SMART (MCC) ROADSTER (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 125 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,380
£115/month
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Good
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
698cc Petrol
Solid Option
84% pass rate, £1380/year to run. Close to the national average.
Check a specific SMART (MCC) ROADSTER
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 698cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this SMART (MCC) ROADSTER
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
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 23 years old, 84% of SMART (MCC) ROADSTERs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 125 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 79,466 miles.
Got a SMART (MCC) ROADSTER you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
79,466
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 SMART (MCC) ROADSTER has 79,466 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Looking at a specific SMART (MCC) ROADSTER?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
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%.
SMART (MCC) ROADSTER by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Smart (mcc) Roadster
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
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 2026, 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 23 years old, SMART (MCC) ROADSTER 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) 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 £1,380 (£115/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 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 23 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2003 SMART (MCC) ROADSTER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 2003 SMART (MCC) ROADSTER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMART (MCC) ROADSTER(2003) | 84% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1380 |
| NISSAN MICRA(2005) | 72% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£160 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2004) | 68% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1740+£360 |
| KIA PICANTO(2005) | 66% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1740+£360 |
| PEUGEOT 107(2005) | 69% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1740+£360 |
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 MICRA
2005 · 998cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2004 · 998cc Petrol
KIA PICANTO
2005 · 999cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Smart (mcc) Roadster.
Cheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in the UK: A Complete Cost Breakdown
11 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific SMART (MCC) ROADSTER
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a SMART (MCC) ROADSTER? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data