2017 Smart Fortwo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Smart Fortwo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Smart Fortwo than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)6× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  2.4% All 2017 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.4% of all 2017 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.

• Wipers1.8× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  4.4% All 2017 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.5% of all 2017 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.

• Number plates1.8× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  3.2% All 2017 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.2% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Brake lights2× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  2.6% All 2017 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.1% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Exhaust system1.9× usual
  Smart Fortwo

  2.8% All 2017 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.4% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

Common 2017 Smart Fortwo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Smart Fortwo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Brakes
  17% 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
  10% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Suspension
  7% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  4% 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 2017 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 exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 6× as often on the 2017 Smart Fortwo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2017 Smart Fortwo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2017 Smart Fortwo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?