SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 299 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Total Tests (2024)
299
Avg Mileage
68,778 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,540
Is the 2004 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SMART (MCC) brand average of 78%.
At 20 years old, 74% of SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLETs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 299 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 68,778 miles.
How does the 2004 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET has 68,778 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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%. The 2004 sits between the two at 74%.
How much does a 2004 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 2004 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET
The 2004 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET is a city car with a 599cc petrol engine. 299 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 68,778 miles at 20 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.
2004 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 2004 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,540 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2004 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET
At 20 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%.
Alternatives to the 2004 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET
The SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol city cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- NISSAN MICRA (2005) 72% pass rate (-2%) from 27,370 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2004) 68% pass rate (-6%) from 17,048 tests
- PEUGEOT 107 (2006) 70% pass rate (-4%) from 14,889 tests
- TOYOTA AYGO (2006) 69% pass rate (-5%) from 14,498 tests