2005 Smart Forfour: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Smart Forfour?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Smart Forfour than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Headlights1.8× usual
  Smart Forfour

  24.4% All 2005 cars

  13.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.9%, against 5% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Track rod ends1.8× usual
  Smart Forfour

  10.9% All 2005 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Door condition10× usual
  Smart Forfour

  5% All 2005 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 0.5% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Ball joint dust cover2.1× usual
  Smart Forfour

  9.3% All 2005 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.8% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Anti-roll bar link joints1.8× usual
  Smart Forfour

  7.9% All 2005 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 1.5% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2005 Smart Forfour MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Smart Forfour MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  48% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  43% 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.

• Brakes
  37% 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.

• Tyres
  30% 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 mirrors
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Exhaust and emissions
  8% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Smart Forfour

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2005 Smart Forfour as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2005 Smart Forfour as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the door condition? (Flagged at MOT 10× as often on the 2005 Smart Forfour as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?