What goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before you buy a used Smart Roadster Coupe 80 Auto(rhd).
The Smart Roadster Coupe 80 Auto(rhd) occupies a niche position on the UK market.
We track 5 known issues across the Smart Roadster Coupe 80 Auto(rhd) range, including 3 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Smart Roadster Coupe 80 Auto(rhd)? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
C452 (2003–2005) — Engine options included the 0.7 Turbo. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 3 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Suspension component damage (£500–£1,200 to address).
Suspension components on the Roadster suffer excessive damage or corrosion at 19.5 times the national fleet average, typically manifesting as control arm or subframe deterioration. This model's unique chassis construction and limited corrosion protection make it vulnerable to structural suspension damage that can compromise safety. The issue becomes critical around 80,000 miles where load-bearing components may fail.
Severely damaged suspension components can fail catastrophically, causing loss of vehicle control. This is a safety-critical issue requiring immediate attention. The car should not be driven if structural suspension damage is suspected.
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.
Flexible brake hoses on the Roadster deteriorate at 17.4 times the national fleet average, with failures typically occurring from 60,000 miles. The model's unique packaging and limited parts availability make this a critical safety concern. Deteriorated hoses can burst under braking pressure, causing complete brake failure on the affected circuit.
A burst brake hose causes immediate and complete loss of braking on that circuit. On a dual-circuit system, this typically means loss of braking to two wheels. This is a safety-critical failure that can cause serious accidents. Do not drive if brake hose failure is suspected.
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 pipe corrosion affects the Roadster at 5.3 times the national fleet average across all mileage bands, with 750 documented MOT failures. The model's limited corrosion protection and unique brake line routing make the rigid brake pipes vulnerable to salt corrosion, particularly in areas where the pipes are exposed to road spray and debris.
Corroded brake pipes can burst without warning, causing complete loss of braking on the affected circuit. This represents an immediate safety hazard that can result in serious accidents. Any evidence of brake pipe corrosion requires urgent professional inspection.
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 shock absorber bushes on the Roadster wear at an exceptionally high rate compared to conventional cars, with MOT data showing failure rates 23.5 times the national fleet average. The model's unique suspension setup and limited parts availability make this a significant cost factor. The bushes deteriorate from around 40,000 miles, causing handling deterioration and excessive tyre wear if not addressed promptly.
Worn bushes cause poor handling, excessive tyre wear, and potential MOT failure. If left unrepaired, metal-to-metal contact can damage more expensive suspension components. The car remains safe to drive but handling becomes progressively worse.
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.
Wheel bearings fail at 10.8 times the national fleet average on the Roadster, typically between 60,000-100,000 miles. The model's light weight and aggressive suspension geometry place unusual loads on the bearings, leading to premature wear. Failed bearings can cause wheel detachment in extreme cases, making this a safety-critical issue requiring prompt attention.
A severely worn bearing can seize or the wheel hub can separate, causing immediate loss of vehicle control and potential wheel detachment. Early intervention prevents more expensive hub assembly replacement and maintains vehicle safety.
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 Roadster Coupe 80 Auto(rhd) common problems page.
Based on 2k real DVSA MOT tests, the Smart Roadster Coupe 80 Auto(rhd) fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is light unit fault at 37x the fleet average, followed by abs fault (24x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Smart Roadster Coupe 80 Auto(rhd) 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 Roadster Coupe 80 Auto(rhd) service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Smart Roadster Coupe 80 Auto(rhd) has some well-documented weak points, including 3 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 Roadster Coupe 80 Auto(rhd), 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 Roadster Coupe 80 Auto(rhd) issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.