2022 Dacia Sandero Comfort SCE 1.0L Petrol · SX22 AAU

The vehicle achieved a clean PASS at its most recent MOT test on 2026-04-13, with no defects or advisories recorded against it. However, a review of the more immediate test history indicates a developing area of concern that prospective buyers should not overlook. The test prior to that clean pass, conducted on 2026-01-14, returned an advisory regarding nearside front inner brake disc wear with surface pitting and scoring, and a test conducted just two weeks earlier on 2025-12-17 resulted in a FAIL with two major defects recorded against the nearside front road wheel and brake assembly, specifically a badly distorted road wheel and a service brake found to be excessively binding. While the most recent test is favourable, the cluster of advisories and failures affecting the nearside front corner within a concentrated three to four month period suggests an intermittent or recently resolved issue rather than a fault that has been entirely rectified. The maintenance trend should therefore be viewed as cautiously stable but only after recent rectification of the wheel and brake binding issues. With the vehicle being approximately four years old and showing just 22,845 miles on the odometer, the annual usage equates to roughly 5,711 miles per year, which is considerably below the national average for a vehicle of this type and age. This low annual mileage can be interpreted in two ways: either the vehicle has covered predominantly shorter journeys and lighter use, or it has experienced extended periods of standing or very occasional use. Both scenarios carry mechanical consequences. Extended periods of inactivity can lead to brake disc corrosion and caliper seizure, premature ageing of tyres due to sidewall perishing, and degradation of the 12V battery. Conversely, predominantly short journeys prevent the engine and drivetrain from reaching optimum operating temperature, which can accelerate oil contamination and reduce the lifespan of components such as the timing chain, exhaust system, and catalytic converter. Given the recurring advisories and failure items relating to the nearside front brake disc and road wheel, any prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of this area. The brake disc should be examined for run-out and lip formation, and the caliper should be checked for free movement and the sliding pins should be verified for corrosion or stiffness, as binding calipers frequently recur if not fully overhauled. On a test drive, listen for any residual clunking or vibration through the steering wheel under braking, particularly at lower speeds, and feel for any pulling to the nearside or pedal pulsation indicative of disc distortion. The nearside front wheel itself should be inspected for visible buckling or lateral run-out, and a spare or replacement wheel should ideally be sourced if distortion is present, as badly distorted wheels can compromise both steering geometry and tyre integrity. Beyond the specific brake and wheel concerns, the age and mileage profile of this Dacia Sandero warrants a broader set of age-appropriate checks. Tyres, despite potentially retaining adequate tread depth, should be carefully examined for sidewall cracking and perishing associated with age rather than wear, and the manufacturing date code on the sidewall should be reviewed to confirm they are not older than six years. The 12V battery should be load tested to confirm its state of health, as low-mileage vehicles frequently suffer from battery failure due to insufficient alternator recharging cycles. All fluid services, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and manual transmission oil where applicable, should be verified against calendar intervals rather than purely mileage, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades over time irrespective of use. Finally, a thorough inspection for fluid leaks beneath the engine and around the suspension and braking components, together with a check of all suspension bushes, coil springs, and exhaust mountings for corrosion or degradation from standing, will provide a more complete picture of the vehicle's true roadworthy condition.