2006 Smart Fortwo: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Track rod ends1.8× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  10.1% All 2006 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, 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.

• Washers1.8× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  7% All 2006 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 3.9% of all 2006 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× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  4.5% All 2006 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2.1% of all 2006 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.

• Horn3.3× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  2% All 2006 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.6% of all 2006 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.

Common 2006 Smart Fortwo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Smart Fortwo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  39% 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 electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  32% 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
  28% 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.

• 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 2006 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 track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2006 Smart Fortwo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the washers? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2006 Smart Fortwo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2006 Smart Fortwo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?