Smart (MCC) Cabriolet (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 202 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,750

£146/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£20

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

698cc Petrol

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £1,750/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Petrol698cc22 years old202 tests83k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 698cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£20

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,750

Per month£146/mo

Per week£34/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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Smart (MCC) brand average of 78%.

73% of MOT tests on Smart (MCC) Cabriolets from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 202 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 82,853 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models242nd of 470(bottom half)

Rank among Smart (MCC) models65th of 83(bottom 23%)

vs average of all models-9%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average+1%(72% avg)

vs Smart (MCC) average-5%(78% avg)

Mileage Analysis

82,853

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet had 82,853 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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 2011 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2004 scores 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Smart (MCC) Cabriolet by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2012	76%	75	68,707 mi
2011	85%	137	57,867 mi
2010	86%	99	56,300 mi
2009	78%	130	69,224 mi
2008	76%	139	72,791 mi
2007	74%	95	69,643 mi
2006	79%	112	63,346 mi
2005	74%	152	70,089 mi
2004	73%	202	82,853 mi
2003	71%	316	70,829 mi
2002	74%	122	75,752 mi
2001	95%	40	63,464 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Nissan Micra

2005 · 998cc Petrol

£1,750/year

72%

-1%

Vauxhall Corsa

2004 · 998cc Petrol

£1,950/year

68%

-5%

Peugeot 107

2006 · 998cc Petrol

£1,750/year

70%

-3%

Toyota Aygo

2006 · 998cc Petrol

£1,950/year

69%

-4%

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About the 2004 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet

The 2004 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet is a city car. Our records list a 698cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 202 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 82,853 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Smart (MCC) Cabriolet owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 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 £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 2004 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,750 (£146/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Smart (MCC) Cabriolet Reliability Trend

Newer Smart (MCC) Cabriolets pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2004 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet

At 22 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 2011 model has the highest pass rate at 85%.

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.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With 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 risk

High-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 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 2004 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet 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 (MCC) Cabriolet(2004)	73%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750
Nissan Micra(2005)	72%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750same
Vauxhall Corsa(2004)	68%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,950+£200
Peugeot 107(2006)	70%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750same
Toyota Aygo(2006)	69%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,950+£200

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 2004 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet

Is the 2004 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 2004 Smart (MCC) Cabriolets ended in a pass, from 202 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,750 a year (£146 a month): £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet?

73% of 202 MOT tests on the 2004 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 242nd of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom half).

Which year Smart (MCC) Cabriolet has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet has the highest MOT pass rate at 85% and the 2003 the lowest at 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet is 82,853 miles, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.