2018 Dacia Duster 1.5L Diesel · BV68 AFN

This 2018 Dacia Duster presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 15 October 2025 at 86,724 miles, initially failed before passing on the same day. The pass confirms the vehicle met the legal minimum standard at that point, but the nature of the defects flagged raises questions about routine care. The tester noted both front brake pads wearing thin and front brake discs lipped and pitted, alongside a nearside rear tyre worn to 3mm on its edge. These are not catastrophic failures, yet their co-occurrence on a single test suggests basic consumable upkeep was deferred rather than managed proactively. The electronic stability control warning lamp indicating a fault, and both headlamp aims being obviously incorrect, point to electrical and alignment issues that were rectified for the retest but hint at a pattern of neglect between annual checks. The mileage progression tells a fairly consistent story. Between the September 2023 test at 61,333 miles and the October 2024 test at 77,231 miles, the Duster covered 15,898 miles in roughly twelve months. That jumped to 9,493 miles in the following twelve months up to October 2025, which is still within a normal range for a vehicle of this age. No glaring gaps or suspicious plateaus appear in the record. The annual testing pattern is regular, with no missed years, and the mileage accumulation aligns with roughly 10,800 miles per year across the vehicle's life. This is unremarkable for a family SUV used for commuting and longer journeys. Buyers should pay close attention to the front braking system. The combination of thin pads and pitted, lipped discs flagged in October 2025 suggests the components were well past their serviceable window when tested. Inspect the disc faces for scoring depth and check whether the pads and discs have been replaced since that test or simply left in their flagged condition. The nearside rear tyre worn to 3mm on its edge also warrants a thorough check of rear suspension geometry. Uneven edge wear on a trailing arm or torsion beam setup often points to worn bushes or misalignment that has gone uncorrected. The suspension itself has a documented weak spot. The September 2023 failure at 61,018 miles flagged a nearside front anti-roll bar link with an insecure boot clip and slight play. While this was resolved for the pass, any recurrence of clunking from the front end over rough surfaces should prompt immediate inspection of both sides. The ESC warning lamp fault from the October 2025 failure also deserves scrutiny. Stability control faults on Dacia platforms frequently trace to wheel speed sensors or corroded wiring connectors rather than expensive control unit failures, but a diagnostic scan for stored fault codes is essential before purchase. Finally, check the offside rear light lens for damage and confirm all rear lamps function correctly, as the October 2025 failure noted lens damage and the September 2023 failure recorded an inoperative offside stop lamp.