2016 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · BN66 RNA

The Dacia Sandero’s MOT history presents a striking anomaly: two consecutive fails in September 2025 at 65,013 and 65,018 miles, both without recorded defects, followed by an immediate pass on the 9th. This pattern suggests a procedural issue rather than mechanical failure, possibly administrative or tester error. The preceding tests in August 2024 and 2023 were clean passes, indicating no recurring faults or advisories over the past two years. The absence of defects in the most recent valid test—just eight days before today—implies the vehicle met all roadworthiness standards at the time, though the double fail raises questions about the reliability of the testing process. For now, the mechanical trend appears stable, but the buyer should treat the recent MOT irregularities as a red flag for documentation accuracy. The Sandero’s mileage of 65,018 over 10 years aligns closely with average usage for its age, averaging around 6,500 miles annually. There are no sudden spikes or prolonged gaps in the record, suggesting consistent but not excessive use. The mileage increments between tests are minimal—just 3,360 miles from August 2024 to September 2025—indicating either seasonal or infrequent driving, or possibly a period of inactivity. The lack of advisories or defects in the MOTs implies that major wear items like brakes, suspension, or exhaust have not yet reached critical thresholds, though this does not preclude hidden issues from neglect. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of components prone to silent degradation. Check the suspension for worn bushes, coil springs, or signs of binding in the dampers, particularly if the car has sat unused for extended periods. Inspect the brake system for uneven wear on discs and pads, as well as binding calipers—a common issue in Sanderos that can go unnoticed until it affects stopping performance. Structural integrity is less of a concern given the absence of corrosion advisories, but a close look at wheel arches, sills, and underbody for surface rust is prudent. Finally, verify that all fluid levels—brake, coolant, and power steering—are topped up, as neglect in these areas often precedes more serious failures.