2003 Smart Roadster Bluewave 0.7L Petrol · K11 BMG

The most recent MOT, conducted on 9 December 2021 at 67,864 miles, shows a mixed picture. The vehicle failed its initial attempt that day due to a non-functioning nearside headlamp dipped beam, alongside persistent advisories for corroded brake pipes, a worn nearside front wheel bearing, and front tyres worn to the legal limit on their inner edges. A retest on the same day at the same mileage passed, indicating the headlamp was rectified, but the underlying advisories for corrosion and wear were carried forward. The maintenance trend is not clearly improving. Recurring issues, particularly brake pipe corrosion and uneven front tyre wear, appear across multiple tests, suggesting these are chronic, unresolved conditions rather than one-off fixes. The vehicle has not been tested for over four and a half years, leaving a significant gap in its recent roadworthiness verification. The mileage pattern is notably low for a 2003 vehicle. Between the June 2017 test at 65,785 miles and the December 2021 test at 67,864 miles, the vehicle covered just 2,079 miles over four and a half years. This equates to roughly 462 miles per year during that period, indicating prolonged periods of very light use or standing. The earlier history shows a more typical accumulation, with approximately 6,260 miles added between May 2015 and June 2017. The recent ultra-low mileage suggests the car has been used sparingly, which can lead to its own issues, such as brake corrosion from lack of use and perishing of rubber components. A buyer should pay close attention to the braking system. The offside front brake pipe has been flagged as corroded and covered in grease or other material in three consecutive tests from 2020 to 2021, and other brake pipes have shown surface corrosion. This is a recurring concern that warrants a thorough inspection of the entire brake line system for structural integrity. The nearside front wheel bearing had slight play in 2021, and the 2017 test noted slight play in a lower suspension arm ball joint. These suspension and steering components should be checked for wear and play. The consistent inner edge wear on front tyres across multiple tests points to potential alignment issues or worn suspension bushes that have not been addressed. The 2017 test also flagged slight corrosion on shock absorbers and coil springs, and the 2021 test noted corrosion on suspension component mounting areas. Given the vehicle's age and the long gap since its last test, a comprehensive underside inspection is essential to assess the extent of any structural corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and brake line routes. The presence of engine covers and under-trays noted in 2015 may have obscured components during previous inspections, so their removal during a pre-purchase check is advisable to get a clear view of the vehicle's condition.