2009 Smart Fortwo · 2,684 MOT tests
2009 Smart Fortwo reliability
2009 Smart Fortwos fail 35.2% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 12 Fortwo years (2,684 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Smart Fortwos: 20.8%)
- 35.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Smart Fortwos: 20.8%)
- 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 13
- 63,470
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,684
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2009 against the years either side
- 2008 cars: 4% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does worse)
- 2010 cars: about average for its age (the 2009 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 5.5% of tests fail here (43% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 49% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2009 car carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
Common problems
What fails on a 2009 Smart Fortwo
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics16.6%
- Suspension12.4%
- Brakes9.2%
- Tyres5.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.7%
- Body, chassis and structure2.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.1%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Position lamp not working 3.76%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 3.39%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Service brake excessively binding 3.13%
A brake that drags when released can overheat, wear quickly and waste fuel, so it needs prompt inspection.
Stop lamp not working 3.06%
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 2.42%
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 (13.41%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (12.07%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.58%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (5.66%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.33%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (3.76%)
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 2009 Smart Fortwo reliable?
2009 Smart Fortwos fail 35.2% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 12 Fortwo years (2,684 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2009 Smart Fortwo MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (5.1% of tests), position lamp not working (3.76% of tests), dipped beam headlamp not working (3.39% of tests).
How many miles should a 2009 Smart Fortwo have done?
At its MOT aged about 13, a typical 2009 Smart Fortwo shows 63,470 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2009 car?
A car first registered in 2009 carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
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