2018 Dacia Duster 1.6L Petrol · DY68 AOX

Emerging wear on the front running gear and tyres defines the current mechanical state of this vehicle, following several years of clean test records. While the latest inspection on 18 July 2026 resulted in a pass, it identified a cluster of concerns including worn front tyres, a corroded offside front brake pipe, and play in the offside front track rod end. This represents a shift from the defect-free results seen between 2021 and 2024, indicating that several front-end components are now approaching the end of their service life. An accumulation of 68,181 miles over approximately eight years equates to an average annual usage of roughly 8,500 miles, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. The consistency of the annual testing interval suggests regular road use rather than prolonged periods of standing. At this mileage, wear on suspension bushings, steering linkages, and braking consumables is expected, as evidenced by the recent advisories regarding the track rod end and brake pipe corrosion. Immediate attention is required for the front tyres, which were noted as worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edges, potentially suggesting an alignment issue. The 2025 record also highlighted perishing and cracking on both rear tyres, meaning a full set of replacements may be necessary. During a test drive, pay close attention to the steering precision; any vagueness or a slight pull to one side may be linked to the worn tyres or the flagged play in the offside front track rod end. The recorded corrosion on the offside front brake pipe is a specific point of concern that requires physical inspection to determine if the structural integrity of the line is compromised or if the grease mentioned is masking further degradation. Listen for any clicking or knocking sounds when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, as this is a common symptom of a worn track rod end. Ensure the brake pedal feel is firm and consistent, as any softness could correlate with the condition of the corroded piping.