SMART BRABUS (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 38 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,230
£103/month
MOT Pass Rate
97%
Excellent
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
999cc Petrol
Great Choice
97% pass rate, £1230/year to run. 15 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 999cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 15 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SMART brand average of 80%.
At 18 years old, 97% of SMART BRABUSs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 38 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 67,667 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
67,667
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 SMART BRABUS has 67,667 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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About the 2008 SMART BRABUS
The 2008 SMART BRABUS is a city car with a 999cc petrol engine. 38 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 2% of all 2008 cars for reliability.
With an average of 67,667 miles at 18 years old, SMART BRABUS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 SMART BRABUS Fuel Costs
The modest 999cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2008 SMART BRABUS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,230 (£103/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 97% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2008 SMART BRABUS
At 18 years old, the SMART BRABUS is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. Note: with only 38 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 SMART BRABUS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2008 SMART BRABUS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMART BRABUS(2008) | 97% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1230 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£492 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2010) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£492 |
| PEUGEOT 207(2010) | 70% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£492 |
| HONDA JAZZ(2009) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£492 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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