2008 Smart Cabriolet: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Smart Cabriolet first registered in 2008: we looked at the 197 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 197 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Smart Cabriolet?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Smart Cabriolet than on all cars registered in 2008.
- Rigid brake pipes2.5× usualSmart Cabriolet22.8% All 2008 cars9.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
Common 2008 Smart Cabriolet MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2008 Smart Cabriolet MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes38% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics26% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension26% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres25% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors13% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks7% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Smart Cabriolet
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2008 Smart Cabriolet as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Smart Cabriolet?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Smart Cabriolet compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 118 | Brakes 37% |
| 2011 | 169 | Tyres 31% |
| 2010 | 129 | Tyres 35% |
| 2009 | 166 | Brakes 38% |
| 2007 | 134 | Brakes 39% |
| 2006 | 190 | Brakes 38% |
| 2005 | 227 | Brakes 41% |
| 2004 | 264 | Lights and electrics 37% |
| 2003 | 403 | Brakes 35% |
| 2002 | 195 | Suspension 34% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Smart Cabriolet cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score