2005 Smart Forfour 1.3L Petrol · KM05 XAN

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of reactive repairs rather than preventative care. While the most recent test on August 18, 2025 at 75,121 miles passed, the car had failed just four days prior due to a supplementary restraint system fault and defective headlamp lenses. The record shows that recurring issues with suspension and braking components have persisted across several years, suggesting that parts are only replaced once they reach a point of failure or trigger an MOT advisory. At 21 years old, the recorded mileage of 75,121 miles is notably low, averaging approximately 3,577 miles per year. This low usage pattern is consistent across the records, with only 1,074 miles covered between June 2023 and August 2024, and another 973 miles between August 2024 and August 2025. However, low annual mileage often correlates with accelerated degradation of rubber and metal components, which is evident in the persistent reports of deteriorated dust covers and pitted brake discs. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension geometry. The tester has repeatedly flagged severely deteriorated suspension arm ball joint dust covers and play in the anti-roll bar linkage since 2024. These perished boots allow moisture to enter, which leads to premature joint failure. Furthermore, the presence of a corroded offside rear coil spring noted in August 2025 indicates that structural oxidation is beginning to affect the chassis components, which requires close monitoring for further rust bloom. The braking system shows a clear history of pitting and scoring on both front discs dating back to 2023. While not an immediate failure, the surface condition suggests the vehicle sits for long periods, allowing surface corrosion to build. The damaged nearside seat belt buckle has remained a recurring advisory for over two years, representing a safety-critical component that has been overlooked. Attention should also be paid to the headlamp lenses and wiper blades to ensure the previous failures have been properly rectified with high-quality replacements.