SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET (2001)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 40 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,230
£103/month
MOT Pass Rate
95%
Excellent
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
698cc Petrol
Great Choice
95% pass rate, £1230/year to run. 13 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 698cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 13 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SMART (MCC) brand average of 78%.
At 25 years old, 95% of SMART (MCC) CABRIOLETs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 40 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 63,464 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
63,464
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 2001 SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET has 63,464 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2010 model with a 86% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2001 sits between the two at 95%.
SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2001 SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET
The 2001 SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET is a city car with a 698cc petrol engine. 40 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 2% of all 2001 cars for reliability.
With an average of 63,464 miles at 25 years old, SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2001 SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET Fuel Costs
The modest 698cc 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 2001 SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,230 (£103/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 95% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET Reliability Trend
Newer SMART (MCC) CABRIOLETs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2001 SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET
At 25 years old, the SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET 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 86%. Note: with only 40 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2001 SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET'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.
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 2001 SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET(2001) | 95% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1230 |
| NISSAN MICRA(2003) | 70% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£310 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2003) | 67% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1740+£510 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2000) | 71% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£310 |
| VAUXHALL AGILA(2003) | 74% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£310 |
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 (mcc) Models
Explore other Smart (mcc) cars or similar models in the same category.
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SMART (MCC) FORTWO COUPE
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