2008 Smart Fortwo · 2,383 MOT tests
2008 Smart Fortwo reliability
2008 Smart Fortwos fail 35.5% of first MOT tests, 4% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 12 Fortwo years (2,383 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Smart Fortwos: 20.8%)
- 35.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Smart Fortwos: 20.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 4% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 69,181
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,383
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 10% 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, 5.1% of tests fail here (11% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: suspension, 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
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics17.7%
- Suspension11.7%
- Brakes9.9%
- Body, chassis and structure6%
- Tyres5.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 5.2%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.83%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Stop lamp not working 4.07%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 3.19%
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 2.94%
A faulty fuel cap can let fuel vapour escape and may trigger warning lights, so a replacement is usually simple.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.56%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (12.84%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.32%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.32%) · Brake pads wearing thin (3.69%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (3.48%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (3.4%)
Other years
Every Smart Fortwo year
The full picture: Smart Fortwo reliability. Before you pay for any Smart Fortwo, 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 reliable?
2008 Smart Fortwos fail 35.5% of first MOT tests, 4% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 12 Fortwo years (2,383 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Smart Fortwo MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (5.2% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (4.83% of tests), stop lamp not working (4.07% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Smart Fortwo have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Smart Fortwo shows 69,181 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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