Smart (MCC) City Coupe (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,838 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,750

£146/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£20

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

599cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £1,750/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol599cc23 years old1,838 tests71k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 599cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£20

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,750

Per month£146/mo

Per week£34/wk

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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Smart (MCC) brand average of 78%.

72% of MOT tests on Smart (MCC) City Coupes from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 1,838 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 71,265 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models229th of 429(bottom half)

Rank among Smart (MCC) models66th of 83(bottom 22%)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+0%(72% avg)

vs Smart (MCC) average-6%(78% avg)

Mileage Analysis

71,265

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Smart (MCC) City Coupe had 71,265 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2008 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 82%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2003 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Smart (MCC) City Coupe by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2012	87%	92	61,112 mi
2011	82%	85	59,759 mi
2010	78%	131	70,197 mi
2009	80%	194	66,729 mi
2008	82%	154	66,106 mi
2007	75%	918	68,421 mi
2006	72%	1,014	65,347 mi
2005	74%	749	69,752 mi
2004	76%	1,302	70,320 mi
2003	72%	1,838	71,265 mi
2002	73%	1,163	70,099 mi
2001	71%	345	67,706 mi
2000	74%	111	70,989 mi
1999	67%	87	79,970 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Nissan Micra

2005 · 998cc Petrol

£1,750/year

72%

same

Vauxhall Corsa

2004 · 998cc Petrol

£1,950/year

68%

-4%

Kia Picanto

2005 · 999cc Petrol

£1,950/year

66%

-6%

Peugeot 107

2005 · 998cc Petrol

£1,950/year

69%

-3%

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About the 2003 Smart (MCC) City Coupe

The 2003 Smart (MCC) City Coupe is a city car. Our records list a 599cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,838 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 71,265 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Smart (MCC) City Coupe 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 Coupe 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 2003 Smart (MCC) City Coupe?

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 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Smart (MCC) City Coupe Reliability Trend

Newer Smart (MCC) City Coupes 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 2003 Smart (MCC) City Coupe

At 23 years old, the Smart (MCC) City Coupe 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 2008 model has the highest pass rate at 82%.

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 risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 risk

Always 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 2003 Smart (MCC) City Coupe 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 Coupe(2003)	72%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750
Nissan Micra(2005)	72%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750same
Vauxhall Corsa(2004)	68%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,950+£200
Kia Picanto(2005)	66%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,950+£200
Peugeot 107(2005)	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 2003 Smart (MCC) City Coupe

Is the 2003 Smart (MCC) City Coupe reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 2003 Smart (MCC) City Coupes ended in a pass, from 1,838 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Smart (MCC) City Coupe 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 2003 Smart (MCC) City Coupe?

72% of 1,838 MOT tests on the 2003 Smart (MCC) City Coupe ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 229th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom half).

Which year Smart (MCC) City Coupe has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2008 Smart (MCC) City Coupe has the highest MOT pass rate at 82% and the 2001 the lowest at 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Smart (MCC) City Coupe?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Smart (MCC) City Coupe is 71,265 miles, 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.