SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,302 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
1,302
Avg Mileage
70,320 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,540
Is the 2004 SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%.
At 20 years old, 76% of SMART (MCC) CITY COUPEs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,302 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 70,320 miles.
How does the 2004 SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE has 70,320 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 COUPE?
The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2004 sits between the two at 76%.
How much does a 2004 SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE cost to run?
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 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 |
Checking a specific SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE
The 2004 SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE is a city car with a 698cc petrol engine. 1,302 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 70,320 miles at 20 years old, 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.
2004 SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE Fuel Costs
The modest 698cc 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 COUPE?
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 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE Reliability Trend
Newer SMART (MCC) CITY COUPEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE
At 20 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 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 87%.
Alternatives to the 2004 SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE
The SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE 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 (-4%) from 27,370 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2004) 68% pass rate (-8%) from 17,048 tests
- PEUGEOT 107 (2006) 70% pass rate (-6%) from 14,889 tests
- TOYOTA AYGO (2006) 69% pass rate (-7%) from 14,498 tests