2018 Smart Fortwo 0.9L Petrol · WA18 WKV

The 2018 Smart Fortwo presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a completely clean pass on 15 April 2026 at 26,966 miles with zero defects recorded. That result is a significant step forward from the advisory-laden test of 28 April 2025, where the tester flagged a defective nearside wiper blade, a nearside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit and worn on its edge, front brake pads wearing thin, and offside rear brakes with imbalance only just meeting requirements, indicating the braking system likely needed adjustment or repair. The fact that none of those items reappeared in the 2026 test suggests the previous owner addressed them promptly, which is a positive indicator of responsible upkeep in the most recent ownership period. The mileage profile tells a story of very light use. Across roughly eight years the car has covered 26,966 miles, averaging approximately 3,371 miles per year, well below the typical UK annual figure of around 8,000 to 12,000 miles. The progression is steady and unremarkable: 15,249 miles in May 2022, 19,725 miles by May 2023, 22,493 miles in April 2024, 25,356 miles in April 2025, and 26,966 miles in April 2026. There are no sudden jumps or suspicious gaps that would suggest odometer tampering or prolonged periods of disuse. The annual increments hover between roughly 2,700 and 4,500 miles, consistent with short urban commuting rather than sustained motorway driving. Despite the low mileage, the 2025 test revealed that consumable wear items were not being neglected. The nearside rear tyre worn on its edge points to possible suspension geometry issues or uneven loading, while the front brake pad wear and rear brake imbalance suggest the braking system was under active use and not merely sitting idle. A prospective buyer should inspect the rear suspension components, including suspension bushes and dampers, for uneven wear patterns that could explain the edge wear on the nearside rear tyre. The braking system deserves a thorough check as well: examine the rear calipers for any tendency to bind, verify disc condition, and confirm that the imbalance issue has been fully resolved rather than simply masked by new pads. Given the car's city-car role, check the underbody and sill areas for corrosion, as short-trip use in winter conditions can accelerate rust on a vehicle that rarely reaches full operating temperature. The clean 2026 result is encouraging, but a physical inspection of these specific areas will confirm whether the recent repairs were cosmetic or properly executed.