2008 Renault Twingo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Renault Twingo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Renault Twingo than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Rigid brake pipes2.9× usual
  Renault Twingo

  26.7% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.7% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes13.1× usual
  Renault Twingo

  11.8% All 2008 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  Renault Twingo

  22% All 2008 cars

  11.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Track rod ends2.6× usual
  Renault Twingo

  13.5% All 2008 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, against 2.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Airbag warning light4.2× usual
  Renault Twingo

  4.2% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 0.9% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2008 Renault Twingo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Renault Twingo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  44% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  39% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  36% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  23% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  11% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Renault Twingo

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2008 Renault Twingo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 13.1× as often on the 2008 Renault Twingo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2008 Renault Twingo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?