SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 299 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,530
£128/month
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Average
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
599cc Petrol
Check Carefully
74% pass rate, £1530/year to run. 8 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 599cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
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 22 years old, 74% of SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLETs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 299 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 68,778 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
68,778
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET has 68,778 miles on the clock, 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?
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%.
SMART (MCC) CITY CABRIOLET by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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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 2026, 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 22 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 £1,530 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 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 22 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
Based on the 2004 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.
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 2004 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(2004) | 74% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1530 |
| NISSAN MICRA(2005) | 72% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£10 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2004) | 68% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1740+£210 |
| PEUGEOT 107(2006) | 70% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£10 |
| TOYOTA AYGO(2006) | 69% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1740+£210 |
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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