2011 Renault Twingo 1.1L Petrol · SD61 ABN

A pattern of serious component failures runs through the MOT record – multiple major defects were recorded in 2022, 2023 and 2024, including fractured rear coil springs, a leaking central rear brake pipe, an exhaust leak at the catalyst and excessive wear on front and rear suspension arm pins and bushes. Although the most recent test in March 2026 was passed, it still carries an advisory for slight play in the off‑side front outer track‑rod end ball joint, indicating that the underlying suspension wear has not been fully resolved. At 105,133 mi the car averages roughly 7,000 mi per year, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within normal usage for a fifteen‑year‑old hatchback. The MOT history shows no long gaps between tests, suggesting the vehicle has been kept on the road rather than stored for extended periods. The combination of age‑appropriate mileage with repeated major component failures points to wear that is more a function of time and load than of excessive distance, meaning that wear‑related parts are likely approaching the end of their service lives. The suspension system warrants close scrutiny. The recorded excessive wear on front anti‑roll‑bar pins, front arm pins and the off‑side rear arm bush, together with the ball‑joint play advisory, should be felt as clunking or knocking over bumps, a loose steering feel and uneven tyre wear. A visual inspection should confirm the condition of the ball joints, bushings and anti‑roll‑bar mounts, and any play should be quantified with a pry bar. The fractured rear coil springs noted in 2024 will have reduced ride height and may produce a thudding noise when the vehicle is loaded; replacement of both rear springs is advisable before the car is relied upon for regular use. Brake system integrity is another critical area. The central rear brake pipe leak recorded in 2024 and the recurring corrosion on the off‑side rear pipe flagged in 2023 suggest a high likelihood of fluid loss and a spongy or low‑travel pedal. A thorough pressure test of the hydraulic system and a visual check for rust, pitting or grease‑filled corrosion on the rear pipe are essential, and replacement of the compromised pipe should be expected. The exhaust leak at the catalyst will manifest as a louder, higher‑pitched exhaust note and possible sulphur‑smelling fumes in the cabin; a leak test and visual inspection of the exhaust manifold and catalytic converter are recommended. Minor items such as the product on the off‑side headlamp lens and the dim rear stop lamp are simple replacements, but the under‑body sealant applied in 2025 may be masking rust, so a careful undertray inspection for hidden corrosion is prudent before finalising the purchase.