2007 Smart Fortwo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Smart Fortwo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Smart Fortwo than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Rigid brake pipes1.7× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  19% All 2007 cars

  10.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.9% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Fuel cap14.5× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  2.9% All 2007 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 0.2% of all 2007 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.

• Horn4.2× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  2.5% All 2007 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.6% of all 2007 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 bushes3.3× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  2.3% All 2007 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2007 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 2007 Smart Fortwo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Smart Fortwo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Suspension
  32% 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
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  27% 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
  9% 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
  9% 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.

Known faults on the 2007 Smart Fortwo

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Roof leaks (cabriolet)

  Cabriolet

  Cabriolets have had leaks and water damage from the roof.

  At the viewing: On a cabriolet, check the roof seals and feel the carpets and seats for damp.

  Source: RAC: smart fortwo (2007-2014) used car review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2007 Smart Fortwo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the fuel cap? (Flagged at MOT 14.5× as often on the 2007 Smart Fortwo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the horn? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2007 Smart Fortwo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?