Should I buy a 2016 Smart Fortwo 0.9 Petrol Automatic?

Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2016 Smart Fortwo 0.9 Petrol Automatic. Use this guide to help assess a used car, then unlock a personalised report for the exact vehicle you're considering.

Common problems

1Moderate Likelihood

Turbocharger wear and boost loss

Slower pickup than expected, a whistle under load, smoke after acceleration, or the car dropping into reduced-power running.

How to check

Accelerate firmly from low revs once the engine is warm.

Estimated Repair Cost

£1,400

2Moderate Likelihood

Timing chain wear and startup rattle

Rattle for a few seconds on cold start, rough running, engine warning light, or a misfire that does not clear properly.

How to check

Start the engine from cold after it has been standing for several hours.

Estimated Repair Cost

£1,200

3High Likelihood

Fuel filling and gauge faults

Pump repeatedly cuts out after only a few litres, the gauge behaves oddly after refuelling, or the displayed range drops unpredictably.

How to check

Diagnose venting and sender operation.

Estimated Repair Cost

£450

MOT Failure Rate

0%10%20%30%40%0–20,000 miles: 8.3% (379 failed / 4,577 tests)20,000–40,000 miles: 14.5% (895 failed / 6,159 tests)40,000–60,000 miles: 20.5% (600 failed / 2,932 tests)60,000–80,000 miles: 24.5% (239 failed / 974 tests)80,000–100,000 miles: 28.3% (72 failed / 254 tests)100,000–120,000 miles: 28.1% (16 failed / 57 tests)120,000–140,000 miles: 38.1% (8 failed / 21 tests)140,000–160,000 miles: 37.5% (3 failed / 8 tests)160,000–180,000 miles: 0.0% (0 failed / 1 tests)020k40k60k80k100k120k140k160k180k200kMilesFailure rate
2016 Smart Fortwo 0.9 Petrol Automatic

Smart Fortwo buying questions

Is a 2016 Smart Fortwo worth buying?

It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2016 Smart Fortwo 0.9 Petrol Automatic, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.

What common problems affect the Smart Fortwo (2016)?

The problem cards above list the model-level checks for this guide. Read them as priorities for inspection and paperwork review, not proof that every example will have those faults.

What should I check before buying a Smart Fortwo?

Look for evidence, not just assurances: MOT advisories, service history, repair invoices, warning lights, fluid leaks, tyre and brake condition, and how the car behaves on a proper test drive. And of course, look at your personalised Should I Buy This Car? report, outlining a full list of common issues in detail, a personalised road test, a plain-English explanation and a MotorIQ score.

A model guide is useful. A report on its registration is better.

The guide above gives you the model-level pattern. A personalised MotorIQ report checks the registration-specific record and turns it into an ownership view before you commit.

Or enter the vehicle manually