2018 Smart Forfour Electricity · KV11 KAV

A Smart Forfour of this vintage with a consistent run of clean annual passes presents a reassuring picture of mechanical roadworthiness, and that is broadly the case here. Across four consecutive MOT tests from 2023 through 2025, the vehicle recorded no advisories and no failures, suggesting that its suspension, braking, exhaust, and structural components were holding up within DVSA tolerances at each inspection. The 2026 test outcome introduces a minor caveat rather than a major concern: the vehicle initially failed on a near-side rear registration plate lamp and an off-side rear stop lamp, both categorised as major defects, before passing later the same day once the lighting faults were rectified. Such items are typically trivial electrical or bulb-fitment matters rather than indicators of deeper systemic wear, and their absence from prior years suggests they were an isolated incident rather than evidence of a worsening trend. There is no recorded history of corrosion advisories, brake wear flags, or suspension component defects, which for a Smart Forfour approaching eight years of age is a positive signal. Against an expected average of roughly 6,000 miles per year for a city-focused Smart of this age, the recorded 48,021 miles sits comfortably within the typical range, indicating steady but moderate use rather than the extremes of motorway commuting or prolonged standing. The absence of any unusual mileage gaps between successive tests, where readings usually increment consistently year on year, suggests the vehicle has remained in active service rather than being laid up for extended periods. This kind of usage profile is mechanically beneficial because it avoids both the dry-joint and seized-caliper risks associated with low-mileage neglect and the accelerated consumable wear associated with very high annual mileages. The relatively gentle rate of accumulation should mean that the clutch, brake discs, tyres, and suspension bushes have all experienced proportionate rather than accelerated wear. For a prospective buyer, the practical inspection priorities should focus on the components that commonly affect small Smart Forfours of this generation but were not flagged in the MOT history. On a test drive, listen carefully for knocking or clonking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as the front lower suspension arms and anti-roll bar drop links are known wear items; any looseness felt through the steering wheel on rough roads could indicate worn bushes or play in the steering rack. Check the rear brake discs and pads by feel during a steady stop, as binding calipers or uneven disc wear can develop without necessarily triggering an MOT advisory, and inspect the rear of the vehicle for any early signs of corrosion around the rear axle and exhaust mounting areas, which can be harder to spot on a Forfour due to its compact underbody layout. Beyond the suspension and braking checks, a buyer should also verify the operation of all exterior lighting carefully, given the recent lamp failures, paying particular attention to the registration plate illumination and both rear stop lamps, as bulb holder corrosion is common on older vehicles and can cause repeat failures if not fully rectified. Inspect the underside and engine bay for any signs of oil misting around the cam cover or oil filter housing, which on the 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine can indicate seal degradation, and confirm that the cooling system is functioning correctly by checking for any temperature fluctuations on a mixed drive. Finally, confirm that the recent lamp defects have been genuinely resolved by physically inspecting the rear light clusters and number plate lamps, and ensure that the spare bulb kit is present, as a Smart Forfour of this age with otherwise clean history has no other documented mechanical concerns requiring specialist attention.