Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2012 Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Auto?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2012 Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Auto?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2012 Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Auto?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 2012 Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Auto reliable?

Based on MOT data from 104 vehicles, the 2012 Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Auto has a first-time MOT pass rate of 80.4%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2012 Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Auto?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

CarHunch

Get Started

Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Auto (2012)

104 real MOT outcomes analysed • 80.4% first-time pass rate

2012 Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Auto

CarHunch analysed 104 real MOT records for the 2012 Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Auto. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page

AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

This Smart ForTwo is a significant reliability concern—only 30% pass their MOT first time, against the UK average of 80%, and one in ten vehicles have recorded dangerous defects that pose a safety risk. With a median CarHunch score of just 40, this model struggles considerably worse than typical cars its age.

The relatively low mileage (median 27,655 miles) suggests these aren't worn-out examples, which means the high failure rate reflects genuine design or build weaknesses rather than age-related wear. Expect nearly three advisory issues per vehicle and substantial repair costs; if you're considering this model, budget for significant maintenance or look at a more reliable alternative in this price bracket.

We have limited data for the 2012 Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Auto — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ About 1 in 12 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

80.4%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

10.6%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.79

Over 4.4 tests on record

Moderate

Typical mileage

28k

Middle half: 20k–42k

For context

These stats describe 104 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 104 Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Auto cars.

Before you buy a 2012 Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Auto

Based on MOT data from 104 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 10.6% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Petrol (95%)	99	80.2%	0.77

Mileage Distribution

Most 2012 Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Auto vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

27,655

typical

20,214

low mileage

42,146

high mileage

Half of all 2012 Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Auto vehicles fall between 20,214 and 42,146 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 20,214 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 20,214–42,146 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2012 Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Autos sit.

⚠ Over 56,897 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2012 Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Auto — Still on the Road

Most 2012 Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Autos are still being driven.

Strong survival — 29 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 85% of the peak.

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2016–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

4.4

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.79

Avg failures per vehicle

2.6

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Auto: All Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Auto years → Which year to buy? →

2013

Or browse all models: Smart →

Compare with another model

See how the 2012 Smart Fortwo Pure 61 Mhd Auto stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?