2010 Smart Fortwo Coupe 0.8L Diesel · EN10 ACJ

The most recent MOT, conducted on 14 July 2025 at 87,967 miles, passed but flagged corrosion on the rear axle, worn front anti-roll bar D-bushes, corroded front coil springs, and a defective wiper blade. Comparing this against the preceding tests reveals a worsening trend in structural corrosion and suspension wear. The vehicle passed cleanly in July 2022 at 83,625 miles with zero defects, yet by July 2023 both rear radius arm bushes were worn, and by July 2024 the tester noted rear axle beam corrosion and rear underbody corrosion alongside a corroded offside front coil spring. The July 2024 failure at 85,266 miles added a structural tyre defect on the offside front, indicating the car was presented in poor condition before being repaired for its retest two days later. This pattern suggests corrosion is progressing and suspension components are deteriorating faster than expected for a vehicle of this mileage. The recorded mileage of 87,967 miles over roughly 16 years equates to approximately 5,498 miles per year, which is notably low for a petrol-powered Smart Fortwo. Between the July 2022 test at 83,625 miles and the July 2023 test at 85,042 miles, only 1,417 miles were covered in twelve months. The mileage then remained virtually static between July 2023 and July 2024, before jumping to 87,967 miles by July 2025, an increase of 2,689 miles in one year. This irregular pattern points to periods of very light use punctuated by occasional higher demand, which can lead to moisture accumulation in the exhaust and underbody corrosion from condensation rather than road salt exposure alone. A buyer should prioritise a thorough underbody inspection, focusing on the rear axle beam and rear underbody for structural corrosion, as these have appeared as advisories in three consecutive annual tests. The front coil springs show persistent corrosion, and the anti-roll bar D-bushes have been flagged as worn in three successive years, suggesting they may require imminent replacement. Check the condition of all tyre sidewalls carefully, given the July 2024 failure identified a bulge on the offside front tyre, and verify that the front and rear registration plates remain legible. The rear radius arm bushes flagged in 2023 were not mentioned in later tests, but a physical check is warranted to confirm they were replaced rather than simply masked by undertrays. The undertrays fitted to this vehicle obscure a significant portion of the underbody, making it difficult to assess the true extent of corrosion without removal. Have these panels taken off before purchase and inspect the floor pan, sills, and subframe mounting points directly. The rear axle corrosion, now a recurring advisory over multiple years, could indicate a developing structural integrity concern if left unaddressed. Budget for suspension bush replacement and coil spring renewal, as these components are clearly reaching the end of their serviceable life on a vehicle that has seen more corrosion-related attention than mechanical refurbishment.