Verdict
A small 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing 75 hp, fitted to the Renault Clio and Twingo and the Dacia Sandero and Logan. Simple and cheap to run, it needs an eye kept on the ignition coils and oil consumption. Cars built from September to November 2010 were recalled for the valve collets: check that the work was done.
Years to favour or avoid
- To favour
- No year particularly to favour
- To avoid
- 2010
Known faults
Ignition coils and oil consumption
Severity 1/3 · AnnoyingThe ignition coils (misfires, engine warning light) and oil consumption are the first things to check on the 1.2 16V 75 hp.
- Versions
- d4f-1-2-16v
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Recall: valve collets (September-November 2010)
Manufacturer recallCars with the 1.2 16V engine built from 17 September to 30 November 2010 were recalled in 2011 to inspect and replace the valve collets, with a risk of engine failure. Check with the VIN.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
- Versions
- d4f-1-2-16v
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Sources
- Maxi-fiche fiabilité : que vaut la Dacia Sandero en occasion ? — Caradisiac (new tab)
- Fiabilité Dacia Sandero (2008-2012) — fiches-auto.fr (new tab)
- Dacia Sandero I (2008-2012) : fiabilité à vérifier — carverif.fr (new tab)
- Maxi-fiche fiabilité : que vaut la Renault Twingo 2 en occasion — Caradisiac (new tab)
Models fitted
Good choice, check firstPhoto: KGC626, CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy with carePhoto: Rudolf Stricker, Attribution
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Dacia Sandero
2012–2020 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €283/month
Buy with carePhoto: DieselFordMondeo, CC BY-SA 4.0
Extra cautionPhoto: M 93, Public domain
Buy with carePhoto: Overlaet, CC BY-SA 3.0
Buy with carePhoto: Thomas doerfer, CC BY-SA 3.0
Renault Twingo
2007–2014 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €194/month
Maintain and diagnose this engine
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of car parts (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.