Smart EQ ForFour (2017-2019) costs, insurance, warranty & tax
Smart EQ ForFour running costs will be very low, particularly if you charge up at home
| Insurance group | Warranty | Service intervals | Road tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 2yrs / unlimited miles | 1yr / 12,500 miles | £0 |
With every model costing over £18,000 when new, even with the fuel savings represented by a full battery charge costing less than £3, a private buyer might have struggled to save money overall compared to running a small petrol car.
But now that examples are available on the secondhand market for less, the Smart can make more sense. London-based Smart EQ drivers enjoy exemption from the capital's Congestion Charge until 2025 and there's no annual road tax to pay, either.
Smart EQ ForFour insurance group
The Smart EQ ForFour is rated in insurance group 11 irrespective of trim level or options fitted. That should make it less expensive to insure than the ZOE. It's worth seeking a quote before you make a decision to buy, though, as personal circumstances can affect insurance costs just as much as group ratings.
Warranty
All Smarts sold in the UK came with a three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty, as well as 12 years of cover against corrosion. Additionally, the battery got a separate eight-year warranty, but this has a limit of 62,500 miles.
Servicing
Smart EQ ForFours require an annual visit to a Smart workshop, which can set up a service contract to make it easier to keep track of scheduled maintenance costs. Contracts can either be paid for on a monthly basis or up front.
Road tax
As a zero-emissions car, the Smart EQ ForFour is exempt from vehicle excise duty (VED), a.k.a. road tax.
