2018 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · VK18 AAZ

The defining story for this 2018 Dacia Sandero is a sharp contrast between an entirely clean recent MOT record and a cluster of safety-critical failures that surfaced in late 2023. The most recent test on 18 December 2025 returned a pass with no defects recorded, mirroring the clean outcomes of the December 2024 and December 2023 tests. However, the two failures in September and November 2023 raise legitimate questions about the vehicle's safety systems at that point in time. In September 2023, the front windscreen washer was not delivering sufficient fluid, the nearside front headlamp was insecure, and the passenger's airbag was recorded as obviously inoperative. Two months later, the driver's airbag was also flagged as obviously inoperative, suggesting either a persistent electrical or SRS fault or a delay in addressing the supplementary restraint system between the two inspections. Both airbag items were categorised as Major defects, meaning they were sufficient on their own to fail the vehicle. Against an age of roughly eight years, the recorded mileage of 63,386 miles equates to an annual accumulation of around 7,923 miles, which sits broadly within typical parameters for a Sandero of this vintage. There are no significant gaps in the testing history that would suggest a prolonged period off the road, and the mileage progression between consecutive tests is consistent with steady, ordinary use rather than the extremes of low-mileage garage storage or high-mileage commercial running. Mechanically, this kind of usage pattern would not be expected to place excessive demand on the typical wear items such as brake discs, pads, or suspension components, so the absence of advisories in the recent pass results is not unusual in that context. Given the airbag failure history, any prospective buyer should prioritise verifying the integrity of the entire supplementary restraint system before committing to the purchase. The previous Major defect entries for both the driver and passenger airbags are a serious matter, because an obviously inoperative airbag will not deploy in a collision. On inspection, the airbag warning light should extinguish promptly after ignition, and a diagnostic scan capable of reading SRS fault codes should be carried out to confirm no latent faults remain. The fact that the September failure also recorded an insecure nearside front headlamp suggests checking all lighting mountings and ensuring headlamp aim is correct, as a loose unit can shift and misalign the beam pattern. The washer system should be checked for both fluid delivery and pump operation, as a failure here can mask other issues if a screen cannot be cleared during a test drive. Beyond the flagged items, a thorough test drive should focus on the symptoms commonly associated with higher-mileage supermini components, even where no advisories are recorded. Listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven roads, particularly from the anti-roll bar bushes, lower wishbones, and drop links, which are known wear points on this platform. Check for any pulling under braking, which could indicate binding calipers or unevenly worn front brake discs, and feel for vibration through the steering wheel, a symptom that often points to distorted brake discs. Inspect the exhaust for any rattles, and examine the underbody, sills, and suspension subframe for surface corrosion, particularly around the rear wheel arches and brake pipe routes. Because the vehicle is now eight years old, a check for oil seepage around the engine and gearbox seals is also worthwhile, along with ensuring the cooling system is holding pressure and free from leaks.