SMART FORFOUR PULSE (2006)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 86 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Total Tests (2024)
86
Avg Mileage
104,481 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,027
Is the 2006 SMART FORFOUR PULSE reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SMART brand average of 80%.
At 18 years old, 67% of SMART FORFOUR PULSEs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 86 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 104,481 miles.
How does the 2006 SMART FORFOUR PULSE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2006 SMART FORFOUR PULSE has 104,481 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.
Best year to buy a SMART FORFOUR PULSE?
The most reliable year is the 2005 model with a 69% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 63%. The 2006 sits between the two at 67%.
How much does a 2006 SMART FORFOUR PULSE cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
SMART FORFOUR PULSE by Year
Checking a specific SMART FORFOUR PULSE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2006 SMART FORFOUR PULSE
The 2006 SMART FORFOUR PULSE is a small family car with a 1499cc petrol engine. 86 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 90% of 2006 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 104,481 miles at 18 years old, SMART FORFOUR PULSE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2006 SMART FORFOUR PULSE Fuel Costs
The 1499cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2006 SMART FORFOUR PULSE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,027 (£169/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
SMART FORFOUR PULSE Reliability Trend
Newer SMART FORFOUR PULSEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2006 SMART FORFOUR PULSE
At 18 years old, the SMART FORFOUR PULSE 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2005 model has the highest pass rate at 69%. Note: with only 86 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2006 SMART FORFOUR PULSE
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2008) 72% pass rate (+5%) from 109,443 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2008) 73% pass rate (+6%) from 90,659 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2008) 73% pass rate (+6%) from 84,782 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2007) 80% pass rate (+13%) from 55,686 tests