Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto (2011)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 162 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,600

£133/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£20

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

999cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £1,600/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol999cc15 years old162 tests66k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 999cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£20

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,600

Per month£133/mo

Per week£31/wk

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

80% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

80% of MOT tests on Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Autos from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 162 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 65,965 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 models313th of 595(bottom half)

Rank among Smart models64th of 123(bottom half)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 2011 models average+3%(77% avg)

vs Smart average+0%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

65,965

Average miles

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2011 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto had 65,965 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2010 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 83%, while the 2011 model has the lowest at 80%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2013	81%	465	48,661 mi
2012	82%	194	64,329 mi
2011	80%	162	65,965 mi
2010	83%	244	69,849 mi
2009	83%	101	62,021 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Vauxhall Corsa

2012 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

76%

-4%

Volkswagen Polo

2011 · 1198cc Petrol

£1,900/year

75%

-5%

Peugeot 208

2013 · 999cc Petrol

£1,750/year

75%

-5%

Peugeot 207

2010 · 1360cc Petrol

£2,153/year

70%

-10%

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About the 2011 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto

The 2011 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto is a city car. Our records list a 999cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 162 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 65,965 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2011 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD 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 £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 2011 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,600 (£133/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto Reliability Trend

The Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2011 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto

At 15 years old, the Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD 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.

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 risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 risk

Always 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 2011 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto 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 Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto(2011)	80%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,600
Vauxhall Corsa(2012)	76%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£553
Volkswagen Polo(2011)	75%	£1,175	£170	Grp 5-15	£1,900+£300
Peugeot 208(2013)	75%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750+£150
Peugeot 207(2010)	70%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£553

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 2011 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto

Is the 2011 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2011 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Autos ended in a pass, from 162 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2011 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,600 a year (£133 a month): £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto?

80% of 162 MOT tests on the 2011 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 313th of 595 models first registered in 2011 (bottom half).

Which year Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2010 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto has the highest MOT pass rate at 83% and the 2011 the lowest at 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2011 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto is 65,965 miles, which is below the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.