2018 Smart Forfour 1.0L Petrol · WA18 WKU

The 2018 Smart ForFour presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 13 August 2025 at 32,160 miles with zero defects recorded. That result is significant because it follows a failed test on 14 August 2023 at 24,798 miles, where the tester flagged worn front brake pads, a fractured nearside front coil spring, and both front tyres worn to the legal limit. The subsequent retest on 15 August 2023 passed, though both front tyres remained close to the legal limit, suggesting they were replaced or rotated but not fully resolved to a comfortable margin. The 2024 test at 29,392 miles also passed cleanly, and the 2025 result confirms that the suspension and braking repairs from 2023 have held up without recurrence. This trajectory indicates a responsible intervention after the 2023 failure rather than neglect. The mileage pattern tells a story of very low annual use. Across roughly eight years, the vehicle has covered approximately 32,160 miles, averaging around 4,020 miles per year. The intervals between tests show modest accumulation: 2,989 miles between June 2022 and August 2023, then 4,594 miles between August 2023 and July 2024, and 2,768 miles between July 2024 and August 2025. There are no alarming gaps or sudden spikes in the odometer record, and the mileage progression aligns with the test dates in a consistent, believable pattern. Low-mileage vehicles of this age can suffer from deterioration due to prolonged standing, including perished rubber seals, corroded brake discs from light use, and moisture ingress in fluid systems, so the clean recent record is reassuring but not a guarantee against age-related decay. A buyer inspecting this car in person should focus on the front suspension and braking components that have already demanded attention. The fractured nearside front coil spring in 2023 is a notable failure for a vehicle of that mileage and age, and it warrants a close visual check of both front springs for cracks, sag, or corrosion at the mounting points. The front brake discs were flagged as worn and pitted in June 2022, and while the pads were replaced in 2023, the discs themselves may have been machined or left in service. Inspect disc thickness, lip wear, and any scoring or hot-spotting, particularly given the low annual mileage that can cause surface corrosion to degrade disc faces between uses. The nearside front tyre wear pattern noted across both 2023 tests suggests possible alignment or suspension geometry issues, so check current tyre wear across all four wheels for uneven edges or feathering. Beyond the flagged items, examine the underside for structural corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points, subframe areas, and the exhaust system, as short-trip, low-mileage vehicles are prone to moisture retention and underbody deterioration. Check all fluid levels and condition, including brake fluid age and coolant concentration, since infrequent use can lead to moisture absorption and reduced effectiveness. The clean 2025 MOT is a strong indicator of current roadworthiness, but the 2023 failure reveals that this vehicle has had genuine mechanical issues that required proper repair, and a thorough in-person inspection will confirm whether that work was done to a lasting standard.