Used car buying guide: Renault Twingo RS

The range-topping Gordini had the biggest kit list, with cruise control, climate control, heated mirrors, leather seat trim and metallic paint included, while the limited-run, Cup-chassised Silverstone GP edition from 2011 holds extra rarity appeal, with its silver paint, stainless steel exhaust and black wheels, spoiler and roof. There’s no need to pay particular attention to the age of each model when browsing. A facelift in 2012 brought a new yellow paint scheme and a bigger spoiler, but virtually all of the oily bits were unchanged.

The 133 can now be picked up for a tenth of its original price if you look hard enough. Newer standard cars are available from around £4000, but while the Cup is the most sparsely equipped model (barring the extremely limited Silverstone GP spec), it’s well worth hunting for if you’re seeking an agile and exciting road racer. That’s if you don’t mind ruining a few T-shirts because of the lack of air-con... It’s a sacrifice worth making for one of the best small performance cars you can buy.

How to get one in your garage

An expert's view

David Kirk, K-TEC Racing

“Engines are strong and reliable, as are the gearboxes, and we see several cars that are used regularly on track without any issues at all. As an entry into the world of Renault Sport ownership, it really is a great place to start. They’re fantastically agile and capable little cars, with great handling with the Cup chassis, and its engine is keen when revved. They really do live up to the term ‘pocket rocket’... We have had great success tuning them with remaps, exhaust and camshaft upgrades and have seen over 160bhp.”

Buyer beware...

â–  Engine: It’s generally reliable but some may have been run ragged by boy-racer owners or on track days. Take note of maintenance schedules. Cambelt change is every six years or 72,000 miles and can cost around £500. Servicing is every year or 12,000 miles.

â–  Steering: Steering nuts can come loose, which will cause clunking from the front end. Some drivers have reported a more serious steering rack fault, diagnosed through the sound of cracking or grinding. This can lead to compromised steering and a steering rack is expensive to replace.

â–  Suspension: Issues may be ball-joint related from years of enthusiastic driving. Many drivers think the Cup suspension pack compromises the ride too much for it to be deemed a benefit. Consider test driving a model with and without the Cup chassis to make up your own mind.

â–  Tyres: The Twingo RS was sold with Continental ContiSportContact tyres. Performance-based tyres like these are available but on the pricey side, such as ContiSportContact 3 tyres for £98.97 each. Some used models will have had these replaced by more standard rubber so be sure to check.

â–  Specification: Many online adverts for Twingo RS cars don’t list the specification level. Ensure you check all available documents and refer to an equipment list before you dive into a purchase. Look out for lowered suspension, removed air-con and one-piece rear seats for Cup models. Gordinis have 17in wheels over the standard 16in items, and often come with Renault Sport racing stripes.