, are functioning correctly for all electrical systems.