SMART ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO (2005)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 49 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.
Check a specific SMART ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO
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 ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO
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%.
At 21 years old, 82% of SMART ROADSTER LIGHT AUTOs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 49 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 74,036 miles.
Got a SMART ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
74,036
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2005 SMART ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO has 74,036 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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 ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Smart Roadster light auto
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 2005 SMART ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO
The 2005 SMART ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO is a city car with a 698cc petrol engine. 49 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 22% of all 2005 cars for reliability.
With an average of 74,036 miles at 21 years old, SMART ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO 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.
2005 SMART ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO 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 2005 SMART ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO?
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.
Buying a Used 2005 SMART ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO
At 21 years old, the SMART ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO 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. Note: with only 49 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2005 SMART ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO'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 2005 SMART ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMART ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO(2005) | 82% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1380 |
| NISSAN MICRA(2005) | 72% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£160 |
| PEUGEOT 107(2007) | 71% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£160 |
| TOYOTA AYGO(2007) | 70% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£160 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2004) | 68% | £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 Models
Explore other Smart cars or similar models in the same category.
SMART FORTWO PASSION MHD AUTO
2013 · 999cc Petrol
SMART ROADSTER 80 AUTO(RHD)
2004 · 698cc Petrol
SMART FORTWO PASSION 71 AUTO
2008 · 999cc Petrol
NISSAN MICRA
2005 · 998cc Petrol
PEUGEOT 107
2007 · 980cc Petrol
TOYOTA AYGO
2007 · 998cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Smart Roadster light auto.
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
Car ChecksCheapest Stolen Car Check UK 2026: The Only Smart Choice
8 min read
Car ChecksCar History Check Under £10 UK: The Only Smart Pick in 2026
8 min read
Check a specific SMART ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a SMART ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO? 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