2017 Smart (mcc) Fortwo 1.0L Petrol · KE17 ABX

The most recent DVSA examination on 16 July 2026 returned a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which is the most favourable possible outcome. Reviewing the six-year MOT history, the trend is clearly stable and improving: the 2022 and 2021 tests were both clean, and although the 2023 and 2024 tests surfaced advisory items relating to front tyre perishing, the 2025 test only noted a deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage dust cover, and the latest 2026 test has returned to a fully clean sheet. This progression suggests that the front tyres were replaced after the 2024 advisories and that the deteriorated anti-roll bar dust cover noted in 2025 did not represent a structural or safety concern at that time. There are no recorded failures, no brake, suspension component, exhaust, lighting, or structural advisories, and no corrosion concerns flagged at any point, which collectively points to a vehicle that has been kept in a roadworthy condition throughout its recorded MOT life. The recorded mileage of 40,415 miles over nine years equates to an average annual usage of roughly 4,491 miles, which is substantially below the typical UK annual figure of 7,000 to 9,000 miles for a vehicle of this age. This indicates either genuinely light use or extended periods of the vehicle being stationary. While low mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the clutch, brakes, and engine internals, prolonged standing can introduce its own problems, including brake disc corrosion, binding brake calipers, deterioration of rubber components, and 12-volt battery degradation. The annual MOT readings appear to be broadly consistent at around four to five thousand miles per year, with no unusual gaps or rapid accumulation that would suggest clock irregularities or inconsistent use patterns. Despite the clean MOT record, a prospective buyer should still carry out a number of age- and usage-appropriate physical checks before purchase. The Smart Fortwo is a rear-engined, two-seater city car with a relatively simple mechanical layout, but the front axle carries the full steering and suspension load and warrants close inspection. Given that front tyre perishing was noted in both 2023 and 2024, and considering the vehicle is now nine years old, all four tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking, UV perishing, and manufacture date, regardless of current tread depth, as aged rubber can fail suddenly even on low-mileage cars. The brake discs, which are exposed on the rear-mounted platform, should be inspected for surface rust and any lipping that might indicate binding calipers, and a test drive should include several firm stops from moderate speed to confirm straight-line stability and absence of brake shudder. The rear engine and transmission area should be checked for oil leaks, and the coolant expansion tank and hoses examined for any signs of seepage or perished rubber typical of calendar-aged components. Further buyer guidance should focus on time-based servicing items that do not appear on an MOT test. The 12-volt battery, located in the rear service compartment on this model, is approaching the end of its typical four to six year service life and should be load-tested, as a weak battery is a common cause of non-starting and electrical faults on Smart vehicles. Brake fluid should be renewed every two to three years irrespective of mileage, as it is hygroscopic and degrades over time, and the coolant should also be checked for age and condition. The timing chain on the 2017 Smart Fortwo petrol engine is known to be a potential concern at higher mileages, so listen for any rattle on cold start that does not dissipate within a couple of seconds. On the test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar linkages, drop links, or control arm bushes, as the dust cover deterioration noted in 2025 sits in this area. Finally, verify a full service history with stamps at appropriate intervals, and confirm that the rear-mounted service panel and undertray are intact, as these are frequently lost on Smart Fortwo models and their absence can lead to water ingress and corrosion around the rear suspension and engine components.