2004 Smart (mcc) City Coupe 0.7L Petrol · HX04 UPS

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance profile characterized by a recurring pattern of reactive rather than proactive upkeep. While it passed its most recent MOT in October 2025 at 81,530 miles, this followed a significant failure just three miles prior. The trend remains unstable, as the car consistently fails to address basic safety-critical items like bulbs, wipers, and tyres until forced to. The presence of play in the steering column universal joint in the latest test indicates that mechanical wear is now beginning to move beyond simple consumable components into the steering assembly. At 22 years old, the recorded 81,530 miles represent exceptionally low usage, averaging approximately 3,700 miles per year. However, the data shows a period of stagnation or extreme neglect between November 2023 and November 2024, where the vehicle covered only 3,737 miles. This low mileage often correlates with the degradation of rubber components and fluids, which is evidenced by the heavily corroded rear brake pipes and perished perished noted in 2024. The history suggests the car may sit idle for long periods, allowing corrosion to develop despite low mileage. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the steering and suspension systems. The tester specifically flagged excessive free play in the steering rack and wear in the universal joint, alongside previous issues with track rod end dust covers and Macpherson strut bushes. The 2024 failure regarding corroded rear brake pipes covered in grease is a major red flag, as grease is often used to hide structural decay in the braking lines. Furthermore, the recurring failures for exhaust emissions and oil leaks suggest that the previous owner has ignored underlying engine health issues until they became test failures.