2017 Smart (mcc) Fortwo 1.0L Petrol · LC17 EYW

The vehicle’s roadworthiness has remained stable in the most recent tests, with the July 2025 MOT at 13,807 miles passing despite persistent tyre perishing across all four wheels. The only serious issue emerged in May 2022, when the car failed due to worn front brake discs and pads—both nearside and offside—with the offside pad thickness critically low at under 1.5mm. No further brake-related defects have been recorded since, suggesting either a one-off oversight or effective remedial work. However, the recurring tyre condition—flagged in every test since May 2023—indicates a failure to address a fundamental issue, whether through neglect or unsuitable storage conditions. The absence of other defects in the past two years implies no major structural or mechanical deterioration, but the tyre history alone raises concerns about ongoing upkeep. The mileage of 13,807 miles over nine years is exceptionally low for a vehicle of this age, averaging just 1,534 miles annually, which may reflect infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The most recent 966-mile increment between June 2024 and July 2025 suggests limited recent activity, while the 2,368-mile jump from May 2023 to June 2024 hints at a brief phase of slightly higher usage. The clean 2022 test before the brake failure implies the car was previously well-maintained, though the subsequent pattern of tyre perishing—without any intervening advisories or repairs—points to a lack of attention to basic maintenance. Such low mileage can mask wear, but the tyre condition contradicts the assumption of benign neglect. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the tyres, given their consistent perishing across all four wheels, which may signal exposure to sunlight, moisture, or improper storage. The front brake system, while not recently flagged, should be scrutinised for uneven wear or residual thin spots on the discs or pads, as the 2022 failure suggests prior neglect. Suspension components—such as bushings, coil springs, and ball joints—should be checked for stiffness or corrosion, particularly if the car has spent extended periods stationary. The absence of structural advisories or corrosion-related defects in recent tests is positive, but a thorough underbody inspection is warranted to confirm no hidden rust or fatigue in the chassis or exhaust system. The vehicle’s low mileage may have spared it from severe wear, but the tyre history and past brake failure demand careful pre-purchase scrutiny.