Renault Twingo
Turbo version of the D4F — decent foundation, but real-world longevity is hit or miss. Oil consumption climbs from around 70,000 km, and timing belts have been known to let go well before the 120,000 km service window. Only worth buying with a complete service book; swapping the belt early at 80,000 km is cheap insurance.
The Sensible Choice
TCe turbo with 100 hp makes the Twingo II noticeably livelier. Decent pull in the mid-range.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The D4Ft retains the timing belt like its naturally aspirated sibling, but it is subjected to greater stress from turbo oil mist and elevated temperatures. Shortened maintenance intervals are recommended.
Symptoms: Sudden engine stop, compression loss after belt failure
The turbocharged D4Ft has well-documented issues with increased oil consumption. The turbo bearing is never fully sealed; a defective shaft seal allows oil into the intake tract. Affected vehicles consume up to 1.5 litres of oil per 1,000 km.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust, dropping oil level, oil on air filter housing
The wastegate valve on the D4Ft turbocharger wears at higher mileages. Symptoms are power loss and uneven boost build-up, especially in short-trip operation.
Symptoms: Power loss, no boost build-up, whistling noise from turbo area
The D4Ft also inherits the weakness of the Sagem ignition coils from the Renault era. In the turbocharged environment with heat and vibration, coils fail earlier than in the naturally aspirated version.
Symptoms: Cylinder misfires, rough running, power loss, exhaust discolouration
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Like the predecessor, brake lines corrode on the underbody and lead to MOT defects. Particularly affects older examples from around 8 years of age.
On models from 2008–2009 the seat adjustment mechanism on the driver's side can fail. Recall for affected vehicles; check before purchase whether recall has been carried out.
Springs, dampers and brake lines are frequently flagged at vehicle inspections. Sway bar links wear and produce rattling over bumps.
The electronic throttle body on the 1.2-16V (D4F) becomes dirty or the potentiometer wears. Engine idles roughly; ADAC reported this problem as a known weak point of the Twingo II.
Rubber mounts on control arms and axle bushings wear early. Already at the first MOT (3 years), defects in tie rod ends, axle bushings and driveshaft gaiters were found.
Starter batteries discharge unusually quickly on Twingo II models. Defective control units or parasitic current draws are frequent causes.
Lighting components fail prematurely. At higher mileages oil leaks also appear, increasing service costs and potentially damaging the engine.
Reports & Tests
Typical defects include broken coil springs, worn steering joints, failed diesel fuel pumps and turbocharger problems. Poor maintenance history of many examples worsens the picture.
