2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Smart City Coupe MOT pass rate and common faults

592 MOT tests in 2024. 58.8% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time58.8%
Failed or needed repairs41.2%
Typical mileage at test67,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 592 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Stop lamp: not working6.6%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.1%
  3. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid5.2%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.7%
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.6%
  6. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.2%
  7. Position lamp: not working2.7%
  8. Washers: not working2.4%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics40.7%
  2. Suspension14.5%
  3. Emissions & leaks14.0%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)13.7%
  5. Brakes11.3%
  6. Body & chassis9.0%
  7. Tyres5.9%
  8. Steering3.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded17.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.2%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.9%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.5%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: stop lamp: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Smart City Coupe?

In 2024, 58.8% of 2002 Smart City Coupe cars passed their MOT first time, across 592 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Smart City Coupe?

The most common failure reasons were stop lamp: not working; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; washers: provides insufficient washer liquid. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Smart City Coupe reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).