2013 DACIA SANDERO1.5L Diesel

The most recent MOT test on 2025-06-18—just over a year ago—shows the vehicle passed without any recorded defects, despite a duplicate entry indicating a failure at the same date and mileage (71,937). This anomaly suggests either a clerical error in the DVSA system or a rare oversight in the test process, as no defects were logged. The preceding tests from 2024-07-24 (69,326 miles) and 2023-07-27 (67,064 miles) were clean, reinforcing a stable maintenance trend with no recurring advisories or failures. The absence of any structural or mechanical advisories in the last four tests implies the vehicle has not experienced repeated issues with suspension bushes, coil springs, binding calipers, or excessive corrosion—components that commonly fail on this model at this mileage. However, the duplicate failure entry warrants verification, as it could indicate a missed inspection or a test centre error. The recorded mileage of 71,937 miles over 13 years—approximately 5,534 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, suggesting either light usage or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between tests is consistent at one year, with no rapid mileage jumps or extended periods without testing, which would have raised red flags for accelerated wear. The steady progression from 66,346 miles in 2022 to 71,937 miles now indicates no forced or rushed maintenance, though the low mileage also implies some components may have seen less stress than average. Buyers should note that low mileage does not preclude hidden issues, particularly if the vehicle was stored without proper care, leading to potential corrosion or degraded fluids. Given the clean MOT history, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on wear items that are not routinely tested—such as the condition of the suspension bushes, particularly the rear trailing arms and subframe mounts, which are prone to cracking on this model. The brake discs and calipers, while not flagged in tests, should be checked for lateral runout or uneven wear, as binding was never explicitly ruled out. Tyres, though not mentioned in failures, should be examined for uneven tread wear or embedded debris, which could indicate alignment or suspension issues. Structural integrity, especially around the sills and wheel arches, must be scrutinised for corrosion, as this model is susceptible to rust progression over time despite the clean MOT record. Fluid levels and condition—brakes, power steering, and engine oil—should also be verified, as these are not part of the MOT but critical for long-term reliability.