2018 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · AM09 TAR

The most recent DVSA test on 15 September 2025 recorded a Pass, but it was accompanied by a number of advisories covering the front inner brake disc, service‑brake fluctuation, rear sub‑frame corrosion and the condition of both front tyres, which are approaching the legal tread limit and show edge cracking. Over the last five years the vehicle has moved from several major failures – notably a fractured off‑side front coil spring, excessive wear on the off‑side MacPherson strut top bush, inoperative rear parking brake and tyre damage – to a clean pass, indicating that the most serious defects have been remedied. However the persistence of multiple advisories suggests that the underlying wear pattern has not been fully resolved and that the maintenance record is still borderline rather than robustly stable. At eight years old the recorded 77,052 miles equates to roughly 9,600 miles per annum, which sits squarely within the normal usage envelope for a small hatchback. There are no obvious gaps in the mileage log that would imply long periods of inactivity, so the wear observed is consistent with steady, moderate use rather than accelerated mileage accumulation. Consequently the primary mechanical wear items to expect are age‑related degradation of rubber components, gradual corrosion of chassis members and the normal consumption of consumables such as brake discs, tyres and suspension bushings. For a prospective buyer the front suspension should be examined closely. The off‑side coil spring that fractured in 2025 must have been replaced; verify the fit and look for any signs of uneven ride height, clunking or excessive bounce, which could indicate a new or incorrectly fitted spring or lingering strut bush wear. The top bush of the off‑side MacPherson strut was flagged for excessive play, so listen for a metallic knock when driving over potholes or braking, and check for any looseness in the steering column. The front inner brake disc shows pitting and scoring – this can lead to brake‑pedal pulsation or a shudder under heavy braking; a visual inspection should reveal surface irregularities, and a test‑drive should confirm a firm, steady pedal with no vibration. The rear sub‑frame corrosion, while not yet structurally critical, may progress if the vehicle has been exposed to moisture; inspect the underside for rust flaking or holes, especially around the rear mounting points. The parking brake was declared inoperative in 2024; ensure that both rear handbrake levers now hold the vehicle securely on a gradient and that the rear service brakes release fully without binding, as lingering binding can cause premature pad wear and uneven disc wear. Finally, given the age of the car, check the condition of the tyres beyond the front pair – the near‑side rear tyre previously suffered a cut and the off‑side rear tyre was noted as slightly damaged, so confirm that any repairs were carried out to a satisfactory standard and that the tread depth is uniform across all four wheels. Verify that the wiper blades now clear the windscreen effectively, and that both headlamps operate correctly on dipped and main beams with proper aim. A thorough inspection of the 12 V battery (terminal corrosion, cranking voltage), a check of coolant, brake and gearbox oil for signs of water ingress or sludge, and a review of the service book for timely oil changes will help to confirm that the vehicle’s time‑based maintenance has kept pace with its mileage. Any lingering signs of fluid leaks, cracked hoses or excessive corrosion should be addressed before purchase to avoid costly repairs shortly after acquisition.