While Smart cars have been around for a little more than two decades, the brand has made a name for itself with its super-small, nimble, and urban subcompact cars. Smart cars are also known to be relatively reliable. However, your Smart car’s reliability will ultimately depend on a few factors, including how well you take care of it.

Jerry

, the

car insurance

comparison

super app

, has put together everything you’ll need to know to maximize your Smart car’s lifespan, including information on how long they typically last, the most- and least-reliable Smart models, and maintenance estimates. We’ll also give you tips on how to prolong your Smart car’s time on the road.

How many miles can a Smart car last?

With proper care, a Smart car can last anywhere from 150,000 to 450,000 miles.

No matter what car you drive, factors such as its mileage, condition, and age can determine how long it stays on the road. According to Smart Car, the average vehicle should last at least 150,000 miles. While it is more rare, there are Smart cars that have lasted past 450,000 miles. Of course, for your Smart car to last this long, you’ll need to follow its maintenance schedule to a “T”.

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

How many years do Smart cars last?

According to the manufacturer, Smart cars will likely last longer in moderate climates—possibly as long as 20 years.Just like when you’re estimating the mileage, you’ll likely be able to estimate how long your car will live according to its age, mileage, and condition. Proper care is essential to keep your vehicle lasting for the long haul.

MORE: How to do summer maintenance

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How reliable is a Smart car?

A car’s reliability can depend on both its owner and issues outside an owner’s control. Here are the most and least reliable Smart cars that have hit the road so far.

Most reliable: 2016 Smart Fortwo

The 2016 Smart Fortwo received a solid 77/100 rating from J.D. Power, leaving it just three points shy of a reliability rating of great.RepairPal gave the Smart Fortwo a grade of 4.0/5.0—not bad, even if it was ranked 16th out of 21 subcompact cars.

Still, the 2016 Fortwo got high praise when it comes to safety, receiving the coveted Good rating across the board from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This grade was better than most SUVs on the road back in 2016. Besides safety, Smart drivers weren’t taking their miniscule rides into

repair shops

nearly as often as other drivers.

Least reliable: 2009 Smart Fortwo

The 2009 Fortwo had two major problems that seriously damaged its reliability ratings—one on the inside and one on the outside.

The Fortwo’s automatic transmission was notorious for malfunctioning, and drivers frequently complained about trouble switching from one gear to the next.

On its exterior, the Fortwo suffered from crazing, or the appearance of hairline cracks in the Fortwo’s two-tone paint, and delamination, which occurs when the clear coat peels away from the layer of paint beneath it.

Are Smart cars expensive to maintain?

Smart cars can be expensive to repair, with the average yearly maintenance bill hovering around $827—significantly more than the average repair bill for an average sedan.

Of course, all repair and maintenance costs will depend on several familiar factors, including the vehicle's age, mileage, and the condition it's in.

Brakes

The

brake pads

on a Smart car typically last between 25,000 and 30,000 miles, which is significantly less than the average of 40,000 miles for the average car.

You may need to change them more often, though. Various factors can impact how long your brake pads last, including how aggressively you drive and brake, and whether your commute involves lots of stop-and-go driving, which can wear down brake pads.

Tires

The tires on a Smart car should last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles.

As a general rule, all-season tires should be replaced every three to four years.If you drive aggressively or have performance tires on your vehicle, you’ll want to replace those tires sooner.

MORE:

How to read a tire

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Transmission

Smart cars boast automatic transmissions, which usually last an average of 7 years.

To properly care for your Smart car’s transmission, get in the habit of regularly checking your transmission fluid. Be sure to allow your Smart car to warm up for a minute or two before driving—this can help the transmission as well.

Spark plugs

Spark plugs on a Smart car should last around 30,000 miles.

That being said, there are a few telltale signs that spark plugs need replacing, including sluggish acceleration or your engine running rough or misfiring.

MORE:

How to check car recalls by VIN number

How to prolong the lifespan of your Smart car

The best way to prolong the life of your Smart car is to properly take care of it. Here are a few tips on how to do just that:

Follow a schedule: And not just any schedule—the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule!Read over your Smart car’s owners manual, which will give you the lowdown on how best to care for your car, and when it will need tire rotations, oil changes, etc.

Buy quality parts: We know it's tempting to cut corners and buy cheaper parts to save some money, but being cheap can cost you down the road in the form of bigger, unexpected problems cropping up. Buy parts that meet Smart’s specifications to avoid headaches down the road.

Pay attention to engine alerts: If you see a warning pop up on your dash, such as the

Check Engine Light

, don’t ignore it! That light tells you there’s a problem, so if you see it, make an appointment to get your Smart car looked at, and nip a nascent problem in the bud.

Key Takeaway With proper care and following your maintenance schedule, you should be able to go 150,000 miles with your Smart car, if not more!

Saving on car insurance on your Smart car

It's no secret that insuring a car—even one as little and cute as a Smart car—can be expensive. But that doesn’t mean you should have to spend an arm and a leg for car insurance. When you’re using

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