2009 Smart Fortwo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Smart Fortwo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Smart Fortwo than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Rigid brake pipes2.8× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  20.2% All 2009 cars

  7.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.2% of all 2009 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.

• Braking performance1.6× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  10.7% All 2009 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.6% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Front strut mounts and bushes2.5× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  2% All 2009 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2009 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.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2009 Smart Fortwo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Smart Fortwo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  35% 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
  29% 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.

• Suspension
  29% 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
  24% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  8% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Known faults on the 2009 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 2009 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 2.8× as often on the 2009 Smart Fortwo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2009 Smart Fortwo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2009 Smart Fortwo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?