2005 Smart Forfour Passion Semi-Auto 1.3L Petrol · KM55 VZU

The vehicle holds a current MOT certificate following a pass on 22 May 2026 at 54,939 miles, with the maintenance trend demonstrating a gradual improvement in mechanical condition despite persistent minor advisories. The most recent test shows the car failed on the same day due to a low windscreen washer reservoir, a trivial fluid top-up issue, before passing hours later. A recurring advisory for a product on the front headlamp lens has persisted across the 2025 and 2026 tests, indicating a slow deterioration of the lens coating rather than an acute electrical or aiming fault. More critically, the 2024 test flagged worn front suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides alongside corrosion to the rear integral body structure. By the 2025 and 2026 tests, neither of these items appears as an active advisory, suggesting either repairs were carried out or the tester deemed the wear and corrosion stable and within tolerance. The overall picture is one of a vehicle where structural and suspension concerns have been monitored rather than ignored, and the immediate roadworthiness status is sound. The recorded mileage of 54,939 miles over approximately 21 years averages roughly 2,616 miles per year, which is exceptionally low and indicates prolonged periods of static use. Between the May 2023 test at 52,174 miles and the May 2024 test at 53,464 miles, the vehicle covered just 1,290 miles in twelve months. A further modest accumulation of 485 miles occurred between May 2024 and May 2025. The mileage then remained static at 54,939 miles from the May 2025 test through to the May 2026 test, confirming the car has effectively stood still for the past year. Such low annual usage places minimal stress on the drivetrain and brakes but raises questions about deteriorating rubber components, dried seals, and fuel system condensation from extended inactivity. A buyer should inspect the rear subframe and floor pan area carefully, given the 2023 and 2024 corrosion advisory on the integral body structure. Even though the tester judged structural rigidity as not significantly reduced at those times, corrosion on a 20-year-old Smart Forfour can accelerate rapidly if protective coatings have degraded. Probe the inner sills, jacking points, and rear suspension mounting points with particular attention. The worn front suspension arm bushes noted in 2024 warrant a physical check for play using a pry bar, as these components directly affect steering precision and tyre wear patterns. Inspect the front nearside and offside tyres for uneven wear consistent with bush deterioration. The headlamp lens coating defect is cosmetic and non-critical for beam intensity, but verify the washers function correctly and that the reservoir holds fluid without leaking, given the 2026 failure on that item. Check the condition of all brake hoses and flexible lines, as low-mileage vehicles that stand for long periods suffer from perished rubber and moisture ingress in the braking system. Run the engine from cold and listen for timing chain rattle, a known concern on the 1.5-litre diesel variants of this platform. Finally, verify the semi-automatic gearbox operates smoothly through all gears without hesitation, as actuator and clutch wear can present intermittently on vehicles with infrequent use.