CarCostCheck

SMART (MCC) ROADSTER (2003)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 125 real MOT tests in 2024.

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Total Tests (2024)

125

Avg Mileage

79,466 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,390

Is the 2003 SMART (MCC) ROADSTER reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SMART (MCC) brand average of 78%.

At 21 years old, 84% of SMART (MCC) ROADSTERs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 125 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 79,466 miles.

How does the 2003 SMART (MCC) ROADSTER compare?

Rank among all 2003 cars65th out of 445(top 15%)
Rank among all SMART (MCC) models20th out of 83(top 24%)
vs national average+2% (82% avg)
vs 2003 cars average+12% (72% avg)
vs SMART (MCC) average+6% (78% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2003 SMART (MCC) ROADSTER has 79,466 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Best year to buy a SMART (MCC) ROADSTER?

The most reliable year is the 2006 model with a 85% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2003 sits between the two at 84%.

How much does a 2003 SMART (MCC) ROADSTER cost to run?

Fuel (Petrol, 698cc)
£955
🏛️Road Tax
£30
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,390
Per month£116/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

SMART (MCC) ROADSTER by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200685%22866,130 mi
200581%53278,700 mi
200476%51579,297 mi
200384%12579,466 mi

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About the 2003 SMART (MCC) ROADSTER

The 2003 SMART (MCC) ROADSTER is a city car with a 698cc petrol engine. 125 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 15% of all 2003 cars for reliability.

With an average of 79,466 miles at 21 years old, SMART (MCC) ROADSTER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 SMART (MCC) ROADSTER 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 2003 SMART (MCC) ROADSTER?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,390 116/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

SMART (MCC) ROADSTER Reliability Trend

The SMART (MCC) ROADSTER has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2003 SMART (MCC) ROADSTER

At 21 years old, the SMART (MCC) ROADSTER 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 85%.

Alternatives to the 2003 SMART (MCC) ROADSTER

The SMART (MCC) ROADSTER is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol city cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines: