2009 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet 1.0L Petrol · KR09 KUW

The vehicle holds a current valid MOT, having passed its most recent test on 18 January 2025 at 78,605 miles, though two advisories were raised: thin rear brake pads and play in the front steering rack inner joints. The maintenance trend is broadly stable, with no test failures recorded across the full MOT history, though the 2025 advisories mark the first reported mechanical wear since a cluster of suspension and brake issues were flagged in 2020 and 2021, indicating routine wear is progressing as expected for the vehicle’s age. The recorded mileage aligns with low average annual use for a 17-year-old vehicle, sitting at roughly 4,624 miles per year. There is a notable drop in usage between the July 2021 test at 71,488 miles and the July 2022 test at 72,662 miles, with just 1,174 miles added over that 12-month period, suggesting the vehicle may have spent extended periods stationary during that time. Mileage accumulation picked up slightly in subsequent years, with roughly 3,000 miles added between mid-2022 and early 2025, still well below average annual mileage for a vehicle of this age. A buyer should prioritise a hands-on inspection of the front suspension system, as consecutive tests in 2020 and 2021 flagged worn front coil springs, damaged strut top mounts, and worn front Macpherson strut pin bushes. These components are critical for stable handling and even tyre wear, and the recurring flags suggest either deferred maintenance or accelerated degradation linked to the vehicle’s periods of low use and stationary storage, which can cause rubber suspension bushes to perish even if the metal components show limited wear. The 2025 advisories require immediate attention before long-term use: the thin rear brake pads will need replacement, and the play in the front steering rack inner joints poses a handling risk that should be assessed for severity, as worn steering joints can cause vague feedback and uneven tyre wear, with advanced wear potentially leading to loss of steering control. The 2020 flag for a corroded rear brake pipe also warrants close inspection of all underbody brake lines and wheel arch areas for hidden rust, as stationary storage can accelerate corrosion in unprotected steel components even if the vehicle passed its MOT at the time.