2005 Smart City Passion 61 Auto 0.7L Petrol · LJ55 CDZ

The 2005 Smart City Passion 61 auto presents a mixed but broadly stable maintenance picture based on its DVSA MOT record, with the most recent test on 20 June 2024 at 82,251 miles resulting in a pass. That test flagged corrosion on both rear coil springs and a defective front wiper blade, indicating that while the vehicle remains roadworthy, structural rust is a recurring theme rather than a one-off. The trend is neither clearly worsening nor resolving. Corrosion on the rear coil springs appeared in the November 2021 test at 79,917 miles, resurfaced in the June 2024 test at 82,251 miles, and was not flagged in the intervening June 2023 test at 81,115 miles, suggesting either patch repairs or inconsistent inspection conditions rather than a permanently fixed issue. Minor consumable defects like wiper blades and tyres appear intermittently and are typical for a vehicle of this age. The mileage accumulation is notably low. Across roughly 21 years the vehicle has covered 82,251 miles, averaging approximately 3,917 miles per year. The gap between the October 2020 test at 79,690 miles and the November 2021 test at 79,917 miles shows only 227 miles added in over 13 months, pointing to a prolonged period of very light use or standing. The subsequent jump to 81,115 miles by June 2023 and then to 82,251 miles by June 2024 represents a modest increase in usage, roughly 1,136 miles over 12 months and 1,136 miles again in the following year. This pattern suggests the vehicle spent extended periods stationary, which can be as damaging as high mileage, particularly for brake components, tyre sidewalls, seals, and suspension bushes that deteriorate with age and lack of movement. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear suspension and underbody corrosion. The repeated advisory on corroded rear coil springs is a structural concern, not merely cosmetic, as weakened springs affect ride height, handling, and can fail catastrophically if corrosion progresses unseen. Check the spring seats, bump stops, and lower suspension arms for rust jacking or pitting. Inspect the front brake discs carefully, given the November 2021 advisory for worn, pitted, or scored discs on both sides, and verify whether they were replaced or merely passed at the subsequent tests. The October 2020 failure for a deteriorated offside front brake hose also warrants attention, as rubber hoses perish with age regardless of mileage, and a 2005 vehicle may still be running original or aged replacements. Beyond the flagged items, examine the exhaust system for corrosion, particularly the rear box and mounting rubbers, since short-trip use accelerates internal moisture buildup. Check all tyre dates and sidewalls for age-related cracking, even if tread depth appears adequate, as the 2020 advisory for a worn nearside rear tyre suggests uneven wear patterns possibly linked to the rear suspension corrosion. Test the windscreen washers and headlamp aim thoroughly, as the October 2020 failure covered both items, and verify the stop lamp circuit. Overall, the record reflects a lightly used but ageing city car where rust, not wear, is the primary long-term risk.