2003 Smart Roadster Bluewave 0.7L Petrol · RO53 CAB

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward developing mechanical and rubber-related issues. The most recent test in June 2025 at 71,352 miles passed, yet it introduced several advisories that indicate the onset of component fatigue. The presence of an exhaust leak at the turbo flange and fluctuating front service brakes suggests that while the car is legally compliant, it is requiring more proactive attention compared to the clean record seen in 2023. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 23-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,100 miles per year. There is a significant gap in records between December 2021 and June 2023, during which the car covered only 763 miles. This low-usage pattern often suggests the vehicle has sat for long periods, which explains the recurring perishing of rubber components and cracked tyre sidewalls noted in the 2024 and 2025 tests. Low mileage frequently masks age-related material degradation rather than mechanical wear. A buyer must specifically inspect the braking system and exhaust. The fluctuating front brakes noted in 2025 likely indicate warped brake discs or sticking calipers. The turbo flange exhaust leak requires close monitoring to ensure it does not evolve into a more costly manifold failure. Additionally, the recurring failure of the central stop lamp and the perishing of the fuel cap seal indicate that minor electrical items have been neglected by previous owners. Structural integrity around the corroded offside front brake pipe from 2024 should also be verified to ensure the repair was thorough and that further corrosion is not spreading.