2009 Smart (mcc) Fortwo Coupe 0.8L Diesel · KT09 MPX

A repeating pattern of diesel emissions failures and chronic rear brake pipe corrosion is the central mechanical theme of this Fortwo's MOT record, with three separate test attempts failing on smoke or emission limits over a five-year span. The most recent test on 12 December 2025 recorded a Pass, but it was issued only one day after a Major failure for non-turbocharged engine smoke exceeding the metered limit, which is the same emissions criterion that triggered Major failures in December 2021 and December 2023. Alongside these emissions issues, the 2022 test surfaced a defective gearbox mounting, worn front anti-roll bar pin or bush, and corrosion forming on front brake and hub components, while 2024 added a nearside rear service brake binding issue and an oil leak. The repeated brake pipe advisories on the offside and nearside rear lines have now persisted across three consecutive tests in 2022, 2024, and 2025, indicating a slow but steady deterioration of the underbody hydraulic lines rather than a single isolated observation. Annual mileage of approximately 6,534 miles over a seventeen-year life sits broadly in line with the average for a vehicle of this age, so the car has seen regular but modest use rather than long periods off the road. The recorded odometer readings climb steadily from the 2021 entry through to 111,074 miles in late 2025, with no anomalous gaps or sudden jumps that would suggest clock irregularities or extended lay-ups. That consistent, moderate usage pattern mechanically means routine consumables such as tyres, brake pads, and exhaust components have been cycled through regularly, but the lower annual mileage combined with the car's age still allows corrosion to take hold on exposed underbody metal, which is consistent with the persistent brake pipe advisories and the 2022 corrosion advisory on the front brake and hub area. For a prospective buyer, the rear brake pipe corrosion flagged repeatedly on both sides is the single most pressing structural risk, as these lines run along the underbody and will eventually perforate if left untreated; any test drive should include a firm pedal application to check for a spongy feel, and a physical inspection underneath should look for rust scaling, pinholes, or fresh wet patches around the rear pipe unions and along their length. The Fortwo's emissions failures are also worth probing directly, since the 2025 failure occurred one day before the pass and the same item failed in 2021 and 2023, suggesting an intermittent or borderline condition rather than a fully resolved fix; on startup, listen for excessive smoke from the exhaust, particularly under hard acceleration, and note any warning lights or restricted performance that could point to injector, EGR, or turbo-related faults. The 2024 advisory for a nearside rear service brake binding should be checked by rolling the car in neutral on level ground to feel for any dragging or uneven deceleration, while the worn nearside front inner brake pads noted at the same test mean a thorough inspection of pad thickness and disc condition at the front is sensible. Suspension and steering condition deserves close attention given the ball joint dust cover failure recorded in December 2023 and the recurring advisories on suspension arm pins or bushes and the anti-roll bar mounting from 2021 and 2022. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front over uneven surfaces, particularly across cats' eyes or speed bumps, and feel for any vagueness or vibration through the steering wheel that could indicate worn bushes or deteriorating ball joints. The gearbox mounting flagged in 2022 should also be rechecked by selecting drive and reverse with the engine running and observing whether the powertrain shifts excessively or produces a clunk on changes, while any residual oil leak from the 2024 advisory can be assessed by inspecting the underbody and engine sump area for fresh drips or staining before purchase.