SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 202 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,530
£128/month
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Average
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
698cc Petrol
Check Carefully
73% pass rate, £1530/year to run. 9 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 698cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SMART (MCC) brand average of 78%.
At 22 years old, 73% of SMART (MCC) CABRIOLETs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 202 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 82,853 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
82,853
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET has 82,853 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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 2010 model with a 86% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2004 sits between the two at 73%.
SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET
The 2004 SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET is a city car with a 698cc petrol engine. 202 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 82,853 miles at 22 years old, 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 £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 2004 SMART (MCC) CABRIOLET?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,530 (£128/month), broken down as £955 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
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 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 86%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith 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 riskHigh-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 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 2004 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(2004) | 73% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1530 |
| NISSAN MICRA(2005) | 72% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£10 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2004) | 68% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1740+£210 |
| PEUGEOT 107(2006) | 70% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£10 |
| TOYOTA AYGO(2006) | 69% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1740+£210 |
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
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