SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE (2005)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 749 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,480
£123/month
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Average
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
698cc Diesel
Check Carefully
74% pass rate, £1480/year to run. 8 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 698cc
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 21 years old, 74% of SMART (MCC) CITY COUPEs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 749 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 69,752 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
69,752
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2005 SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE has 69,752 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.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2005 sits between the two at 74%.
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
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About the 2005 SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE
The 2005 SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE is a city car with a 698cc diesel engine. 749 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 69,752 miles at 21 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.
2005 SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE Fuel Costs
The modest 698cc diesel engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2005 SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,480 (£123/month), broken down as £905 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 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 2005 SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE
At 21 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2005 SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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 2005 SMART (MCC) CITY COUPE 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 COUPE(2005) | 74% | £905 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1480 |
| NISSAN KUBISTAR(2007) | 68% | £905 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1690+£210 |
| SMART (MCC) FORTWO COUPE(2003) | 80% | £905 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1340-£140 |
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.
Related Smart (mcc) Models
Explore other Smart (mcc) cars or similar models in the same category.
SMART (MCC) FORTWO
2016 · 898cc Petrol
SMART (MCC) FORFOUR
2015 · 999cc Petrol
SMART (MCC) FORTWO COUPE
2009 · 698cc Petrol
NISSAN KUBISTAR
2007 · 1189cc Diesel
SMART (MCC) FORTWO COUPE
2003 · 799cc Diesel
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