Smc Unknown (2004)
2004 Smc Unknown
CarHunch analysed 290 real MOT records for the 2004 Smc Unknown. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2004 SMC is a serious reliability concern: only 7.9% pass their MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%, and nearly 1 in 100 vehicles in this cohort have recorded dangerous defects. The petrol versions fare identically poorly at 7.7%, so fuel type offers no escape route here.
The exceptionally low mileage (median 1,522 miles) is the real giveaway—these aren't well-used daily drivers, they're vehicles that have sat unused for years, which explains both the catastrophic pass rate and the minimal failure count. If you're considering one, budget heavily for recommissioning work (tyres, fluids, seals, electrics) and have a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with dormant vehicles, because MOT data this weak suggests structural or long-term storage problems that won't show up in routine checks.
What to check before buying a 2004 Smc Unknown
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.
- 📄 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 Smc Unknown
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 289 | 7.7% | 0.06 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 66.7% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2004 Smc Unknown 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.
Half of all 2004 Smc Unknown vehicles fall between 557 and 2,021 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2004 Smc Unknown
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
77.3%
Nearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play
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27.3%
Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play
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18.2%
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated
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18.2%
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated
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18.2%
Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier
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13.6%
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn
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13.6%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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13.6%
Parking brake efficiency below requirements
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2004. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Smc Unknown?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.