2014 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · CE14 OBK

The 2014 Dacia Sandero presents a commendably clean DVSA roadworthiness record, with both recorded MOT tests at the 2022 and 2023 anniversaries returning a pass and no advisories, defects, or failure points logged by the examiner. There is no pattern of recurring component wear, no flagged corrosion on structural members, brake lines, or suspension components, and no emissions or lighting concerns raised across the documented testing period. This absence of recorded advisories on a 12-year-old vehicle is a strong indicator that the car has not been exhibiting the typical wear items that examiners commonly flag as borderline. Mechanically, the narrative here is one of consistent roadworthiness with no known flagged deterioration, which provides a solid baseline for further inspection. With 72,300 miles recorded over a 12-year lifespan, the Sandero has been driven at an average of roughly 6,025 miles per annum, which sits comfortably within the expected range for a vehicle of this age and class. This is neither an excessively high-mileage workhorse nor a low-mileage garage queen likely to suffer from prolonged standing-related issues such as seized brakes, deteriorated rubber, or stale drivetrain fluids. There is, however, a notable gap in the MOT history between the last recorded test in May 2023 and the current date of September 2026, representing approximately three years and four months of unverified road use. This testing hiatus means the intervening mileage and condition are unknown to any prospective buyer, and a full pre-purchase inspection is therefore essential to bridge the gap between the clean historical record and the present state of the vehicle. Despite the absence of recorded advisories, a 12-year-old budget-supermini with this mileage will inevitably have wear items that fall outside MOT scope or were not yet visible at the time of the last test. Particular attention should be paid to the front suspension components, including the wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and top mount bearings, as these are common failure points on small European hatchbacks of this era and can produce knocking noises over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces. The rear shock absorbers and coil springs should also be checked for sagging, which on a Sandero often manifests as a slightly nose-up stance or clonking over undulations. During a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front end, particularly over potholes and kerbs, and pay attention to whether the steering pulls to either side under braking, which could indicate warped front brake discs. Brake-related components are another area warranting close scrutiny given the unrecorded mileage since 2023. Inspect the front brake discs for lipping, scored surfaces, and minimum thickness, as well as the rear drums or discs for wear, seizing, or binding calipers. The exhaust system should be checked for corrosion, particularly at the rear mounting box and silencer joints, as Dacia exhausts are known to suffer from internal corrosion that is not always apparent from a standing start but can be heard as a rattle or blowing noise on the over-run. Under the bonnet, look for any oil seepage from the cam cover gasket, the sump plug, and the oil filter housing, as well as the condition of the coolant and brake fluid. On the road, ensure the clutch bite point is consistent, the gearbox selects all gears cleanly without crunching, and there is no excessive vibration through the steering wheel or brake pedal, which could indicate worn wheel bearings or warped discs. Finally, verify that all warning lights extinguish promptly after start-up and that the air conditioning blows cold, as these are common cost-of-ownership items on older Dacias that buyers should factor in.