SMART ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD) (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 244 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,380
£115/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
698cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £1380/year to run. Close to the national average.
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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.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 23 years old, 82% of SMART ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD)s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 244 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 95,193 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
95,193
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 SMART ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD) has 95,193 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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SMART ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD) by Year
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About the 2003 SMART ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD)
The 2003 SMART ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD) is a city car with a 698cc petrol engine. 244 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 18% of all 2003 cars for reliability.
With an average of 95,193 miles at 23 years old, SMART ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD) owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 SMART ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD) 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 ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD)?
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 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SMART ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD) Reliability Trend
The SMART ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD) has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 SMART ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD)
At 23 years old, the SMART ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD) 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2003 SMART ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD)'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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 95k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
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 ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD) stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMART ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD)(2003) | 82% | £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.
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