Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet (2001)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 44 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,450

£121/month

MOT Pass Rate

91%

Excellent

Road Tax

£20

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

599cc Petrol

Great Choice

91% pass rate, £1,450/year to run. 9 points above average.

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Petrol599cc25 years old44 tests83k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 599cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£20

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£1,450

Per month£121/mo

Per week£28/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

91% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Smart (MCC) brand average of 78%.

91% of MOT tests on Smart (MCC) City Cabriolets from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 44 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 83,147 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 models20th of 350(top 6%)

Rank among Smart (MCC) models4th of 83(top 5%)

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

vs 2001 models average+18%(73% avg)

vs Smart (MCC) average+13%(78% avg)

Mileage Analysis

83,147

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2001 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet had 83,147 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2006 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2001 scores 91%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2007	74%	57	68,604 mi
2006	75%	204	66,463 mi
2005	71%	252	66,950 mi
2004	74%	299	68,778 mi
2003	69%	229	67,412 mi
2002	70%	223	68,988 mi
2001	91%	44	83,147 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Nissan Micra

2003 · 998cc Petrol

£1,750/year

70%

-21%

Vauxhall Corsa

2003 · 973cc Petrol

£1,950/year

67%

-24%

Volkswagen Polo

2000 · 1000cc Petrol

£1,960/year

71%

-20%

Vauxhall Agila

2003 · 998cc Petrol

£1,750/year

74%

-17%

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About the 2001 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet

The 2001 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet is a city car. Our records list a 599cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 44 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 6% of all 2001 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 83,147 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Smart (MCC) City 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) City Cabriolet Fuel Costs

The modest 599cc 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 2001 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,450 (£121/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet Reliability Trend

Newer Smart (MCC) City Cabriolets pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2001 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet

At 25 years old, the Smart (MCC) City 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 2006 model has the highest pass rate at 75%. Note: with only 44 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 2001 Smart (MCC) City 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) City Cabriolet(2001)	91%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,450
Nissan Micra(2003)	70%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750+£300
Vauxhall Corsa(2003)	67%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,950+£500
Volkswagen Polo(2000)	71%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,960+£510
Vauxhall Agila(2003)	74%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750+£300

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 2001 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet

Is the 2001 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 91% of MOT tests on 2001 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolets ended in a pass, from 44 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2001 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,450 a year (£121 a month): £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet?

91% of 44 MOT tests on the 2001 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 20th of 350 models first registered in 2001 (top 6%).

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

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2006 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 2003 the lowest at 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2001 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet is 83,147 miles, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.