2014 Dacia Sandero 1.5L Diesel · BF14 DVU

The Dacia Sandero presents a generally stable mechanical picture, though the most recent MOT activity in February 2026 introduced a minor defect that warrants attention. The vehicle failed its initial test on 12 February 2026 at 146,851 miles due to an offside front position lamp not working and an offside front service brake fluctuating, albeit not excessively. A retest on the same day at the same mileage recorded the brake fluctuation advisory but no lighting fault, suggesting the bulb or wiring was rectified between tests. The pass was clean apart from that residual brake advisory, indicating no serious structural or mechanical deterioration at the time of testing. The mileage accumulation tells a clear story of sustained, high-frequency use. Between 2023 and early 2026, the car covered roughly 32,000 miles in three years, averaging over 10,000 miles annually. The jump from 114,822 miles in January 2023 to 136,823 miles in January 2025 represents approximately 22,000 miles in two years, and the further climb to 146,851 miles by February 2026 adds another 10,000 miles in just over a year. This is consistent with regular long-distance or high-use driving rather than short urban trips. The MOT record itself is clean and well-documented, with no gaps or missed years, which suggests the previous owner maintained a consistent testing schedule. Buyers should focus their in-person inspection on the front braking system, specifically the offside caliper and disc. A fluctuating service brake at the front often points to a sticking caliper piston, uneven disc wear, or contaminated brake fluid causing inconsistent hydraulic pressure. Have the offside front caliper checked for free movement and inspect the disc for thickness variation or scoring. The lighting fault was resolved quickly, but verify all exterior lamps function correctly, including side repeaters and number plate illumination, as intermittent electrical faults on Dacia models can recur. Beyond the flagged items, the high mileage and age combination means suspension components deserve close scrutiny. At nearly 147,000 miles, front lower suspension arms, track rod ends, and anti-roll bar linkages are likely approaching the end of their service life. Check for play in the steering and listen for clunking over speed bumps. Inspect the underside for corrosion on the subframe, sills, and around mounting points, as Dacia models from this era can develop surface rust in critical structural areas if not undersealed regularly. The exhaust system should also be examined for corrosion, particularly around the flexi-joint and mounting rubbers, as high-mileage cars often develop exhaust leaks that affect emissions performance at future tests.