2003 Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) 0.7L Petrol · SN53 BWM

A recurring pattern of electrical lighting non-conformities and under-bonnet oil seepage defines this Smart Roadster's MOT history, alongside a notable cluster of brake and steering advisories recorded in the most recent test on 2 October 2023. The 2023 entry alone flagged pitted front brake discs on both sides, a deteriorated offside front track rod end ball joint dust cover, slightly deteriorated front brake hoses on both sides, and an oil leak not deemed excessive, while a failed test three weeks earlier was caused entirely by incorrect direction indicator colour on the front and rear plus a non-functioning offside rear stop lamp. Earlier history reinforces a chronic issue with rear lighting: a 2020 test failed on a non-functioning nearside rear stop lamp, and a 2019 test failed on an inoperative offside registration plate lamp. The direction indicator discolouration advisory also appeared in both 2021 and 2022, suggesting the lens oxidation has been progressing slowly across multiple test cycles rather than being addressed at source. Mileage accumulation for this 2003 Roadster is modest at 83,924 recorded miles over 23 years, equating to roughly 3,600 miles per year. There are no extended gaps in the testing record, with annual or near-annual entries stretching back to 2019, which suggests the vehicle has been used consistently rather than laid up for long periods. A relatively low annual figure of this nature typically means wear items such as brake pads, discs and tyres have aged through calendar time as much as mileage, while rubber components like the front brake hoses already noted as deteriorated can perish faster from infrequent use than from heavy service. The Smart Roadster's relatively compact drivetrain and known susceptibility to oil leaks from the engine and gearbox area is consistent with the persistent seepage advisories logged across four consecutive tests from 2021 through 2023. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the components flagged in the 2023 advisories during a physical inspection and road test. With the front brake discs noted as pitted and scored, a test drive should include firm pedal application from around 30 mph to feel for brake judder through the pedal or steering, and a close visual inspection of the disc faces for an obvious lip or corrosion ring is worthwhile given the low annual mileage. The deteriorated offside front track rod end dust cover warrants checking for any play in the joint by rocking the front wheel with the car raised, and listening for clonks over uneven surfaces or when turning at low speed. The slightly deteriorated front brake hoses should be examined for cracking or bulging, particularly at the flexible to rigid unions, as ageing hoses can fail under pressure even when external condition looks superficially acceptable. The persistent oil leak advisories, recorded on three consecutive passes and flagged again at the most recent test, merit a thorough under-bonnet examination and ideally a clean inspection followed by a short drive to identify where fresh seepage develops; common sources on the Roadster include the rear of the engine and the gearbox bellhousing area. With chronic rear lamp and indicator lens issues across multiple test cycles, a pre-purchase walk-around in low light conditions is advisable to verify all stop lamps, the registration plate illumination, and that direction indicators emit the correct amber rather than faded white light, replacing any discoloured lenses proactively rather than waiting for another test failure. A diagnostic read of any stored fault codes and a check of the soft-top condition would round off a sensible evaluation of a low-mileage but electrically and mechanically ageing Roadster of this vintage.