2022 Dacia Sandero Sway Prestige TCE CVT 1.0L Petrol · EA72 ABX

With only a single MOT test on record and a clean pass issued on 10 November 2025 bearing no advisories or defects, this Dacia Sandero presents a roadworthiness profile that is effectively a blank canvas from a regulatory standpoint. A four-year-old vehicle should ideally have been through at least two or three annual tests by now, so the single entry suggests the car may not have been presented for testing in its earlier years, or the prior records have not surfaced in the data supplied. The absence of any flagged items on the most recent test is encouraging at face value, but it provides very limited insight into the longer-term mechanical condition of components such as the front suspension, braking assemblies, exhaust system, or underbody corrosion. The overall trend, while positive in the only data point available, cannot yet be characterised as stable, improving, or worsening because there is simply insufficient history against which to compare. Annual mileage of roughly 5,280 miles is considerably below the typical accumulation rate for a small petrol-powered supermini of this age. Such low usage over four years implies that the vehicle has either been driven very lightly or has spent extended periods stationary between short trips. Mechanically, this carries specific consequences worth weighing. Light use reduces wear on high-mileage consumables such as brake discs and pads, clutch material, and tyre tread, but prolonged standing periods can promote brake disc corrosion and surface pitting, premature ageing of rubber components like suspension bushes and coolant hoses, and degradation of fluids that are meant to circulate regularly. Low-mileage CVT-equipped vehicles in particular benefit from regular gearbox fluid cycling, as the variator and belt work best with fresh fluid and consistent thermal cycling. For a prospective buyer evaluating this Sandero, the practical guidance is to concentrate on areas that low-mileage, lightly-used cars typically exhibit early signs of deterioration despite clean MOT paperwork. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would suggest perished or hardened bushes in the wishbones, anti-roll bar links, or top mounts. Apply the brakes firmly from around 30 mph and feel for vibration or shudder through the brake pedal, which can indicate corroded or warped front discs that may have pitted during periods of disuse. Steering should remain precise and free of play, and the CVT transmission should respond smoothly without slipping, juddering, or exhibiting a rubber-band effect when accelerating through the gears. Inspect the underside for any surface corrosion on brake pipes, subframe mounting points, and suspension arms, as four years of winter road exposure can initiate rust even on relatively young vehicles. Beyond the test drive, it is prudent to verify when the vehicle was last serviced, particularly whether the brake fluid, coolant, and CVT transmission fluid have been changed within the manufacturer's recommended intervals, given the low mileage profile. Examine the tyres for both tread depth and signs of age-related cracking or flat-spotting from extended standing, and check the condition of the 12V battery, as low-mileage usage with infrequent long runs is a common cause of premature battery failure. Request documentation confirming whether the car has been stored off-road or driven weekly, and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a competent independent garage to assess components that the MOT test does not cover in depth, such as the condition of the timing chain, turbocharger actuator, and the full underbody structure. With a clean recent test on its side but limited historical data, this Sandero warrants the kind of mechanical scrutiny that the paperwork alone cannot provide.