2016 Smart (mcc) Forfour 1.0L Petrol · WF66 EWV

The 2016 Smart Forfour presented a pass at its most recent MOT test on 8 October 2025, though it is worth noting that this pass came only twelve days after a fail on 26 September 2025. The cause of that failure was a major defect recorded as the engine malfunction indicator lamp being inoperative or indicating a malfunction, which is a significant emission-related and engine management issue that warrants immediate diagnostic attention. The advisories attached to the 2025 test, and indeed present on the 2024 test as well, flag both rear tyres as worn close to the legal limit at tread depths of 1.8mm and 2mm, indicating the tyres were marginal at the time of test and will almost certainly require replacement now. Looking at the broader history, the vehicle shows a generally stable pattern of passes, but the recurrence of rear tyre wear advisories and the presence of front brake pad wear advisories in both 2023 and 2021 suggest ongoing attention to consumable items. The 2022 fail for a dangerous offside front tyre with ply or cords exposed is a serious safety concern, particularly when paired with the nearside front tyre advisory, and indicates that tyre condition and replacement intervals have not been consistently managed by previous keepers. With recorded mileage of 28,169 miles over approximately ten years, the vehicle has covered an average of around 2,800 miles per year, which is well below typical usage and points to a car that has either been driven very sparingly or has experienced prolonged periods of standing. Low annual mileage of this nature reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, gearbox, and clutch, but it introduces a different set of risks associated with underuse. Extended standing periods can lead to brake disc corrosion, particularly on the rear drums or discs where surface rust may cause binding, juddering, or uneven braking on first application. The 12V battery is also likely to have been subjected to repeated shallow discharge cycles if the vehicle was not regularly used or charged, and battery health should be verified. Coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid all degrade with calendar age rather than mileage, so a ten-year-old car with low miles will still require fluid servicing based on time rather than distance covered. Rubber components including suspension bushes, engine mountings, and drive belts are similarly susceptible to age-related perishing and hardening regardless of mileage. For a prospective buyer, the recurring rear tyre wear pattern is unusual and deserves close inspection. Worn close to the legal limit on both rear tyres with similar tread depths across multiple consecutive tests could suggest an alignment or suspension geometry issue, such as worn rear trailing arm bushes, weak coil springs, or a tracking problem that is pulling unevenly on the rear axle. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over uneven road surfaces, and pay attention to whether the vehicle pulls to one side or exhibits any instability. The engine management warning lamp failure is a concern that should be investigated with a diagnostic code read, as the fault may have been rectified simply by clearing codes rather than addressing the underlying sensor or emissions issue, and any hesitation, rough idle, or illuminated warning light during a test drive would be a red flag. Beyond the recorded defects, a thorough physical inspection is essential given the low usage profile. Examine all four tyres carefully for sidewall cracking and perishing, as tyres older than six years undergo rubber degradation even if tread remains adequate, and the production date code on the sidewall should be checked. Inspect the brake discs for surface corrosion and ensure the calipers are not seizing by attempting to move the vehicle slightly with the handbrake released. Verify the service book history to confirm that time-based items such as cambelt replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid change, and spark plug renewal have been carried out at the appropriate intervals regardless of the low mileage. Finally, check the condition of the exhaust system for corrosion at joints and mounting points, examine underbody and suspension components for rust consistent with standing exposure, and confirm that the recent replacement of the rear tyres and any rectification work for the engine management fault have been properly documented.