2016 Dacia Sandero 1.5L Diesel · CE16 VFP

The defining mechanical story of this Dacia Sandero centres on a consistent pattern of front brake and front tyre wear that has surfaced across two consecutive MOT inspections, with the most recent pass on 27 October 2025 recording no advisories but a clear history of front-end component attention. On 4 November 2022, advisories were logged for pitted or scored front brake discs, thinning front brake pads, and both front tyres wearing close to the legal limit on their edges, mirroring almost exactly the front disc and pad advisories recorded on 1 November 2021. The fact that these specific front-end items have appeared, been addressed, and then reappeared suggests a vehicle whose braking and steering geometry are working harder than average, rather than one-off servicing oversights. The intervening passes in February 2024 and October 2024, both completely clear of advisories, indicate that remedial work was carried out between the 2022 and 2024 tests, though the underlying wear pattern has clearly not been fully eliminated given the high annual mileage. With 130,158 miles recorded on a 2016 vehicle, this Sandero has averaged roughly 13,016 miles per year over its life, which is well above the typical 7,000 to 8,000 miles expected for a car of this class and age. The MOT record shows no significant gaps in testing, with annual or near-annual inspections confirming continuous use on the road, which is positive from a corrosion and component-seizure standpoint. However, an annual accumulation rate approaching twice the norm means that suspension components, bushes, anti-roll bar linkages, clutch wear, and general drivetrain fatigue should all be evaluated with a much keener eye than on a lower-mileage equivalent. High-mileage Sanderos are particularly prone to worn front struts, top mount failure, and tired engine mountings, all of which would not necessarily show on an MOT but will be apparent during a thorough inspection. From a buyer perspective, the front brake system is the immediate priority for physical inspection. With the discs and pads having been flagged for pitting and wear twice in three years, request evidence of what was replaced or refurbished, and measure the current front disc thickness against the minimum stamped on the disc face. Listen on the test drive for any rotational groan, brake judder under firm pedal application, or a pulsing steering wheel that would indicate disc runout. Pay particular attention to the front tyres and their wear pattern, because both sides wearing on the edge in the 2022 test points to a possible tracking or geometry issue. Check that the tracking has been recently checked and adjusted, and inspect the inner and outer shoulders of the current front tyres for feathering or uneven wear, which would be a sign the problem has returned. Beyond the documented items, the high annual mileage warrants a careful look at the suspension, steering and drivetrain. On the test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front struts and anti-roll bar drop links over speed bumps and rough tarmac, and feel for any vagueness or wandering in the steering that could indicate worn wishbone bushes or tie rod ends. With the clutch and gearbox working hard at 13,000-plus miles per year, check for any slipping in higher gears, a slightly notchy gearchange, or signs of fluid leaks from the transmission. Finally, although no corrosion advisories appear on the MOT record, the Sandero's reputation for earlier rust on rear wheel arches, underbody seams and subframe mounting points means a thorough visual examination underneath on a ramp would be well worthwhile for a prospective buyer.