2008 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet · 2,962 MOT tests
2008 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet reliability
2008 Smart Fortwo Cabriolets fail 37.2% of first MOT tests, 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 5 Fortwo Cabriolet years (2,962 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Smart Fortwo Cabriolets: 33.5%)
- 37.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Smart Fortwo Cabriolets: 33.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 3% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 62,357
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,962
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- 2009 cars: 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 6% of tests fail here (41% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: tyres, 12% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics17.6%
- Suspension12.2%
- Brakes10%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.6%
- Tyres5.3%
- Body, chassis and structure4.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 5%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Position lamp not working 4.15%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Stop lamp not working 3.88%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 3.07%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.97%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Fuel filler cap ineffective 2.8%
A faulty fuel cap can let fuel vapour escape and may trigger warning lights, so a replacement is usually simple.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.37%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.87%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.06%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.49%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (4.29%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (3.17%)
Other years
Every Smart Fortwo Cabriolet year
The full picture: Smart Fortwo Cabriolet reliability. Before you pay for any Smart Fortwo Cabriolet, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet reliable?
2008 Smart Fortwo Cabriolets fail 37.2% of first MOT tests, 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 5 Fortwo Cabriolet years (2,962 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (5% of tests), position lamp not working (4.15% of tests), stop lamp not working (3.88% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet shows 62,357 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
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