2006 Smart Forfour: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Smart Forfour?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Smart Forfour than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Track rod ends2.3× usual
  Smart Forfour

  12.5% All 2006 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2.4% of all 2006 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.

• Ball joint dust cover1.9× usual
  Smart Forfour

  8.6% All 2006 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.9% of all 2006 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.

• Wheel bearings2× usual
  Smart Forfour

  6.4% All 2006 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.2% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Steering swivel joints2.9× usual
  Smart Forfour

  3.5% All 2006 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.2% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

Common 2006 Smart Forfour MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 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
  46% 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
  44% 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
  34% 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
  12% 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
  10% 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 2006 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 track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2006 Smart Forfour as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2006 Smart Forfour as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2006 Smart Forfour as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?