Smart Forfour Pure (2006)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 115 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,900
£158/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£170
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 5-15
1124cc Petrol
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £1,900/year to run. 12 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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Smart brand average of 80%.
70% of MOT tests on Smart Forfour Pures from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 115 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 94,141 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
94,141
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2006 Smart Forfour Pure had 94,141 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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 2006 Smart Forfour Pure
The 2006 Smart Forfour Pure is a city car. Our records list a 1124cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 115 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 94,141 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Smart Forfour Pure owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2006 Smart Forfour Pure 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 2006 Smart Forfour Pure?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,900 (£158/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2006 Smart Forfour Pure
At 20 years old, the Smart Forfour Pure 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.
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
Medium riskWith an average of 94k 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.
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 2006 Smart Forfour Pure 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 Pure(2006) | 70% | £1,175 | £170 | Grp 5-15 | £1,900 |
| Ford Fiesta(2008) | 72% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£253 |
| Ford Focus(2008) | 73% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£328 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2008) | 73% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£253 |
| MINI(2008) | 74% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£328 |
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 2006 Smart Forfour Pure
Is the 2006 Smart Forfour Pure reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2006 Smart Forfour Pures ended in a pass, from 115 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2006 Smart Forfour Pure cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,900 a year (£158 a month): £1,175 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Smart Forfour Pure?
70% of 115 MOT tests on the 2006 Smart Forfour Pure ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 412th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (bottom half).
What is the average mileage for a 2006 Smart Forfour Pure?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 Smart Forfour Pure is 94,141 miles, 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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