2015 Smart (mcc) Fortwo 1.0L Petrol · EY65 PCX

The defining mechanical theme of this Smart Fortwo is a front brake assembly that has been a recurring focus of attention across multiple MOT inspections, with no other area of the vehicle drawing comparable scrutiny. The most recent test on 14 October 2025 was a pass accompanied by a nearside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit at 3mm, but stepping back through the record reveals that the front brake discs were flagged for pitting and scoring in October 2024 and for wear the year before that in September 2023, while the front brake pads were noted as wearing thin at 2mm back in October 2019. This is not a vehicle with a catastrophic history; it has passed every annual test, and there are no recorded failures whatsoever. The pattern does, however, indicate that the front braking components are operating at the threshold of acceptable wear on a consistent basis, which is a relevant mechanical data point for any prospective buyer assessing the immediacy of forthcoming replacement work. Mileage data paints a picture of a lightly used urban runabout. The recorded 60,399 miles across an 11-year lifespan equates to an average of roughly 5,500 miles annually, which is well below typical UK averages and consistent with the Smart Fortwo's role as a short-journey city car. The recorded mileages in the MOT history progress steadily without significant gaps or unusual jumps, indicating continuous use rather than long periods of standing, which is reassuring for components such as brake discs, brake calipers, suspension linkages, and the rear electric drive unit that can suffer from seizure or corrosion when a vehicle is left dormant. The low annual accumulation does mean the engine and transmission have not been subjected to high wear, but it also means that short-trip duty can accelerate corrosion on underbody components, brake components, and the exhaust system, all of which should be inspected closely given the otherwise minimal usage profile. With the front brake discs having been flagged for pitting and scoring on two consecutive tests, and pads noted as thin in 2019, a buyer should carry out a measured appraisal of the braking system on a test drive. Any vibration or shudder through the steering wheel or brake pedal under firm application would suggest the discs have now reached a serviceable limit, and pulling the wheel to assess disc run-out and lip measurement is worthwhile. The nearside rear tyre having been recorded at 3mm last October should be replaced immediately if still fitted, and the front tyres warrant a check for uneven shoulder wear, which on a lightweight rear-wheel-drive Smart can indicate worn rear trailing arm bushes or play in the De Dion rear axle mounting. Additionally, because both front tyres were flagged for cracking and perishing back in 2020, the sidewalls of the current set should be examined for UV-related crazing, particularly given the vehicle's likely exposure to prolonged sunlight. Beyond the documented advisories, a prospective buyer should subject the Fortwo to a thorough test drive to detect issues commonly associated with this model that may not yet have surfaced in MOT data. Listen for clonks or knocks from the rear suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as the rear beam bushes and shock absorber mountings are known wear points and will not be examined with the same rigour as the braking system. Steering should feel precise and free of excess play, as worn tie rod ends or drop link deterioration can present as vague directional response. On startup, observe the instrument cluster for any warning lights, particularly the gear selector indicator on automated manual variants, which can display faults relating to the actuator or clutch pack. Given the vehicle's low annual mileage, the 12V auxiliary battery is likely to be on borrowed time and should be load-tested, while a thorough underbody inspection for surface corrosion on subframe and suspension arms is sensible given the documented brake disc pitting, which itself is often exacerbated by infrequent use allowing moisture to sit on the rotor surface.