2018 Renault Twingo 0.9L Petrol · SC18 LEU

The most recent MOT, dated 21 May 2026, was passed but recorded two advisories concerning a slightly damaged nearside rear tyre and a marginally distorted nearside front wheel. This follows a failure on 20 May 2026 where the same front tyre was deemed dangerous because of a bulge, indicating a structural defect that would have required immediate replacement. Earlier in the record, a 2023 failure highlighted a missing anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint dust cover and a rear tyre that was below the legal tread depth, with an off‑side rear tyre already close to the limit. While the vehicle has managed to clear the last test, the pattern shows recurring tyre‑related issues and a once‑present suspension‑dust‑cover fault, suggesting that maintenance has been reactive rather than consistently proactive, though recent corrective work has brought the car back to a passable state. At eight years old the odometer reads 39,134 miles, giving an average annual mileage of roughly 4,900 mi. This is well below the typical UK average of 10‑12 000 mi per year and points to light usage, possibly interspersed with periods of inactivity. Low mileage reduces cumulative wear on engine, transmission and drivetrain components, but prolonged standing can accelerate rubber hardening, battery sulphation and brake‑disc corrosion. The modest mileage also means that many wear items may be at the end of their calendar‑life rather than their wear‑life, so age‑related degradation should be a focus of any inspection. When you examine the vehicle, give particular attention to the tyres and wheels. The front nearside tyre that previously exhibited a bulge must be inspected for any signs of sidewall separation, uneven wear or low tread depth; any hint of a bubble or a hard spot warrants immediate replacement. The rear nearside tyre, noted as slightly damaged, should be checked for cuts, sidewall cracks or embedded debris, and the wheel that was described as slightly distorted should be measured for run‑out and inspected for cracks that could cause vibration at speed. On a test drive listen for a thudding or clunking from the front suspension, especially when turning over bumps, which could indicate wear on the anti‑roll‑bar joint now exposed to dirt, and feel for any looseness in the steering that might stem from the missing dust cover. Given the vehicle’s age and low‑use profile, also verify the condition of the 12 V battery (voltage above 12.6 V at rest and good cranking performance), the state of the brake discs for surface rust or glazing, and the integrity of the brake pads. Examine the sidewalls of all tyres for age‑related cracking even if tread depth appears adequate. Check that the coolant, engine oil and brake fluid have been changed within the recommended intervals (typically every two years for brake fluid). Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil changes and any scheduled suspension or steering component replacements, as these calendar‑based services are crucial for a car that has spent considerable time idle between the relatively few miles it has logged.