2004 Smart Fortwo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Smart Fortwo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Smart Fortwo than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Washers2.4× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  9.1% All 2004 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 3.8% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.4× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  6.3% All 2004 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Side repeaters2.1× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  3.9% All 2004 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

• Front strut mounts and bushes2.8× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  2.2% All 2004 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

Common 2004 Smart Fortwo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Smart Fortwo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  39% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  38% 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
  35% 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.

• Tyres
  25% 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
  14% 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 leaks
  12% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Smart Fortwo

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

1. Any recent work on the washers? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2004 Smart Fortwo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2004 Smart Fortwo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2004 Smart Fortwo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?