thinking of buying a 133

[peez]

HI all,

new to the forum - my wife & I are thinking of buying the new shape 133 - but - we were also considering a new Suzuki Swift Sport - we have test driven both and much prefer the 133 but reliability is a priority - seen some reports of steering ball joint problems as well as spark plugs getting wet etc - wondered if the new shape addresses these known issues?

kind regards,
P

 

[DrDrew]

Welcome

From our side I'm not sure if those have been addressed, as the facelift's not been around long. On the plus side, the spark plugs getting wet appears it could be preventable by making sure a bolt is done up tight (and potentially a little silicone sealant), and Renault have been pretty good at replacing the suspension lower ball joint rubbers, even out of warranty for some.

 

[Stunty]

Hi Peez,

My girlfriend has a 2009 Smart Four Two so from being a Smart car driver I can thoroughly recommend the 133. The 133 is without doubt the cooler, more trendy car to own over the Suzuki. Whenever I see a Swift it's always driven by an old person with grey hair. I know a lot of people are unsure about the new face of the Twingo, but it's certainly more modern, fresher looking than the Swifts.

Whatever your decision I wouldn't buy either brand new as there is too much depreciation. I bought mine when it was six months old and had 40 miles on the clock saving £3,400 However try not to buy an ex-demo as it's extremely likely they've been thrashed from day one.

Ooh and if you do get a Twingo get one with the Renaultsport Monitor - it's a great gadget!

 

[slim]

The Twingo and Swift are both really great cars and both look fab! Its a close call between the two! Bhp AND 0-62mph are the same. Imo boils down to the ride... (Swift a bit softer than Twingo) and spec... (Swift has 6 gears, heated mirrors etc...) Tho the new facelift Twingo has a great spec now!

 

[peez]

we test drove the Silverstone edition and the Twingo felt so much more focussed - but the Swift felt more compliant for longer journeeys etc - it is a close call but will prob buy new simply as the 4 4 deal renault offer looks so good - luggage space on the renault looks better as the seats can be moved.

 

[DrDrew]

The split folding/sliding rear seats on the twingo are great for practicality. Have made good use of them lots of times.
Also the twingos ride doesn't necessarily mean worse for longer journeys. Perhaps I find it that way as I find the twingo seats quite so comfortable, but I've driven over 325miles in a day and been perfectly comfortable.

 

[MovingShadow]

If its for you and your girlfriend I'd take a non cup but take the sunroof option.

I've assembled my own new facelift twingo a couple of times now on the Renault website and I love it in red with the sunroof

+ the red goes well with the white interior that comes with the facelift Twingo RS.

 

[peez]

my wife did like the silverstone GP edition's handling when she drove it but I take it the non cup chassis is a lot more comfortable? does it affect handling a lot without?

 

[MovingShadow]

my wife did like the silverstone GP edition's handling when she drove it but I take it the non cup chassis is a lot more comfortable? does it affect handling a lot without?

Unless you drive it like it's a rental and you do trackdays, I'd say no.

 

[peez]

no, we wont be abusing it - but we will certainly enjoy it

 

[peez]

ordered the car yesterday - white - cup chassis - anthracite wheels - two month wait!

 

[slim]

very nice! dont forget some pics... can i ask why you went for the rs instead of the swift? just wondered...

 

[peez]

we went for the Twingo because of the fact it felt very focussed in comparison when we test drove it - and Renault's 4+ deal is hard to ignore - on numbers the swift was marginally dearer and the Twingo was a better car to drive - there will be times when I am sure my wife and I will miss the greater flexibility / perceived comfort (quieter cabin etc) of the Suzuki but we only use the car at weekends (commute by train) so we figured go for the fun one - despite the fact we are a bit older.

 

[MovingShadow]

Good point & good choice

 

[DrDrew]

Nice one What colour/options you gone for?

 

[peez]

white - cup chassis - anthracite wheels
the new model comes with lots the old one didnt - 4 spkr stereo etc so the cup should do it -