2019 Smart Fortwo 0.9L Petrol · FH19 XCJ

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 2026-02-23 with an advisory recorded against the nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint, indicating slight play in that component. Across the five tests visible on the DVSA record, the Fortwo has passed every examination without any failure items, and the maintenance trajectory appears broadly stable. Two advisories have been raised over the lifetime of the record, both relatively minor in nature, with no repeat failures or recurring concerns on the same component, which is a reassuring pattern for a prospective buyer. The advisory regarding the anti-roll bar ball joint is worth monitoring, as these joints are subject to progressive wear and can permit additional movement over time, potentially developing into a noise or firmness concern on the front suspension. With a recorded mileage of 25,439 miles over approximately seven years, this Fortwo has covered an average of around 3,634 miles annually, which is notably low for its age and suggests either limited regular use or extended periods of standing between journeys. Low annual mileage of this nature reduces wear on major drivetrain components and high-mileage service items, but it does introduce specific age-driven deterioration concerns that are independent of the odometer reading. The relatively sparse MOT history, with tests conducted in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, is consistent with a vehicle that has spent considerable time parked or used very lightly rather than being driven consistently. Given the low usage profile, a buyer should pay particular attention to components that degrade with calendar age rather than mileage. Tyres fitted to a vehicle of this age should be carefully inspected for sidewall perishing and cracking, even if the tread depth appears adequate, as rubber compounds harden over time and aged tyres can lose grip before they are legally worn. The original rear tyres were flagged in 2024 for being worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge, suggesting either a tracking issue or that the rear axle geometry deserves verification on a test drive, listening for any wandering or uneven steering behaviour. Brake discs and calipers are particularly susceptible to corrosion when a vehicle is left standing for prolonged periods, so the buyer should ensure the brakes do not bind, shudder on application, or show significant surface rust that fails to clear after the first few applications. The 12V battery is another area of concern on a low-mileage car, as short infrequent journeys and long standing periods are detrimental to battery longevity; it is prudent to check the battery's age, hold a healthy voltage under load, and confirm the charging system is functioning correctly. Fluid services such as brake fluid, coolant, and the automated manual transmission oil should be confirmed as having been changed in line with time-based schedules rather than mileage intervals, as these fluids degrade hygroscopically and through chemical ageing regardless of how far the vehicle has travelled. On a road test, the buyer should listen for any clonks or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly relating to the previously advisories anti-roll bar ball joint, and verify that the warning lights extinguish promptly and that the electronic stability programme and engine management systems function as intended. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician, including a ramp check of the underside for fluid leaks, corrosion, and component condition, would be a sensible precaution given the vehicle's age.