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FJ53 HWG

2003 Smart (mcc) City Coupe

Black Petrol 599cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires28 Apr 2027
Tests31 (19 pass, 12 fail)
Pass rate61.3%

Mileage

77,876 mi
Last recorded77,876 miles
Recorded on29 Apr 2026
Typical for 2003 Smart (mcc) City Coupe47,556 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Smart (mcc)
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationFJ53 HWG
MakeSmart (mcc)
ModelCity Coupe
Year2003
ColourBlack
Fuel typePetrol
Engine599cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

19 pass 12 fail
Pass 29 Apr 2026 77,876 miles

Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated both sides (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Fail 2 Apr 2026 77,825 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Exhaust hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Front Outer Brake pipe excessively corroded both (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated both (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Pass 24 Mar 2025 75,287 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

body has corrosion.

Pass 9 Apr 2024 73,787 miles
Fail 27 Mar 2024 73,779 miles

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Pass 5 Jan 2023 73,379 miles

Condensation in headlights.

Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Front Coil spring corroded Both. (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play Both. (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

underbody corrosion.

Pass 11 Jan 2022 72,807 miles

body has corrosion

Pass 16 Dec 2020 72,276 miles

Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Pass 6 Jan 2020 72,040 miles

Front Coil spring corroded both (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Macpherson strut pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front steering arm has slight play.

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush both (5.3.2 (c))

body has corrosion and rear sub frame corroded

Fail 31 Dec 2019 72,040 miles

Exhaust hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Fuel cap/sealing device ineffective (6.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Steering rack has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering rack fitted) steering arm (2.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Nearside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Front Coil spring corroded both (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Macpherson strut pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush both (5.3.2 (c))

body has corrosion and rear sub frame corroded

Pass 4 Jan 2019 70,912 miles

Central Stop lamp(s) with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning (4.3.1 (a) (i))

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Front Coil spring corroded both sides (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Front Position lamp incorrect colour (4.2.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Rear Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

body corroded.

oil leak from engine bay

Fail 2 Jan 2019 70,911 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect both sides (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Suspension arm damaged and seriously weakened brace bar (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively both sides (3.4 (b) (ii))

Central Stop lamp(s) with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning (4.3.1 (a) (i))

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Front Coil spring corroded both sides (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Front Position lamp incorrect colour (4.2.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Rear Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

body corroded.

oil leak from engine bay

Pass 9 Oct 2017 70,333 miles

Nearside Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Pass 5 Oct 2016 68,015 miles

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

nearside seatbelt twisted

suspension components showing signs of corrosion

Fail 30 Sep 2016 68,007 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

nearside seatbelt twisted

suspension components showing signs of corrosion

Pass 29 Sep 2015 67,310 miles
Pass 2 Oct 2014 64,695 miles
Fail 30 Sep 2014 64,693 miles

Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Pass 26 Sep 2013 59,716 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Fail 26 Sep 2013 59,716 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Steering lock fails to engage (2.1.4b)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Pass 18 Sep 2012 54,345 miles

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1b)

offside wiper split

Fail 11 Sep 2012 54,300 miles

Offside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b)

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1b)

nearside rear tyre inner side wall cracking

offside wiper split

Pass 21 Sep 2011 50,222 miles
Fail 15 Sep 2011 50,172 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Rear position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone 'A' (8.3.1e)

Pass 15 Sep 2010 46,029 miles

engine management light is on

towbar electrics hanging down and rubbing on rear silencer

Pass 14 Sep 2009 42,334 miles

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Fail 14 Sep 2009 42,334 miles

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Pass 10 Sep 2008 38,670 miles
Fail 2 Sep 2008 38,641 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Pass 10 Oct 2006 30,538 miles
Fail 10 Oct 2006 30,538 miles

Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image (1.2.4a)

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Offside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

How Reliable is the Smart (mcc) City Coupe?

Based on 282,294 MOT tests across 17,380 vehicles.

71.5%
Pass Rate
3,273
Miles/Year
27
Year Lifespan
17,380
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Stop lamp not working 9,153
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 8,215
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 5,697
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 5,268
Headlamp aim too low 5,252
Full Smart (mcc) City Coupe reliability report

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FJ53 HWG is a 2003 Smart (mcc) City Coupe in Black with a 599cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 61.3%.

Across all 2003 Smart (mcc) City Coupe models, the average MOT pass rate is 71.9% with a typical mileage of 47,556 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Smart (mcc) City Coupe fails its MOT is stop lamp not working, accounting for 9,153 recorded failures. If you're considering buying FJ53 HWG, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Smart (mcc) City Coupe typically stays on UK roads for around 27 years. At 23 years old, this Smart (mcc) City Coupe is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of FJ53 HWG?

You can check the full history of FJ53 HWG by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was FJ53 HWG registered?

FJ53 HWG is a 2003 Smart (mcc) City Coupe, first registered on 2 October 2003.

Is FJ53 HWG safe to buy?

The MOT history for FJ53 HWG shows 31 tests with a 61.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does FJ53 HWG have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on FJ53 HWG. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.