2015 Smart Fortwo 1.0L Petrol · LL65 AFZ

The most recent DVSA examination on 2 February 2026 resulted in a PASS, with no defects or advisories recorded against the vehicle. This follows an immediately preceding FAIL on 29 January 2026, also recorded without defects, suggesting a retest was carried out after a minor rectification or a same-station presentation rather than a catalogue of significant mechanical faults. Looking at the broader trend, the vehicle has alternated between PASS and FAIL outcomes over the documented period, with two passing examinations (2026 and 2025) and two failures, alongside a clean pass from November 2023. While the absence of recorded defects on any of these tests is reassuring and indicates no persistent structural or safety-related issues have been flagged by the examiner, the pattern of consecutive failures followed by passes suggests that the owner has been presenting the car in a state requiring pre-test remedial work. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable rather than worsening, but a buyer should query why the failures occurred and what rectification was undertaken. With 102,264 miles accumulated over approximately 11 years, this Smart Fortwo averages around 9,297 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a small urban runabout of this age and consistent with its likely use as a city commuter. There is no evidence of unusually low mileage that might indicate prolonged periods of standing, nor any dramatic spikes in annual accumulation that would suggest motorway or high-mileage fleet use. For a Smart Fortwo in particular, average mileage is generally kinder to the small three-cylinder engine and automated manual transmission than high-mileage accumulation would be, but the components most affected by years rather than miles, such as rubber seals, bushes, and electrical items, still warrant close attention given the vehicle's age. Despite the clean MOT record with no advisories listed, a prospective buyer should not assume the car is fault-free, as MOT testing is a relatively narrow safety and emissions check rather than a comprehensive mechanical inspection. At 11 years of age, particular attention should be paid to the tyres for sidewall perishing and cracking due to UV degradation, even if tread depth remains legal, as aged rubber loses grip and can fail suddenly. The 12V battery, located in the Fortwo beneath the floor or under the rear service panel, is likely due for replacement on calendar age alone and should be load tested. Brake discs, particularly the rear items which are often part of the rear axle assembly on these vehicles, should be inspected for corrosion and the calipers checked for binding after standing, while brake fluid should be considered due for replacement regardless of MOT status, as hygroscopic fluid degrades over time. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or thuds from the suspension, which on a Fortwo typically comprises a MacPherson strut front and a de Dion rear axle with coil springs; the rear trailing arms and bushes are known wear items and can produce knocking noises over uneven surfaces. Pay close attention to the automated manual transmission, which can exhibit jerky gear changes, hesitation, or a reluctance to engage as the actuator and clutch wear progresses. Check for any coolant leaks from the three-cylinder engine, listen for timing chain rattle on cold start, and verify that all warning lights extinguish promptly after ignition. Finally, confirm the service history stamps and ensure that the timing belt, if fitted to this engine variant, and the rear clutch actuator have been serviced at the manufacturer-recommended intervals, as these are significant future expenditure items on this model.