SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET (2001)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 44 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,230
£103/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
599cc Petrol
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £1230/year to run. 9 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 599cc
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 9 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SMART (MCC) brand average of 78%.
At 25 years old, 91% of SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLETs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 44 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 83,147 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
83,147
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 2001 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET has 83,147 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 2006 model with a 75% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2001 sits between the two at 91%.
SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2001 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET
The 2001 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET is a city car with a 599cc petrol engine. 44 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 6% of all 2001 cars for reliability.
With an average of 83,147 miles at 25 years old, 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 £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) CITY 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 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET Reliability Trend
The SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
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
Based on the 2001 SMART (MCC) CITY 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 2001 SMART (MCC) CITY 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) CITY CABRIOLET(2001) | 91% | £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.
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