2013 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · CV13 YGZ

This 2013 Dacia Sandero presents a mixed but broadly stable mechanical picture following its most recent MOT pass on 18 August 2025 at 33,001 miles. The vehicle failed the five-day prior test on 13 August 2025 at 32,953 miles due to a broken anti-roll bar linkage bolt, a split offside front CV boot, and a headlamp aim fault, all of which were rectified before the immediate retest. The maintenance trend is currently stable, though the record reveals persistent, long-standing issues that have never been fully resolved. Front brake discs have been flagged as worn, pitted, or scored at every test since August 2024, while the offside rear service brake has been binding consistently since at least August 2023. Corrosion advisories on the front sub-frame, lower suspension arms, and rear axle beam have also appeared repeatedly across multiple tests, indicating surface rust that has been monitored rather than repaired. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 13-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 2,539 miles per year based on the 33,001 miles recorded at the most recent test. The jump from 29,822 miles in August 2024 to 33,001 miles by August 2025 represents a notable spike of 3,179 miles in a single year, suggesting either a change in ownership or a shift from prolonged standing to regular use. Prior to that, the vehicle covered just 4,016 miles between July 2023 and August 2024. The sparse MOT history, with only five recorded tests across three years, limits the ability to draw firm conclusions about long-term care patterns, though the repeated failure and quick retest cycle in August 2025 suggests the last owner addressed immediate compliance items rather than undertaking thorough preventative maintenance. A buyer should focus their in-person inspection on the structural corrosion that has been flagged repeatedly. The front sub-frame, both front lower suspension arms, and the rear axle beam have all been noted as corroded but not seriously weakened since at least August 2024. Given the vehicle's age and the progressive nature of these advisories, a close visual check with a torch and probe is advisable to confirm whether surface corrosion has advanced to perforation or section loss. The rear brake hose ferrules also show slight corrosion, and the offside rear caliper has been binding across multiple tests, so a road test should specifically assess whether the offside rear brake releases fully, checking for dragging, uneven heat buildup, or pulling under braking. The front brake discs remain a recurring advisory item and should be measured for thickness and lip wear against Dacia specifications. The anti-roll bar bushes and linkages on the nearside front and offside front have shown wear and a previously broken bolt, so any clunking or knocking from the front suspension over rough surfaces warrants immediate investigation. The rear exhaust has a minor gas leak that has persisted since the August 2025 test, and the offside rear tyre shows cracking and edge wear that suggests possible wheel alignment issues or prolonged underinflation. Tyre condition across all four wheels should be checked carefully, as inner edge wear has been flagged repeatedly, pointing to possible tracking or suspension geometry concerns that have not been corrected.