2009 Smart Fortwo Brabus Auto 1.0L Petrol · LT09 LSU

The vehicle maintains a roadworthy status, but the maintenance trend shows a pattern of reactive rather than proactive care. The most recent MOT test in June 2023 at 95,443 miles passed with advisories for a worn nearside front tyre and signs of perishing across all tyres. This mirrors issues seen in the 2022 test where similar tyre wear was flagged, suggesting that consumables are only being addressed once they approach legal or safety limits. At 17 years old, the recorded mileage of 95,443 miles averages to approximately 5,600 miles per year. This low annual usage often indicates light driving, but the data reveals significant gaps in testing. There is a two-year interval between the 2020 and May 2022 tests where the vehicle covered only 2,840 miles. Such long periods of standing can contribute to the degradation of rubber components, which is consistent with the perishing tyre issues noted in the 2023 record. A buyer must focus inspection on the front suspension geometry, as corrosion on both front coil springs was noted in 2019 and again in 2022. While these were not immediate failures, recurring corrosion suggests an environment or lack of treatment that could eventually lead to structural spring failure. The distorted nearside rear road wheel recorded in 2020 also indicates a history of impact, which should be checked for uneven tyre wear or misalignment on the rear axle. The non-excessive oil leak identified in 2022 requires a close physical inspection to determine if the source is a simple gasket or a more significant engine seal failure. Given the age and the low mileage, the buyer should also verify the condition of the hoses and the windscreen for further cracks, as the glass has appeared in multiple tests without replacement. The history reflects a vehicle that is functional but requires a thorough check of age-related rubber degradation and suspension integrity.