Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 421 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,600

£133/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£20

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

698cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £1,600/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol698cc21 years old421 tests81k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 698cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£20

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,600

Per month£133/mo

Per week£31/wk

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

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

81% of MOT tests on Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd)s from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 421 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 80,751 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models116th of 504(top 24%)

Rank among Smart models53rd of 123(top half)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average+9%(72% avg)

vs Smart average+1%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

80,751

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) had 80,751 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-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 2003 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 82%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 75%. The 2005 scores 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2006	75%	110	79,833 mi
2005	81%	421	80,751 mi
2004	77%	860	79,253 mi
2003	82%	244	95,193 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Nissan Micra

2005 · 998cc Petrol

£1,750/year

72%

-9%

Peugeot 107

2007 · 980cc Petrol

£1,750/year

71%

-10%

Toyota Aygo

2007 · 998cc Petrol

£1,750/year

70%

-11%

Vauxhall Corsa

2004 · 998cc Petrol

£1,950/year

68%

-13%

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About the 2005 Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd)

The 2005 Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) is a city car. Our records list a 698cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 421 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 24% of all 2005 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 80,751 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2005 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 £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 2005 Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd)?

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 81% 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 2005 Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd)

At 21 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2003 model has the highest pass rate at 82%.

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 risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 risk

With an average of 81k 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 risk

High-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 risk

Always 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 Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) 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 Roadster 80 Auto(rhd)(2005)	81%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,600
Nissan Micra(2005)	72%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750+£150
Peugeot 107(2007)	71%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750+£150
Toyota Aygo(2007)	70%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750+£150
Vauxhall Corsa(2004)	68%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,950+£350

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 2005 Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd)

Is the 2005 Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2005 Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd)s ended in a pass, from 421 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) 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 2005 Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd)?

81% of 421 MOT tests on the 2005 Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 116th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (top 24%).

Which year Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2003 Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) has the highest MOT pass rate at 82% and the 2006 the lowest at 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2005 Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd)?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Smart Roadster 80 Auto(rhd) is 80,751 miles, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.