2005 Smart City Coupe 0.7L Petrol · FJ05 WKD

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a shift from clean records to emerging rubber and suspension degradation. The most recent test in September 2023 at 64,290 miles identified multiple advisories that were absent in previous years. These issues include a worn offside front coil spring, deteriorated brake hoses, and a minor exhaust leak. While the car passed, the accumulation of these faults suggests the vehicle is beginning to suffer from age-related wear rather than mileage. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a 21-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,061 miles per year. There is a significant gap in usage between February 2022 at 64,289 miles and September 2023 at 64,290 miles, where only one mile was recorded in over eighteen months. This low usage explains the recurring issues with tyre perishing and cracking noted in both 2020 and 2023, as rubber components dry out when a vehicle remains stationary for long periods. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of all rubber components and suspension elements. The history specifically flags deteriorating tyres and deforming brake hoses, indicating that the vehicle likely requires immediate replacement of these consumables despite the low mileage. The offside front coil spring should be checked for further fatigue or corrosion, and the exhaust leak requires professional investigation to ensure it does not evolve into a structural failure failure. Given the long periods of inactivity, the brake calipers should also be tested for seizing or seized pistons.