RENAULT TWINGO (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 45 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
96%
Total Tests (2024)
45
Avg Mileage
126,152 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,240
Is the 1998 RENAULT TWINGO reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 14 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 26 years old, 96% of RENAULT TWINGOs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 45 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 126,152 miles.
How does the 1998 RENAULT TWINGO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 RENAULT TWINGO has 126,152 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a RENAULT TWINGO?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 69%. The 1998 sits between the two at 96%.
How much does a 1998 RENAULT TWINGO cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
RENAULT TWINGO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 91% | 354 | 21,412 mi |
| 2018 | 86% | 1,248 | 30,056 mi |
| 2017 | 86% | 2,255 | 32,001 mi |
| 2016 | 80% | 5,274 | 41,360 mi |
| 2015 | 78% | 9,067 | 48,555 mi |
| 2014 | 76% | 1,663 | 52,904 mi |
| 2013 | 73% | 1,895 | 58,535 mi |
| 2012 | 71% | 2,449 | 66,973 mi |
| 2011 | 71% | 4,902 | 73,226 mi |
| 2010 | 71% | 7,802 | 75,680 mi |
| 2009 | 71% | 3,066 | 77,443 mi |
| 2008 | 69% | 5,402 | 87,121 mi |
| 2007 | 71% | 906 | 85,878 mi |
| 2002 | 83% | 47 | 101,579 mi |
| 2001 | 87% | 46 | 93,158 mi |
| 1998 | 96% | 45 | 126,152 mi |
| 1994 | 82% | 45 | 130,825 mi |
Checking a specific RENAULT TWINGO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 RENAULT TWINGO
The 1998 RENAULT TWINGO is a city car with a 1149cc petrol engine. 45 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 4% of all 1998 cars for reliability.
With an average of 126,152 miles at 26 years old, RENAULT TWINGO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 RENAULT TWINGO Fuel Costs
The modest 1149cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 RENAULT TWINGO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,240 (£103/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 96% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
RENAULT TWINGO Reliability Trend
Newer RENAULT TWINGOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 RENAULT TWINGO
At 26 years old, the RENAULT TWINGO is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. Note: with only 45 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 RENAULT TWINGO
The RENAULT TWINGO is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol city cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-23%) from 8,535 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (-7%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-26%) from 6,792 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2000) 70% pass rate (-26%) from 6,496 tests