What goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before you buy a used Smart (mcc) Cabriolet.
The Smart (mcc) Cabriolet occupies a niche position on the UK market.
We track 5 known issues across the Smart (mcc) Cabriolet range, including 2 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Smart (mcc) Cabriolet? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
MC01 (1998–2007) — Engine options included the 0.7L 3-cylinder. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 2 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Flexible brake hose deterioration and failure (£200–£350 to address).
The flexible brake hoses on Smart Cabrios deteriorate at an exceptionally high rate, failing MOT tests at 90 times the national average at some mileage bands. The hoses are subject to extreme flexing due to the car's short wheelbase and stiff suspension setup, causing internal braiding to fail and outer rubber to crack. This is compounded by the exposed mounting points that allow road salt and debris to accelerate corrosion. Hose failure can result in complete brake system pressure loss.
Flexible brake hose failure can result in sudden and complete loss of braking to one or more wheels. This creates an immediate collision risk and renders the vehicle unsafe to drive. Replacement requires renewal of all four flexible hoses plus brake system bleeding, typically costing £200-400.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
Brake pipes on Smart Cabrios corrode at 6.6 times the national average due to their exposed routing and the car's low ground clearance. The pipes run along the vehicle's underside with minimal protection from road salt, water, and debris. The compact design means brake pipes are routed close to heat sources and moving suspension components, accelerating corrosion. Pipe failure results in brake fluid loss and potential brake system failure.
Corroded brake pipes can fail suddenly, causing complete loss of braking ability to affected wheels or total brake system failure. This creates an immediate collision risk. Brake pipe replacement requires system draining, pipe fabrication or replacement, and complete system bleeding, typically costing £300-600 depending on the extent of corrosion.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The engine mounting brackets on Smart Cabrios fail at 53 times the national average due to the combination of a rear-mounted engine, convertible body flex, and undersized mounting components. The 3-cylinder engine's inherent vibration, amplified by the lack of structural roof support in the convertible, causes accelerated fatigue in the rubber mounts and their metal brackets. Failure results in excessive engine movement that can damage surrounding components.
Failed engine mounts allow excessive engine movement that can damage exhaust components, electrical connections, and fuel lines. Severe cases can result in engine displacement that affects driveshaft alignment. Complete mount failure while driving creates a serious safety hazard with potential for engine components to contact the road surface.
Check all auxiliary systems during the test drive — air conditioning (both hot and cold), engine mounts (excessive vibration at idle or clunking when pulling away) and all belt-driven accessories. Listen for squealing or chirping from the belt area.
Smart Cabrios show brake binding at 6.9 times the national average due to caliper piston corrosion and contaminated brake fluid. The exposed brake components and minimal ground clearance allow road salt and moisture to accelerate corrosion of the brake caliper pistons and guide pins. This causes brakes to partially engage even when the pedal is released, creating heat buildup and premature wear.
Binding brakes cause accelerated brake pad and disc wear, reduced fuel economy, and potential overheating of brake components. Severe binding can lead to brake fade during emergency stops. The issue typically requires caliper refurbishment or replacement plus brake fluid renewal, costing £200-500 per affected wheel.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
Shock absorber bushes wear at 8.4 times the national average on Smart Cabrios due to the firm suspension setup and lack of structural rigidity in the convertible body. The constant flexing of the chassis places additional stress on suspension mounting points, causing premature wear of the rubber bushes that locate the shock absorbers. This affects ride quality and handling precision.
Worn shock absorber bushes reduce ride comfort and handling precision but do not present an immediate safety risk. If left unrepaired, continued deterioration can lead to damage of the shock absorber mounting points and more expensive repairs. Replacement typically costs £150-300 for a complete set of bushes.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Smart (mcc) Cabriolet common problems page.
Based on 5k real DVSA MOT tests, the Smart (mcc) Cabriolet fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is brake hoses perished or damaged at 90x the fleet average, followed by light unit fault (67x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Smart (mcc) Cabriolet MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 6k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
See the full Smart (mcc) Cabriolet service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Smart (mcc) Cabriolet has some well-documented weak points, including 2 safety-critical issues that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Smart (mcc) Cabriolet, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Smart (mcc) Cabriolet issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.