2016 Smart (mcc) Forfour 0.9L Petrol · LK16 UHT

The most recent MOT, carried out on 11 September 2025, was a Pass, albeit with a number of advisories – an oil leak that is not excessive, rear‑off‑side tyre tread approaching the legal limit, a faulty rear‑off‑side registration‑plate lamp and minor damage to the under‑body shield. Over the past three years the vehicle has alternated between Pass and Fail results, the failures being driven largely by the same tyre‑wear and lighting issues and a once‑off bumper damage comment. This pattern shows a generally stable maintenance record; the car is now passing, but the recurrence of the same advisories indicates that corrective work has not been fully completed or that the underlying causes have not been eradicated. With 78 173 miles recorded on a 2016 model, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 7 800 mi per year, which sits squarely within the normal UK usage envelope for a vehicle of this age. There are no obvious large mileage gaps in the MOT data, suggesting the car has not been subject to prolonged periods of storage that could accelerate age‑related deterioration, but the modest annual distance also means many wear items will be governed more by calendar life than by mileage alone. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the rear tyre condition. The off‑side rear tyre is already close to the minimum 1.6 mm tread depth and the near‑side rear tyre was recorded as dangerously worn in the 2025 failure, so a fresh tyre set or at least a thorough tread‑depth check on all four wheels is essential. Uneven wear may point to mis‑aligned suspension bushes, worn rear toe links or a failing rear anti‑roll bar; listen for clunking or a vague “squishy” sensation when the car is driven over bumps. The oil leak advisory, although not classified as excessive, should be traced to its source – common culprits on a Smart Forfour include the valve‑cover gasket, oil filter housing or crankcase breather. Look for oil stains on the sump and under the engine bay, and monitor for any rise in oil level or a drop in pressure that could indicate a worsening leak. The faulty registration‑plate lamp is a simple electrical fault but should be rectified promptly to avoid a future failure; verify that all exterior lamps illuminate correctly and that the wiring harnesses are intact. The under‑body shield damage noted may expose the chassis to corrosion, so inspect the lower floor panel, rear bumper brackets and wheel arches for rust, especially around the rear suspension mounting points. Beyond the specific items flagged in the MOT, the car’s age warrants a broader set of checks. Verify the condition of the brake discs – both front discs were noted as pitted but not yet weakened – by measuring disc thickness and checking for any pulsation or shudder under braking, which would signal the need for resurfacing or replacement. Examine the battery for sulphation or reduced cranking power, as a ten‑year‑old 12 V unit will have lost a significant portion of its capacity; a load test at the garage is advisable. Inspect all fluid levels and consider a full service if the last oil change predates the most recent MOT, since oil and coolant degrade over time even without high mileage. Finally, confirm that the service book is up to date, that any scheduled timing‑belt or chain intervals have been observed, and that the vehicle’s electronic stability control and steering rack are free from leaks or abnormal noises before committing to purchase.