Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet (2002)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 223 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,750
£146/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£20
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 1-8
599cc Petrol
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £1,750/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Smart (MCC) brand average of 78%.
70% of MOT tests on Smart (MCC) City Cabriolets from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 223 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 68,988 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
68,988
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2002 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet had 68,988 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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 2002 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2002 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet
The 2002 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet is a city car. Our records list a 599cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 223 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 68,988 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.
2002 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 2002 Smart (MCC) City 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 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2002 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet
At 24 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%.
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 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.
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 2002 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(2002) | 70% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,750 |
| Nissan Micra(2004) | 71% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,750same |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2004) | 68% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,950+£200 |
| Volkswagen Polo(2000) | 71% | £1,175 | £230 | Grp 1-8 | £1,960+£210 |
| Kia Picanto(2004) | 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 2002 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet
Is the 2002 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2002 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolets ended in a pass, from 223 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2002 Smart (MCC) City 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 2002 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet?
70% of 223 MOT tests on the 2002 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 275th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (bottom half).
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 2002 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Smart (MCC) City Cabriolet is 68,988 miles, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Related Smart (MCC) Models
Explore other Smart (MCC) cars or similar models in the same category.
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