2013 Renault Twingo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Renault Twingo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Renault Twingo than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Rigid brake pipes5× usual
  Renault Twingo

  20.6% All 2013 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 0.6% of all 2013 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 bushes23.3× usual
  Renault Twingo

  9.3% All 2013 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.1% of all 2013 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.

• Ball joint2.3× usual
  Renault Twingo

  10.4% All 2013 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 2.6% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Front strut mounts and bushes11.8× usual
  Renault Twingo

  5.9% All 2013 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.1% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

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

• Wheels4.8× usual
  Renault Twingo

  6.2% All 2013 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.4% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

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

Common 2013 Renault Twingo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Renault Twingo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  43% 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
  36% 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.

• Tyres
  34% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  24% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  6% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 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 5× as often on the 2013 Renault Twingo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 23.3× as often on the 2013 Renault Twingo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2013 Renault Twingo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?