What goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before you buy a used Smart (mcc) CITY Cabriolet.
The Smart (mcc) CITY Cabriolet occupies a niche position on the UK market.
We track 5 known issues across the Smart (mcc) CITY Cabriolet range, with 2 classified as significant. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Smart (mcc) CITY Cabriolet? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
450 (1999–2012) — Engine options included the 0.6L three-cylinder. We track 5 known issues on this generation, with 2 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Brake hose deterioration (£200–£350 to address).
The flexible brake hoses on Smart City Cabriolets deteriorate at a much higher rate than the fleet average, with failures occurring across all mileage bands. The short wheelbase and exposed position of the hoses make them prone to damage from road debris and environmental factors. MOT data shows this model fails at 131 times the fleet average for brake hose defects, with the highest failure rate between 20,000-40,000 miles.
Failed brake hoses can result in complete loss of braking on one or more wheels, creating a serious safety hazard. Deteriorated hoses may burst under emergency braking conditions. All four hoses typically require replacement together, with labour costs increased by the need to bleed the brake system.
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.
Wheel bearings on Smart City Cabriolets wear at a significantly higher rate than the fleet average, with failures occurring 8.4 times more frequently than typical cars. The lightweight construction combined with relatively large wheels for the vehicle size places higher loads on the bearings. Failed bearings create safety risks and must be addressed promptly.
Failed wheel bearings create a serious safety hazard as they can cause wheel detachment in extreme cases. Worn bearings cause uneven tyre wear, poor handling, and increased braking distances. The car should not be driven with severely worn bearings.
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.
The rubber bushes that mount the shock absorbers to the chassis wear prematurely on Smart City Cabriolets, failing at 25.6 times the fleet average. The lightweight construction and hard suspension tuning accelerate bush deterioration. This affects ride quality and handling precision, with the problem typically appearing from 20,000 miles onwards.
Worn shock absorber bushes reduce ride comfort and handling precision. In severe cases, completely failed bushes can allow the shock absorber to move excessively, potentially damaging other suspension components. The car remains safe to drive but handling and comfort are compromised.
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.
The lambda (oxygen) sensors in Smart City Cabriolets fail at The three-cylinder engine's operating characteristics and the sensor's exposed position in the exhaust system contribute to premature failure. Failed sensors cause poor emissions performance, increased fuel consumption, and potential MOT failure.
Failed lambda sensors cause increased fuel consumption, poor emissions performance leading to MOT failure, and potential long-term damage to the catalytic converter. The car remains driveable but will not meet emissions standards and may experience reduced performance.
Check all electrical functions systematically: windows, mirrors, lights, infotainment, heated seats, air conditioning. Look for any warning lights on the dashboard. A diagnostic scan before purchase can reveal stored fault codes.
Smart City Cabriolets develop fluid leaks at The compact engine bay and multiple fluid systems in a small space contribute to seal deterioration. While most leaks are minor oil seepage, some can pose environmental or safety risks if left unaddressed.
Most fluid leaks are minor oil seepage that pose no immediate safety risk but require monitoring and eventual repair. Significant leaks can cause low fluid levels leading to component damage, create environmental hazards, or make surfaces slippery and dangerous. Brake fluid leaks require immediate attention.
Check the oil level before the engine is started. Ask the seller how often they top up the oil between services. After a test drive, check the level again and look behind the car for blue or grey exhaust smoke under acceleration.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Smart (mcc) CITY Cabriolet common problems page.
Based on 5k real DVSA MOT tests, the Smart (mcc) CITY Cabriolet fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is brake hoses perished or damaged at 131x the fleet average, followed by light unit fault (86x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Smart (mcc) CITY 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) CITY Cabriolet service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Smart (mcc) CITY Cabriolet is a reasonable used buy provided you check for the issues outlined above. None of the problems we track are insurmountable, but they do reward buyers who inspect thoroughly and verify the service history before committing.
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) CITY 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) CITY Cabriolet issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.