2005 Smart City Cabriolet 0.7L Petrol · ND55 FTA

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, though the maintenance history reveals a trend of reactive rather than proactive upkeep regarding aging components. The most recent test in September 2025 at 70,058 miles showed the car passing with an advisory for a perishing offside rear tyre. This follows a recurring pattern of rubber-related degradation seen in 2024 and 2022, suggesting that while the vehicle is mechanically operational, components are suffering from age-related environmental exposure rather than mechanical wear. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 21-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,336 miles per year. The data shows a significant period of inactivity between November 2022 and September 2023, where the car covered only 248 miles in nearly ten months. This low usage explains the lack of heavy wear on the drivetrain, but it correlates with the observed deterioration of rubber parts, such as brake hoses and tyre sidewalls, which tend to dry out and crack when a vehicle sits stationary for long periods. A buyer must conduct a close-range inspection of the front suspension and braking system. The 2022 failure record highlighted multiple issues including track rod end dust covers, suspension arm ball joint covers, and deteriorated brake hoses. While these were reportedly addressed, the 2024 test still flagged significant corrosion on front suspension components. The buyer should verify that this corrosion has not progressed into the structural members or the mounting points, as low-mileage cars often mask deep-seated rust. Given the history of perishing tyres and perished hoses, all flexible rubber elements should be checked for deep cracking or structural failure.