2004 Smart City Coupe 0.7L Petrol · NX04 DYY

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a pass in February 2026, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of progressive structural corrosion and rubber degradation. While the most recent test only flagged a minor advisory on the offside front tyre, previous records indicate a history of significant mechanical neglect and reactive repairs. The failure in January 2024 at 85,863 miles highlighted a long list of defects, including a fractured coil spring and multiple steering component failures, suggesting that the vehicle has suffered from a lack of preventative maintenance. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 90,331 miles is remarkably low, averaging approximately 4,100 miles per year. This low rate of use explains the persistent issues with age-related wear noted in the records. Between January 2023 (81,206 miles) and March 2025 (88,969 miles), the car covered only 7,763 miles over two years, yet the tester found perished tyres and deteriorated dust covers, which are typical symptoms of long periods of stationary rather than mechanical strain. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the subframe, focusing on the rear axle and front suspension components, which have been flagged for corrosion since 2023 and 2024. The recurring presence of perished tyres and cracked rubber dust covers indicates that various components are reaching the end of their service life despite the low mileage. Additionally, the persistent oil leak noted in 2024 should be monitored to ensure it has not developed into a significant fault, and the offside front wheel bearing reported in 2025 must be checked for continued play or noise.