Smart (MCC) Fortwo (2008)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 33 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,600
£133/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£20
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 1-8
1000cc Petrol
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £1,600/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Smart (MCC) brand average of 78%.
88% of MOT tests on Smart (MCC) Fortwos from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 33 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 79,172 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
79,172
Average miles
118,400
Expected for age
The average 2008 Smart (MCC) Fortwo had 79,172 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 81%. The 2008 scores 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Smart (MCC) Fortwo by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2008 Smart (MCC) Fortwo
The 2008 Smart (MCC) Fortwo is a city car. Our records list a 1000cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 33 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 15% of all 2008 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 79,172 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Smart (MCC) Fortwo owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 Smart (MCC) Fortwo Fuel Costs
The modest 1000cc 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 2008 Smart (MCC) Fortwo?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,600 (£133/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Smart (MCC) Fortwo Reliability Trend
Newer Smart (MCC) Fortwos pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2008 Smart (MCC) Fortwo
At 18 years old, the Smart (MCC) Fortwo 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. Note: with only 33 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
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 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 2008 Smart (MCC) Fortwo 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) Fortwo(2008) | 88% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,600 |
| Ford Fiesta(2008) | 72% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£553 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2010) | 74% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£553 |
| Peugeot 207(2010) | 70% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£553 |
| Honda Jazz(2009) | 78% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£553 |
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 2008 Smart (MCC) Fortwo
Is the 2008 Smart (MCC) Fortwo reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 2008 Smart (MCC) Fortwos ended in a pass, from 33 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2008 Smart (MCC) Fortwo cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,600 a year (£133 a month): £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Smart (MCC) Fortwo?
88% of 33 MOT tests on the 2008 Smart (MCC) Fortwo ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 83rd of 566 models first registered in 2008 (top 15%).
Which year Smart (MCC) Fortwo has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Smart (MCC) Fortwo has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2013 the lowest at 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2008 Smart (MCC) Fortwo?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Smart (MCC) Fortwo is 79,172 miles, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Smart (MCC) Models
Explore other Smart (MCC) cars or similar models in the same category.
Smart (MCC) Forfour
2015 · 999cc Petrol
Smart (MCC) Fortwo Coupe
2009 · 698cc Petrol
Smart (MCC) City Coupe
2003 · 599cc Petrol
Ford Fiesta
2008 · 1388cc Petrol
Vauxhall Corsa
2010 · 1398cc Petrol
Peugeot 207
2010 · 1360cc Petrol
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