2006 Smart (mcc) Fortwo Coupe 0.7L Petrol · YC06 NGN

Fuel economy for the 698cc Fortwo petrol is typically in the 45-55 mpg range when driven normally, though city-focused use suits this car well. Road tax falls into a low bracket given the sub-1.0-litre engine, though post-2017 changes mean the annual VED rate reflects the original list price rather than engine size alone. Insurance is generally very affordable, usually group 4-6, making this one of the cheapest cars to insure on the UK market.

Maintenance costs are modest in absolute terms because parts are small and light, but specialist knowledge is required for the SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) units and gearbox, which are known weak points. A yearly service including an MOT should cost £150-£250 at an independent garage familiar with Smarts. Allowing for fuel, tax, insurance and maintenance, expect annual running costs in the region of £900-£1,200, provided no major repairs are required.

Begin by inspecting the nearside front track rod end for any play or damage; this is the same component that caused the 2025 MOT failure and is the most urgent item. Jack the car up and check for free movement by hand. Next, examine the nearside rear brake pipe along its full length for corrosion, flaking or active rust — this has been flagged in three of the last four MOTs and will eventually fail. Look underneath at the general underbody condition, given the car's age, paying particular attention to suspension components and the exhaust.

For model-specific weak points on the Smart Fortwo, ask about the gear actuator and clutch actuator; failure of either is common and expensive. Check that all gears engage smoothly during a test drive, as delayed or noisy selection indicates actuator wear. Also inspect the SAM units (the fuse/relay modules behind the dashboard) for water ingress, a known Fortwo issue that causes erratic electrical behaviour. The 698cc engine should start cleanly from cold and run without misfires; listen for any timing chain rattle on first start. Finally, verify that both rear tyres are within legal tread and free from uneven wear, given the repeated advisories on nearside and offside rear tyres in 2023 and 2024.