SMART FORTWO PULSE CDI AUTO UNCLASSIFIED (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 90 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,330
£111/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
799cc Diesel
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £1330/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 799cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the SMART FORTWO PULSE CDI AUTO brand average of 85%.
At 14 years old, 81% of SMART FORTWO PULSE CDI AUTO UNCLASSIFIEDs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 90 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 60,197 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
60,197
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 SMART FORTWO PULSE CDI AUTO UNCLASSIFIED has 60,197 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2013 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 81%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
SMART FORTWO PULSE CDI AUTO UNCLASSIFIED by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 SMART FORTWO PULSE CDI AUTO UNCLASSIFIED
The 2012 SMART FORTWO PULSE CDI AUTO UNCLASSIFIED is a city car with a 799cc diesel engine. 90 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 60,197 miles at 14 years old, SMART FORTWO PULSE CDI AUTO UNCLASSIFIED owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 SMART FORTWO PULSE CDI AUTO UNCLASSIFIED Fuel Costs
The modest 799cc diesel engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2012 SMART FORTWO PULSE CDI AUTO UNCLASSIFIED?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,330 (£111/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2012 SMART FORTWO PULSE CDI AUTO UNCLASSIFIED
At 14 years old, the SMART FORTWO PULSE CDI AUTO UNCLASSIFIED 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 90 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 SMART FORTWO PULSE CDI AUTO UNCLASSIFIED's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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 2012 SMART FORTWO PULSE CDI AUTO UNCLASSIFIED 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 CDI AUTO UNCLASSIFIED(2012) | 81% | £905 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1330 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2012) | 78% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490+£160 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2014) | 80% | £905 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1340+£10 |
| FIAT 500(2014) | 78% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490+£160 |
| SEAT IBIZA(2013) | 76% | £905 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1490+£160 |
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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