2005 Smart Cabriolet 0.7L Petrol · KW54 FDF

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a significantly worsening trend in structural and mechanical condition. While it passed its most recent test on 5 February 2026 at 41,718 miles, this followed two consecutive failures in January of that year. The transition from a clean pass in January 2025 to a multitude of advisories and failures in early 2026 indicates that the vehicle is experiencing rapid degradation or is being maintained reactively rather than through preventative measures. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 21-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 2,000 miles per year. There is a notable gap in usage between December 2023 (36,098 miles) and January 2025 (40,038 miles), during which the car covered only 4,000 miles over fourteen months. This low-frequency use likely explains the surface corrosion noted across the recent records, as components that sit stationary for long periods are prone to moisture damage without the protective heat generated by regular operation. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the structural integrity, specifically the sills and rear sub-frame, which have been flagged for corrosion across multiple recent tests. Although the tester currently reports that rigidity is not significantly reduced, the presence of corrosion on both sills and the sub-frame suggests an ongoing process of metal decay. The front wheel bearings show persistent play, and the offside rear inner drive shaft boot remains severely deteriorated, which risks imminent CV joint failure if not replaced. The braking system also requires attention due to recurring reports of pitted and scored front discs alongside corroded brake pipes. The previous mention of blue smoke in 2023 suggests potential engine oil consumption that should be monitored despite the low mileage. Given the high volume of advisories in the most recent test, the vehicle likely requires immediate investment to address deteriorating mechanical components beyond its basic MOT status.