2017 Dacia Sandero 1.0L Petrol · CU67 NLP

A 2017 Dacia Sandero with seven MOT tests on record has accumulated two failures and one advisory over its nine-year life, which produces a mixed rather than impressive roadworthiness profile. The most recent test on 2 July 2026 recorded a clean pass with no defects, following a pass in July 2025 that came one day after a failure for an inoperative front windscreen wiper. An earlier failure in July 2023, for excessive play at the brake lever pivot, is the more mechanically significant of the two refusals, as handbrake mechanism wear at this age points to internal corrosion or stretched cables rather than a one-off component defect. The 2023 test also carried an advisory for a non-excessive oil leak, and although the leak was not deemed severe enough to fail at that time, oil leaks of this nature rarely resolve themselves and tend to migrate from seals and gaskets over time. The remaining tests in 2021, 2022, and 2024 all passed without comment, which leaves a record that is broadly stable at the point of test but punctuated by genuine mechanical and electrical issues. Mileage accumulation across the recorded tests is notably low at 29,036 miles over nine years, which equates to roughly 3,200 miles annually. This places the vehicle firmly in low-use territory for a car of its age, and the annual rate has been broadly consistent rather than front or back loaded. Mechanically, lower annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain and friction components such as clutch, brake discs, and engine internals, but it can accelerate deterioration on items that suffer from prolonged standing. Rubber seals, gaiters, suspension bushes, brake caliper slide pins, and the handbrake mechanism itself are all prone to seizing or corroding when a vehicle sees only short, infrequent journeys, and this pattern is consistent with the brake lever pivot wear recorded in 2023. The combination of low annual mileage and a failure related to handbrake linkage wear is a useful diagnostic pointer when inspecting the car in person. The most important components to examine on a physical inspection are those directly referenced in the MOT record. The handbrake lever pivot should be operated repeatedly on a test drive to confirm firm take-up and consistent holding force, with particular attention to any clicking, slack at the ratchet, or a lever that pulls higher than expected, as the 2023 failure suggests the internal mechanism or cables have already shown signs of wear. The earlier front wiper failure also warrants a functional check of both wiper speeds and the intermittent setting, as well as a visual inspection of the wiper linkage beneath the scuttle panel for water ingress damage, since scuttle corrosion and blocked drain channels are a known issue on Sanderos of this era. Any oil residue around the sump, cam cover, or underside of the engine consistent with the 2023 advisory should be examined with a torch, and the buyer should ask when the leak was last monitored, as a leak classed as not excessive two years ago may have progressed. Given the low mileage, a thorough road test should also focus on components that deteriorate from disuse rather than distance. On the move, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn ARB drop links, control arm bushes, or top mounts typical of a lightly used Sandero. The steering should feel precise without excess free play, and the brake pedal should be firm without judder under heavy application, as corroded or unevenly worn front discs are common on cars that have spent long periods stationary. Tyres should be checked for sidewall cracking and tread depth, as older tyres on low-mileage cars frequently exhibit perished rubber despite legal tread. Finally, with the engine fully warm, verify that the oil warning light extinguishes promptly, that there is no visible smoke from the exhaust on start-up, and that the coolant reservoir shows no signs of emulsification, all of which would help confirm whether the low recorded usage has masked any underlying mechanical concerns.