2006 · 18 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2006 Smart City Coupe MOT pass rate and common faults

545 MOT tests in 2024. 55.0% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

98About average
Passed first time55.0%
Failed or needed repairs45.0%
Typical mileage at test63,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 545 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.5%
  2. Position lamp: not working4.4%
  3. Stop lamp: not working4.0%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.9%
  5. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid3.3%
  6. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.3%
  7. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.1%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.9%
  9. Headlamp aim: too low2.8%
  10. Headlamp: not working on main beam2.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics44.6%
  2. Suspension15.8%
  3. Brakes11.6%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)11.4%
  5. Emissions & leaks6.6%
  6. Body & chassis6.2%
  7. Tyres5.1%
  8. Steering3.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.6%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.8%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.7%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.6%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.7%

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 2006 Smart City Coupe?

In 2024, 55.0% of 2006 Smart City Coupe cars passed their MOT first time, across 545 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 Smart City Coupe?

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

Is the 2006 Smart City Coupe reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 98, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).