2008 Smart Fortwo Coupe · 10,865 MOT tests
2008 Smart Fortwo Coupe reliability
2008 Smart Fortwo Coupes fail 36.6% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 9 Fortwo Coupe years (10,865 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2008 Smart Fortwo Coupe?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Smart Fortwo Coupes: 34.8%)
- 36.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Smart Fortwo Coupes: 34.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 1% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 64,872
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 10,865
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- 2009 cars: about average for its age (the 2008 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 5.9% of tests fail here (34% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: tyres, 14% 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 Coupe
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics17.9%
- Suspension12.5%
- Brakes9.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.9%
- Body, chassis and structure5.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.3%
- Tyres5.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.33%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Position lamp not working 4.54%
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 4.34%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.49%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 3.18%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Fuel filler cap ineffective 2.87%
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 (14.16%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.02%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.43%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.36%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (3.69%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (3.63%)
Other years
Every Smart Fortwo Coupe year
The full picture: Smart Fortwo Coupe reliability. Before you pay for any Smart Fortwo Coupe, 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 Coupe reliable?
2008 Smart Fortwo Coupes fail 36.6% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 9 Fortwo Coupe years (10,865 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Smart Fortwo Coupe MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (5.33% of tests), position lamp not working (4.54% of tests), stop lamp not working (4.34% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Smart Fortwo Coupe have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Smart Fortwo Coupe shows 64,872 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).
Check a 2008 Smart Fortwo Coupe free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.