2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Smart City Coupe MOT pass rate and common faults

902 MOT tests in 2024. 57.4% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

100About average
Passed first time57.4%
Failed or needed repairs42.6%
Typical mileage at test68,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 902 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect7.6%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits6.7%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.5%
  4. Washers: not working4.1%
  5. Stop lamp: not working4.0%
  6. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid3.5%
  7. Position lamp: not working2.7%
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.5%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.3%
  10. Horn: not working2.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics40.8%
  2. Emissions & leaks19.2%
  3. Suspension17.5%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)14.0%
  5. Brakes11.5%
  6. Body & chassis7.6%
  7. Tyres5.1%
  8. Steering3.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded16.7%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.3%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.4%

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: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. 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 2003 Smart City Coupe?

In 2024, 57.4% of 2003 Smart City Coupe cars passed their MOT first time, across 902 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Smart City Coupe?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; coil spring: fractured or broken. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Smart City Coupe reliable at MOT time?

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