SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 229 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
229
Avg Mileage
67,412 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,740
Is the 2003 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SMART (MCC) brand average of 78%.
At 21 years old, 69% of SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLETs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 229 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 67,412 miles.
How does the 2003 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET has 67,412 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET?
The most reliable year is the 2006 model with a 75% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 69%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 2003 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET by Year
Checking a specific SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET
The 2003 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET is a city car with a 599cc petrol engine. 229 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 67,412 miles at 21 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.
2003 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 2003 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,740 (£145/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 2003 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET
At 21 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.
Alternatives to the 2003 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- NISSAN MICRA (2005) 72% pass rate (+3%) from 27,370 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2004) 68% pass rate (-1%) from 17,048 tests
- KIA PICANTO (2005) 66% pass rate (-3%) from 6,562 tests
- PEUGEOT 107 (2005) 69% pass rate (same) from 3,648 tests