2005 · 19 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2005 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet MOT pass rate and common faults

173 MOT tests in 2024. 60.1% passed first time, compared with 56.5% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time60.1%
Failed or needed repairs39.9%
Typical mileage at test66,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 173 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits8.7%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect7.5%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.6%
  4. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid4.6%
  5. Stop lamp: not working3.5%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.5%
  7. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.9%
  8. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.3%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.3%
    8 marked dangerous
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics32.9%
  2. Emissions & leaks19.1%
  3. Suspension16.2%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)13.9%
  5. Brakes13.9%
  6. Body & chassis6.4%
  7. Tyres5.2%
  8. Steering4.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.5%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.9%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.7%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.6%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. 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 2005 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet?

In 2024, 60.1% of 2005 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet cars passed their MOT first time, across 173 tests. The average for all 19-year-old cars was 56.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2005 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet?

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

Is the 2005 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).