Smart Forfour Black Edition (2005)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 41 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,100
£175/month
MOT Pass Rate
61%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£170
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 5-15
1124cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
61% pass rate, £2,100/year to run. 21 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 21 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Smart brand average of 80%.
61% of MOT tests on Smart Forfour Black Editions from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 41 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 102,558 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
102,558
Average miles
140,600
Expected for age
The average 2005 Smart Forfour Black Edition had 102,558 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Smart Forfour Black Edition by Year
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About the 2005 Smart Forfour Black Edition
The 2005 Smart Forfour Black Edition is a city car. Our records list a 1124cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 41 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 3% of 2005 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 102,558 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Smart Forfour Black Edition owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2005 Smart Forfour Black Edition Fuel Costs
The modest 1124cc 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 £1,175 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2005 Smart Forfour Black Edition?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,100 (£175/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 61% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Buying a Used 2005 Smart Forfour Black Edition
At 21 years old, the Smart Forfour Black Edition 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 41 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 103k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 61% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 2005 Smart Forfour Black Edition stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Forfour Black Edition(2005) | 61% | £1,175 | £170 | Grp 5-15 | £2,100 |
| Ford Focus(2007) | 73% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£128 |
| MINI(2007) | 73% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£128 |
| Peugeot 207(2007) | 69% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,353+£253 |
| Honda Jazz(2007) | 72% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£53 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2005 Smart Forfour Black Edition
Is the 2005 Smart Forfour Black Edition reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 61% of MOT tests on 2005 Smart Forfour Black Editions ended in a pass, from 41 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 21 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2005 Smart Forfour Black Edition cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,100 a year (£175 a month): £1,175 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 Smart Forfour Black Edition?
61% of 41 MOT tests on the 2005 Smart Forfour Black Edition ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 492nd of 504 models first registered in 2005 (bottom 3%).
What is the average mileage for a 2005 Smart Forfour Black Edition?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Smart Forfour Black Edition is 102,558 miles, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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