# Smart Forfour — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Smart Forfour on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/smart-forfour

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2019
- **Ideal trim**: Passion
- **Target mileage**: 30,000–45,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £8,200

## Why this model

The Smart Forfour is a fantastic little city car, especially if you spend most of your time in urban areas. It's super compact, incredibly easy to park thanks to its tight turning circle, and surprisingly practical for its size with four doors. It shares its platform with the Renault Twingo, which means it benefits from proven mechanicals. It's a solid choice for someone needing a nimble, economical runabout.

## What you should pay

Based on current UK market data for February 2026, a 2019 Smart Forfour 1.0 Passion with 30,000-50,000 miles typically sells for around £8,200. This represents good value for a modern city car that's still relatively young and has plenty of life left. Prices can vary slightly based on exact mileage, condition, and optional extras, but this is a strong benchmark.

## Which trim to buy

The 'Passion' trim hits the sweet spot for the Forfour. It adds some really nice-to-have features over the basic 'Pure' model, like alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and a leather multifunction steering wheel, without pushing the price up too much. You get a much more comfortable and pleasant driving experience for a relatively small increase in cost, making it the best value for money.

## What to check before you buy

- Minor electrical glitches (e.g., infotainment, sensors)
- Interior trim rattles, especially on older models
- Premature wear on front suspension components (bushes, drop links)

## Running costs

Running costs for the petrol Forfour are generally low. Fuel will be around 12 pence per mile based on 55 mpg and current petrol prices. Road tax (VED) for a 2019 1.0L model is typically around £160 per year. Insurance is usually quite affordable, falling into lower groups, so expect to pay £400-£700 annually depending on your driver profile and postcode.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 71 hp
- **Mpg**: 55 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: Average
- **Safety Rating**: 4 Stars (Euro NCAP)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Pure | £12,000 | £7,000 | Electric front windows; Remote central locking; LED daytime running lights |
| Passion | £13,500 | £8,200 | 15-inch alloy wheels; Automatic climate control; Leather multifunction steering wheel |
| Prime | £15,000 | £9,500 | 15-inch black alloy wheels; Panoramic glass roof; Heated seats |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £8,200 | 0% |
| 2027 | £7,200 | 12% |
| 2028 | £6,400 | 11% |
| 2029 | £5,700 | 11% |
| 2030 | £5,000 | 12% |

The Smart Forfour, like many city cars, experiences its steepest depreciation in the first few years. By buying a 2019 model now, you're past that initial drop. The depreciation curve shows a more gradual decline from 2026 onwards, meaning you'll lose less money each year compared to buying new. It's a good time to buy if you plan to keep it for a few years.

Total value lost since new: 39%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Renault Twingo](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/renault-twingo.md)
- [Kia Picanto](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/kia-picanto.md)
- [Hyundai i10](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/hyundai-i10.md)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.