29/01/2008
Is a 2013 Renault Twingo at £2100 a Good Deal?
The prospect of buying a used car can be both exciting and daunting, especially for new drivers or those unfamiliar with mechanics. You've spotted a 2013 Renault Twingo with 79,000 miles on the clock, listed at £2100. It boasts the "newer shape" and, as you rightly point out, Renaults generally don't have a reputation for excessive rust compared to some other marques. However, the MOT history presents a somewhat mixed, and frankly, peculiar, picture. Let's dissect the details to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the MOT Report: A Deeper Dive
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) test is a crucial annual check designed to ensure vehicles are roadworthy and meet environmental standards. While a 'Pass' is the desired outcome, the accompanying advisories and failures can offer significant insights into a car's past and potential future issues. The MOT history for this 2013 Twingo is particularly interesting, showing a pattern of failures and advisories that then seem to vanish. This warrants a closer look.
The MOT Chronology: A Pattern of Concern?
Let's break down the MOTs chronologically:
| Date | Mileage | Result | Key Advisories/Failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 April 2019 | 55,612 | Pass | Advisories: Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material; Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing. |
| 2 March 2021 | 66,317 | Fail | Dangerous Defects: Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage insecure and impairing directional stability; Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint worn to the extent there is a serious risk of detachment; Offside Front Track rod end ball joint worn to the extent there is a serious risk of detachment. Major Defects: Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded ACROSS REAR AXEL; Nearside Front Inner Brake disc significantly and obviously worn; Offside Front Inner Brake disc significantly and obviously worn; Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively; Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative; Nearside Rear Inner Body mounting fixings insecure (FILTER HANGING OFF THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE); Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn. Advisories: Parking brake lever defective but can be satisfactorily operated; Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing. |
| 2 March 2021 | 66,318 | Pass | Advisories: Parking brake lever defective but can be satisfactorily operated; Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing. |
| 1 August 2022 | 73,576 | Fail | Major Defects: Offside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; Offside Front Headlamp aim too far to the right; Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play; Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play; Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn. Advisories: Parking brake lever defective but can be satisfactorily operated; Offside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened LIGHT SCORING; Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged; Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing; Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement; Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement; Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened; Offside Rear Nail in tyre. |
| 2 August 2022 | 73,577 | Pass | Advisories: Offside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened LIGHT SCORING; Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged; Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing; Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement; Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement; Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened; Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge. |
| 26 September 2022 | 73,928 | Pass | No advisories. |
| 18 May 2023 | 79,120 | Fail | Dangerous Defects: Offside Front Driver's seat insecure. Major Defects: Nearside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken; Nearside Front Service brake excessively fluctuating; Offside Front Service brake excessively fluctuating. Advisories: Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play. |
| 30 May 2023 | 79,122 | Pass | No advisories. |
The Curious Case of the Disappearing Corrosion
Your primary concern, the corroded subframe, which was noted as an advisory in August 2022, vanishing from the records by September 2022 and May 2023 is indeed puzzling. MOT testers are trained to identify and report corrosion that could compromise structural integrity. If it was present and noted, it should ideally remain on the advisories until rectified, or a more significant failure is recorded. The fact it disappeared suggests one of a few possibilities:
- Minor Surface Corrosion: It might have been very light surface rust that, upon closer inspection or after some cleaning, was deemed not to warrant an advisory.
- MOT Station Anomaly: The change in MOT centres between August and September 2022 (assuming the same centre performed both, which is likely given the close mileage) could play a role. Different testers might have slightly different interpretations of 'advisory' level corrosion.
- Rectification: It's possible the corrosion was addressed between the tests, though typically this would be reflected in a repair, not just a disappearance from advisories.
Key Issues to Consider at This Price Point
The MOT history highlights several recurring areas of concern that are common in many used cars, but are particularly relevant given the price and age:
- Suspension and Steering Components: Track rod end ball joints and suspension arm ball joints appear multiple times as either worn or having excessive play. These are critical for safe handling and steering. The recent failure in May 2023 for a fractured coil spring and fluctuating brakes are also significant safety concerns.
- Brakes: Fluctuating service brakes and worn brake discs have been noted. While discs can wear, fluctuating brakes often point to issues with the discs themselves or the calipers, potentially due to uneven wear or warping.
- Tyres: Several advisories mention tyre condition, including cracking, perishing, and wear. While some might be minor, multiple tyre issues can add up in cost.
- Brake Pipes: The mention of excessively corroded rear brake pipes (August 2022 and March 2021) is a serious concern. Corroded brake pipes can lead to brake failure. While the March 2021 failure specifically mentioned corrosion 'ACROSS REAR AXEL', its absence in later tests is again curious.
- Chassis Integrity: The subframe corrosion, even if minor, is a point to watch. More significantly, the 'Nearside Rear Inner Body mounting fixings insecure' failure in March 2021, described as 'FILTER HANGING OFF THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE', is a major red flag. This suggests a failure in how a component (possibly related to the exhaust or a heat shield) was secured, potentially due to corrosion of its mounting points.
Is £2100 a Good Price?
For a 2013 Renault Twingo with 79,000 miles, £2100 is on the lower end of the market, which is attractive. However, the MOT history, particularly the series of failures and advisories related to safety-critical components (brakes, suspension, steering, and potentially chassis mounting points), casts a shadow over this price.
The immediate failures from May 2023 (driver's seat insecure, fractured coil spring, fluctuating brakes) are significant. These are not minor issues and would have required immediate attention. The fact that it passed a mere two weeks later with no advisories suggests either quick and effective repairs were made, or the MOT station may have been lenient. Given the previous history of rapidly resolved issues, it's worth investigating who performed the recent MOT and repairs.
What to Do Next: Due Diligence is Key
As you rightly noted, you don't have the mechanical knowledge to inspect it yourself. This is perfectly normal. Here’s how you can proceed:
- Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): This is the single most important step. Take the car to an independent mechanic you trust (not the seller's garage) and ask them to perform a thorough inspection. Explain your concerns about the MOT history. They can identify any underlying issues that the MOT might have missed or that have developed since the last test.
- Ask for Repair Receipts: If the seller (especially if it's a garage) claims the recent MOT failures have been repaired, ask for dated receipts for the parts and labour. This provides tangible proof of the work done.
- Check the Seller's Reputation: If it's a dealership, look for online reviews. If it's a private seller, be cautious and perhaps bring a knowledgeable friend.
- Consider the Total Cost of Ownership: Even if you buy it for £2100, factor in potential immediate repair costs for the items that failed in May 2023. If the suspension or brakes need significant work, your initial outlay could rise considerably.
- Test Drive Thoroughly: Pay close attention to how the car drives. Listen for unusual noises, check the steering for vagueness or pulling, and ensure the brakes feel firm and responsive. Test the clutch, gearbox, and all electricals.
Common Renault Twingo (2007-2014 - MK2) Issues
While the specific MOT history is unique, some common issues with this generation of Twingo can include:
- Suspension Components: Worn bushes, ball joints, and shock absorbers are relatively common due to the car's age and usage, especially in urban environments.
- Exhaust System: Rusting exhaust components are not uncommon, particularly on older vehicles.
- Electrical Gremlins: While not notoriously bad, any car of this age can develop minor electrical faults.
- Clutch Wear: Depending on driving style, the clutch can wear out over time.
FAQs
Q1: Is the corroded subframe a deal-breaker?
A1: It depends on the severity. Surface rust might be acceptable, but significant structural corrosion would be a major concern and likely lead to future MOT failures. The fact it vanished from advisories is odd and warrants physical inspection.
Q2: The car failed and passed MOTs very close together. Is this normal?
A2: Yes, it's common for a car to fail and then pass shortly after if the faults are rectified. However, the rapid succession of failures and subsequent passes with no advisories, especially for critical items like brakes and suspension, can sometimes indicate a very basic MOT inspection or a quick fix rather than a thorough repair.
Q3: What does 'fluctuating service brake' mean?
A3: It means the braking force isn't consistent when applying the brake pedal. This can be caused by warped brake discs, issues with the brake caliper, or problems with the brake fluid and system.
Q4: Should I be worried about the track rod end ball joints?
A4: Absolutely. Worn or loose ball joints can affect steering alignment and, in severe cases, can detach, leading to a loss of steering control. The MOT failures citing excessive play or risk of detachment are serious.
Conclusion
At £2100, this 2013 Renault Twingo presents a tempting entry-level option. However, the MOT history is a significant cause for caution. The recurring issues with suspension, steering, and brakes, coupled with the puzzling disappearance of advisories like subframe corrosion and brake pipe corrosion, suggest potential hidden costs or a car that has been pushed close to its limits. While the recent MOT passed with no advisories, it's crucial to understand what was done to achieve this. A thorough independent inspection is non-negotiable. If the car passes that inspection with flying colours and the seller can provide evidence of recent work, it might be a reasonable purchase. Otherwise, the price might reflect the potential for future, costly repairs.
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