smart forfour value and depreciation
Known for four-seat smart that never caught on.
Projected value of a new smart forfour
We class the smart forfour as a orphan & discontinued in our 12-tier model, which puts its retention at roughly 53% after three years and 39% after five. When a brand leaves South Africa its residuals collapse. No dealer network means no price floor.
Retention table
| After | Retained | Retail value | Trade-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 73% | R 132 047 | R 116 201 |
| 3 years | 53% | R 96 019 | R 84 497 |
| 5 years | 39% | R 70 603 | R 62 131 |
| 7 years | 29% | R 51 915 | R 45 685 |
| 10 years | 18% | R 32 734 | R 28 806 |
Estimates for a new purchase at R 179 900; retail basis, trade-in ≈ 12% under retail.
The four-seat smart came to SA first as a Mitsubishi-based hatch in the mid-2000s and again from 2016 as a rear-engined Renault Twingo twin priced from R179,900. Neither generation sold in meaningful numbers before the brand withdrew around 2019. It survives as a niche used buy at low prices.
What used forfour years are worth today
Tap a year for the full breakdown: value range, remaining depreciation, and what to pay.
| Year | Est. retail today | Trade-in | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 forfour | R 51 915 | R 45 685 | Details → |
| 2018 forfour | R 44 517 | R 39 175 | Details → |
| 2017 forfour | R 38 173 | R 33 592 | Details → |
| 2016 forfour | R 32 734 | R 28 806 | Details → |
| 2015 forfour | R 26 606 | R 23 413 | Details → |
| 2014 forfour | R 21 625 | R 19 030 | Details → |
| 2013 forfour | R 17 577 | R 15 468 | Details → |
| 2012 forfour | R 14 286 | R 12 572 | Details → |
| 2011 forfour | R 11 612 | R 10 219 | Details → |
forfour against its rivals
smart forfour: common questions
What is a smart forfour worth after 3 years?
A smart forfour bought new today for R 179 900 is projected to be worth about R 96 019 after three years, which is 53% of its price. A dealer trade-in offer would sit closer to R 84 497.
Does the smart forfour hold its value?
We class the smart forfour as a orphan & discontinued in our 12-tier model, which puts its retention at roughly 53% after three years and 39% after five. When a brand leaves South Africa its residuals collapse. No dealer network means no price floor.
What does a used smart forfour cost?
As a guide: a 2017 model is worth about R 38 173 retail today, while a 2011 model sits around R 11 612. Condition, mileage and spec move real prices by 10% or more either way.
What would a smart forfour cost per month?
Financing a new smart forfour at R 179 900 over 72 months at 11.75% with a 10% deposit comes to roughly R 3 144 per month before bank fees and insurance.
Keep going
All figures are modelled estimates for planning, not offers or valuations. Data reviewed 2026.