SMART FORTWO PULSE 71 AUTO (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 84 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,530
£128/month
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Average
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
999cc Petrol
Check Carefully
77% pass rate, £1530/year to run. 5 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 999cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 18 years old, 77% of SMART FORTWO PULSE 71 AUTOs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 84 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 83,206 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
83,206
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 SMART FORTWO PULSE 71 AUTO has 83,206 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 FORTWO PULSE 71 AUTO
The 2008 SMART FORTWO PULSE 71 AUTO is a city car with a 999cc petrol engine. 84 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 83,206 miles at 18 years old, SMART FORTWO PULSE 71 AUTO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 SMART FORTWO PULSE 71 AUTO 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 FORTWO PULSE 71 AUTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,530 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2008 SMART FORTWO PULSE 71 AUTO
At 18 years old, the SMART FORTWO PULSE 71 AUTO 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 84 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 SMART FORTWO PULSE 71 AUTO'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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 83k 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 2008 SMART FORTWO PULSE 71 AUTO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMART FORTWO PULSE 71 AUTO(2008) | 77% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1530 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£192 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2010) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£192 |
| PEUGEOT 207(2010) | 70% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£192 |
| HONDA JAZZ(2009) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£192 |
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.
Related Smart Models
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