2005 Smart Forfour Passion 1.3L Petrol · LA05 ADO

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on July 28, 2026, at 128,422 miles, but the record reveals a history of deferred maintenance regarding rubber components. The tester identified a deteriorated nearside rear trailing arm/axle bush and perishing on both rear tyres, alongside a nail in the nearside tyre. This follows the 2025 test at 124,113 miles where all four tyres were flagged for perishing or damage, and the offside front track rod end ball joint showed play. The recurring nature of aged tyres and worn rubber bushes suggests that previous owners addressed these issues only upon inspection rather than performing preventative replacements. At 21 years old, the recorded mileage of 128,422 miles averages to approximately 6,115 miles per year, which is consistent with a vehicle of this age. While the car maintained clean records between 2020 and 2021, the last five years show a clear trend of increasing wear in suspension-related components. Between 2022 and 2025, the tester repeatedly flagged track rod ends, suspension ball joint dust covers, and anti-roll bar linkages. These are typical wear items for a Smart Forfour, but the frequency of failures indicates a reactive approach to mechanical upkeep. A prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and steering geometry, as the history shows multiple failures of ball joint dust covers and bushings. The perishing of the rear tyres indicates that the rubber compounds are nearing the end of their functional life, and the deteriorated axle bush noted in the 2026 test will require monitoring for excessive play to ensure does not progress into a structural failure. While the vehicle is currently roadworthy, the consistent pattern of minor suspension defects and consumable wear suggests that further expenditure will be required in the near future to maintain its condition.