2008 Smart (mcc) Fortwo Coupe 0.7L Petrol · FE08 XFS

A clean and uninterrupted MOT history defines this 2008 Smart Fortwo Coupe. Across three consecutive tests from February 2022 through September 2024, the vehicle has passed with no advisories, no failures, and no recorded defects whatsoever. That is an unusual record for a city car now in its eighteenth year, particularly one of Smart's earlier production runs where corrosion and component wear on the rear subframe, brake lines, and suspension linkages are commonly flagged on MOT records. The absence of any entries suggests either meticulous mechanical upkeep, or that the vehicle has been used so lightly that wear items have simply not yet reached the thresholds for advisory or failure. For a prospective buyer, this translates into a baseline of roadworthiness confidence, but it also means the test record alone does not tell you what condition the car is in today, eighteen months after that clean September 2024 pass. The mileage profile reinforces the latter interpretation. At 86,167 miles over eighteen years, this Fortwo averages roughly 4,787 miles per annum, which is markedly low even by small city car standards where 6,000 to 8,000 miles annually would be typical. Such a low rate of accumulation strongly implies extended periods of inactivity, which on a vehicle of this design tends to affect specific areas rather than the high-wear consumables. The rear-mounted engine and transmission assembly, the undertrays, the rubber gaiters on the drive shafts, the seals around the rear wheel bearings, and the brake calipers (which seize readily when stationary) are all components that degrade through disuse rather than use. Equally, age-related deterioration on the Smart's known corrosion zones, particularly the front subframe mounting points, the rear crash structure, and the steel brake lines running along the chassis, will still progress regardless of how few miles have been covered. For a buyer inspecting this car today, the priority checks are those that the MOT record cannot reveal. On a test drive, listen carefully for clonks or knocking from the rear end over speed bumps and rough surfaces, which on a Fortwo typically points to worn trailing arms, anti-roll bar links, or the shock absorber top mounts. With the engine running, any rattling from the rear under acceleration or a metallic whine that rises with engine speed could indicate worn engine mounts or a tired clutch assembly, both common on Smart three-cylinder units of this era. Check that the gear selection is crisp, as the Fortwo's automated manual transmission is notorious for sluggish or jerky changes when the actuator or clutch is wearing. At idle, look for any oil misting around the rear engine cover area or drips on the ground beneath the gearbox, as rear main seal leaks are a known weakness. Brake feel is another area worth probing in detail given the likely periods of standing. A low, firm pedal with no sponginess is what you want, and the car should pull up straight without any juddering through the pedal. With the wheels off the ground or by visual inspection through the wheel spokes, examine the rear brake calipers for seized pistons, which manifest as uneven pad wear or a brake that drags and overheats after only a short drive. The handbrake should hold the car firmly on a hill with the typical light Smart effort. Underneath, pay particular attention to the front subframe mounts and any brake line corrosion along the chassis, as well as the condition of the coolant hoses and the drive belt on the rear engine, all of which deteriorate with age regardless of mileage. Finally, verify that all warning lamps extinguish promptly on start-up, that the cooling fan cycles correctly when warm, and that there is no excessive exhaust smoke, as these three-cylinder units can suffer from worn turbo seals or piston ring issues when used intermittently over very long ownership periods.