2014 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · AF14 VSV

The most recent DVSA examination on 5 July 2025 recorded a PASS with no defects or advisories, indicating that on the day of testing the vehicle met the minimum statutory roadworthiness standards. It is worth noting, however, that a previous test on 2 July 2025 resulted in a failure, although no specific defects are recorded in the official history. Because the failure reason is not documented, the precise cause is unknown, but the swift transition from a fail to a pass three days later strongly suggests an isolated or quickly rectified issue rather than a systemic mechanical problem. The earlier pattern from October 2023 mirrors this sequence, with a failure immediately followed by a pass on the same date, again with no defects recorded, which is commonly associated with retests after minor adjustments. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable, with no recurring advisories or escalating defect patterns, which is a positive indicator for prospective buyers. The recorded mileage of 87,946 miles over approximately 12 years equates to an annual average of around 7,329 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and segment. The MOT history suggests relatively regular usage without any prolonged periods of standing, which generally helps to prevent issues associated with calendar-based degradation such as brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, or perished rubber components. That said, at this mileage level, wear-related items such as suspension components, exhaust mounting, clutch operation, and general drivetrain refinement should be approaching a stage where some attention may be required, particularly given the modest annual usage that may have resulted in a mix of short journeys and longer runs. In the absence of any recorded advisories or recurring defects, physical inspection of age- and mileage-related items becomes especially important. Tyres should be examined closely for both tread depth and, critically, sidewall condition; a twelve-year-old vehicle is highly susceptible to rubber perishing and cracking even where tread remains adequate. Brake discs should be inspected for lipping and surface corrosion, particularly given the moderate annual mileage which can allow light surface rust to develop between uses. The 12-volt battery, exhaust mounting rubbers, and suspension bushes, including those on the anti-roll bar and wishbones, should be checked for deterioration, as these are common failure points on a Dacia Sandero of this vintage. Fluid condition, including engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant, should be verified for both age and contamination, with brake fluid in particular warranting replacement based on calendar age regardless of mileage. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to the operation of the clutch, any signs of clutch slip or judder, and the smoothness of the gearbox selection, as these are areas where wear may not be immediately evident on a stationary inspection. Listen for any suspension knocking or clonking over uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn bushes or top mounts, and check for pulling under braking, which could indicate seized caliper slides or uneven pad wear. The steering should be assessed for any excess play or clonking at full lock, indicative of worn track rod ends or drop links. Given the clean MOT record, the vehicle appears to have been conscientiously maintained, but a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician, complemented by verification of service history and timing belt or cam belt replacement intervals, remains strongly advisable before committing to purchase.