Smart (MCC) Cabriolet (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 139 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,750

£146/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£20

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

698cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £1,750/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Petrol698cc18 years old139 tests73k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 698cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£20

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£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

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.

76% of MOT tests on Smart (MCC) Cabriolets from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 139 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 72,791 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models294th of 566(bottom half)

Rank among Smart (MCC) models46th of 83(bottom half)

vs average of all models-6%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average+3%(73% avg)

vs Smart (MCC) average-2%(78% avg)

Mileage Analysis

72,791

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet had 72,791 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-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 2008 scores 76%. 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

2009 · 998cc Petrol

£1,750/year

76%

same

Peugeot 107

2010 · 998cc Petrol

£1,750/year

76%

same

Kia Picanto

2010 · 999cc Petrol

£1,750/year

72%

-4%

Toyota Aygo

2009 · 998cc Petrol

£1,750/year

74%

-2%

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About the 2008 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet

The 2008 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet is a city car. Our records list a 698cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 139 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 72,791 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Smart (MCC) Cabriolet owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2008 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 2008 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 76% 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 2008 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet

At 18 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.

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 2008 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(2008)	76%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750
Nissan Micra(2009)	76%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750same
Peugeot 107(2010)	76%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750same
Kia Picanto(2010)	72%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750same
Toyota Aygo(2009)	74%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750same

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 2008 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet

Is the 2008 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 2008 Smart (MCC) Cabriolets ended in a pass, from 139 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 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 2008 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet?

76% of 139 MOT tests on the 2008 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 294th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (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 2008 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Smart (MCC) Cabriolet is 72,791 miles, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.