2013 Smart 1.0L Petrol · LK13 PDZ

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a pattern of reactive rather than proactive repairs. The most recent test in January 2026 at 74,762 miles resulted in a failure due to a nearside position lamp and worn front anti-roll bar ball joints. While the car passed after these repairs, the presence of play in the ball joints suggests that the suspension components are beginning to reach the end of their operational life despite the low mileage. At 74,762 miles over 13 years, this Smart has averaged only approximately 5,750 miles per year, which is significantly below the national average for a car of this age. However, the mileage intervals between tests are inconsistent. The vehicle covered only 3,243 miles between May 2024 and February 2025, and another 2,982 miles between February 2025 and January 2026. Such low annual usage often leads to degradation of rubber components and surface corrosion rather than mechanical wear. A buyer must conduct a close inspection of the front suspension and engine mounts. The May 2024 failure highlighted a fractured offside front coil spring and a deteriorated rear lower engine mounting, indicating that the structural and rubber components are suffering from age-. Furthermore, the February 2025 advisory noted a corroded brake pipe covered in grease. This is a common tactic used to hide surface rust, requiring a physical check of the integrity of the hydraulic lines to ensure deep structural corrosion is not present. The braking system also shows signs of neglect, with front brake discs flagged as pitted and scored in May 2024. Given the low mileage, these issues likely stem from the vehicle sitting stationary rather than heavy use. The buyer should verify that the front anti-roll bar ball joints identified in January 2026 were actually replaced and not merely adjusted, and should ensure the headlamp aim remains aligned according to manufacturer specifications.