Smart (mcc) City Coupe (2009)

154 real MOT outcomes analysed • 77.6% first-time pass rate

2009 Smart (mcc) City Coupe

CarHunch analysed 154 real MOT records for the 2009 Smart (mcc) City Coupe. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 2009 Smart City Coupe falls slightly below the UK average with a 77.6% first-time pass rate, but the real concern is that 37.7% of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—nearly double the typical threshold. This is a meaningful reliability red flag for used-car buyers, regardless of the relatively low mileage these cars have typically covered (median 45,258 miles).

At 15.4 advisories per test, these Smarts rack up minor wear-and-tear issues at a rate well above normal, suggesting age-related deterioration is catching up with the model despite modest mileage. Before committing to a 2009 example, have an independent mechanic inspect the braking and steering systems specifically, as dangerous defects on this generation often cluster there.

Below average reliability 2.4% below UK average
77.6%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
45,258
typical mileage
31,711–54,162 middle half
37.7%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
3.89
avg MOT failures per car
over 16.2 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2009 Smart (mcc) City Coupe

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • ⚠️ 37.7% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Smart (mcc) City Coupe

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (81%) 125 77.5% 4.05
Diesel (19%) 29 78.4% 3.21

Mileage Distribution

Most 2009 Smart (mcc) City Coupe vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

31,711
low mileage
45,258
typical
54,162
high mileage

Half of all 2009 Smart (mcc) City Coupe vehicles fall between 31,711 and 54,162 miles.

2009 Smart (mcc) City Coupe — Still on the Road

111 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 77% of the peak remain.

145 111 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.

MOT History Averages

16.2
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
3.89
Avg failures per vehicle
15.4
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Smart (mcc) City Coupe?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Smart (mcc) City Coupe:

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2010