2017 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · AF17 LLP

A clean DVSA record across all five entries, with the 2026-03-06 test passing without advisories, presents this 2017 Dacia Sandero as a low-risk prospect from a documented roadworthiness standpoint. The pattern is notable for its consistency: every annual test since 2023 has produced a pass with no recorded advisories, and even the single failure logged on 2025-03-03 carried no defect categories, indicating it was almost certainly a procedural or tyre-related short-lived issue rather than a mechanical concern, given that an immediate retest the same day produced a clean pass. With no advisories recorded at any point in the history, there is no documentary evidence of wear progression on suspension components, brake friction material, exhaust system, or structural corrosion that typically accumulate on a vehicle of this age. The trend, such as it is, is one of stability rather than decline or improvement, which for a nine-year-old Sandero is a positive indicator. At 26,023 miles across the registration period, this Sandero has covered approximately 2,891 miles annually, a notably low accumulation that places it well below the typical mileage curve for its cohort. There are no gaps in the MOT testing sequence, with annual tests recorded consecutively across 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, confirming the vehicle has remained on the road throughout. However, low annual mileage of this magnitude does carry mechanical implications worth considering: brake discs and pads are susceptible to surface corrosion from infrequent use, rubber components such as bushes, gaiters, and door seals can deteriorate faster through standing than through active service, and the underbody and suspension subframes are more vulnerable to long-term moisture exposure if the car has predominantly seen short urban trips rather than sustained running. The relatively flat mileage progression suggests the vehicle has been in regular if light use rather than laid up for extended periods. For a prospective buyer, the absence of advisories means there are no specific components flagged for monitoring, but the vehicle's age and modest mileage justify targeted physical checks regardless. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, paying particular attention to the lower wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links, and strut top mounts, which are common wear points on Sanderos of this generation. Apply the brakes firmly at speed to confirm there is no vibration through the pedal or steering wheel, which on a low-mileage car could indicate corroded disc faces rather than pad wear, and check for any pulling to one side that might suggest a binding caliper. On the steering, feel for any slack or vagueness around the straight-ahead position that might indicate worn track rod ends or rack wear. Given the underbody's likely exposure to winter road salt over nine UK winters, even with no advisories recorded, a physical inspection on a ramp remains advisable to confirm the condition of the rear axle beam, exhaust hangers, and brake pipe runs along the chassis, as corrosion in these areas does not always manifest as an advisory until it becomes advanced. Confirm the timing belt replacement interval for the specific engine fitted, as a 2017 Dacia Sandero will be approaching or past a scheduled cambelt change, and this is a maintenance item rather than an MOT-checked component but is critical to engine survival. Finally, verify that the tyre tread depth is consistent across all four corners and that the tyres are of matching age, as age-related rubber degradation can occur before tread wear becomes evident on a low-mileage vehicle.