2013 Dacia Sandero 1.1L Petrol · CV13 YGK

The Dacia Sandero presents a clean bill of health following its most recent MOT on 9 February 2026 at 87,488 miles, where it passed with zero defects recorded. That said, the same day also produced a failed test at 87,468 miles for a split offside front outer CV joint boot, which was clearly rectified immediately before the pass was issued. This pattern indicates a reactive rather than proactive maintenance approach, though the swift repair suggests the issue was caught before causing joint damage. Overall, the maintenance trend is stable but shows minor neglect in drivetrain upkeep. The vehicle has covered approximately 15,498 miles in the last year, jumping from 73,990 miles in January 2025 to 87,488 miles by February 2026. This represents a notable acceleration in annual usage compared to the lifetime average of roughly 6,730 miles per year. The step-change suggests a shift from light local use to heavier commuting or long-distance driving, placing increased stress on consumable components like brake discs, suspension bushes, and tyre sidewalls. Prior to 2025, mileage accumulation was steady and unremarkable, with clean passes recorded in January 2023 at 49,521 miles and January 2024 at 62,299 miles. The only recorded defect across the entire history is the CV boot failure, which is a consumable rubber component exposed to heat, road debris, and articulation stress. Its failure at relatively low mileage is not unusual for a 13-year-old vehicle, but buyers should inspect the inner CV joint for play or clicking during a sharp-turn test, as a compromised boot allows grease ejection and grit ingress that accelerates joint wear. The near-identical mileage readings on the same-day fail and pass suggest the boot was replaced rather than merely re-greased, so the joint itself may still be serviceable, but this warrants physical verification. Beyond the CV joint, the absence of advisories or failures across five consecutive tests is encouraging but does not substitute for a hands-on inspection. Buyers should examine the underside for structural corrosion, particularly along the subframes, sills, and suspension mounting points, as Dacia's corrosion protection has historically been modest. Check the condition of the rear brake calipers for signs of binding, inspect all suspension bushes for perishing, and verify that the exhaust system is free from leaks or excessive corrosion. The recent surge in mileage also makes it worth scrutinising tyre date codes and tread depth unevenness, which can indicate alignment drift or worn tracking components not yet severe enough to trigger an MOT failure.