2001 Smart (mcc) City Coupe: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2001 Smart (mcc) City Coupes, from 152 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 152 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2001 Smart (mcc) City Coupe MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes33% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension32% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics32% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres23% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors16% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks14% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 129 | Suspension 35% |
| 2007 | 406 | Suspension 38% |
| 2006 | 505 | Suspension 42% |
| 2005 | 313 | Suspension 37% |
| 2004 | 548 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 2003 | 740 | Suspension 39% |
| 2002 | 517 | Lights and electrics 38% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2001 Smart (mcc) City Coupes registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score