2004 Smart (mcc) City Coupe 0.6L Petrol · LD54 WCW

A recurring weakness in the front suspension, compounded by a short‑term flare‑up of electrical faults, defines this SMART’s MOT history. From 2017 through 2020 the car passed without recorded defects, but an advisory for light misting of oil from the nearside front shock absorber appeared in 2019 and escalated to a major fluid leak in the 2021 failure. The following year a cluster of major electrical failures – ABS warning lamp, stop lamp, horn and headlamp aim – was recorded on 12 December 2022, yet a re‑test the next day showed a clean result, indicating those items were remedied before the re‑inspection. At 61 041 mi after 22 years the annual mileage averages roughly 2 800 mi, well below typical usage for a vehicle of this age. Such low utilisation suggests the car has spent considerable periods at rest, which can preserve wear on consumables such as tyres and brakes but may also allow rubber components, seals and bushings to harden or dry out. No sudden mileage spikes are evident between tests, so there is no indication of a recent high‑kilometre stint that would have accelerated wear on the drivetrain or suspension. Prospective buyers should give the front suspension close attention. Inspect the nearside shock absorber for any external oil seepage, and during a test drive listen for a hollow knock or feel a reduction in damping when traversing bumps, which would corroborate lingering leakage or internal wear. The 2021 advisory about rear brake binding and fluctuating service brake performance also warrants a thorough brake check: feel for any pedal pulsation, uneven braking force between wheels, and listen for squeal that could indicate seized caliper pistons or worn pads. A visual inspection of brake discs and pads for uneven wear patterns will help confirm the condition of the rear braking system. The electrical suite that failed in December 2022 must be verified as fully functional before purchase. Confirm that the ABS warning lamp remains extinguished after a brief drive, that all stop lamps illuminate correctly and are bright, that the horn produces a clear sound from both sides, and that the headlamp beams are correctly centred and symmetric. Since the re‑test on 13 December 2022 recorded no defects, it is reasonable to assume the faults were corrected, but a practical check of each system will ensure the remedial work endures. Finally, the recurring advisory about “covers and shields fitted” is non‑critical but should be inspected to ensure no loose or missing bodywork that could affect aerodynamics or expose components to corrosion.