Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto (2013)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 465 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,600
£133/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£20
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 1-8
999cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £1,600/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
81% of MOT tests on Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Autos from 2013 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 11 years old. That's based on 465 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 48,661 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
48,661
Average miles
81,400
Expected for age
The average 2013 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto had 48,661 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-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%. The 2013 scores 81%. 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
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2013 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto
The 2013 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto is a city car. Our records list a 999cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 465 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 48,661 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2013 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 2013 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 81% 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 2013 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto
At 13 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 83%.
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.
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 2013 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(2013) | 81% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,600 |
| Ford Fiesta(2015) | 81% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,600same |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2015) | 78% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£553 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2015) | 81% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,003+£403 |
| Volkswagen Polo(2015) | 82% | £1,175 | £170 | Grp 5-15 | £1,750+£150 |
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 2013 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto
Is the 2013 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2013 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Autos ended in a pass, from 465 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2013 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 2013 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto?
81% of 465 MOT tests on the 2013 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 362nd of 588 models first registered in 2013 (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 2013 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2013 Smart Fortwo Pulse MHD Auto is 48,661 miles, which is below the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Smart Models
Explore other Smart cars or similar models in the same category.
Smart Fortwo Passion MHD Auto
2013 · 999cc Petrol
Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd)
2004 · 698cc Petrol
Smart Fortwo Passion 71 Auto
2008 · 999cc Petrol
Ford Fiesta
2015 · 998cc Petrol
Vauxhall Corsa
2015 · 1398cc Petrol
Nissan Qashqai
2015 · 1400cc Petrol
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