2021 Dacia Sandero 1.0L Petrol · FL21 DZX

The Dacia Sandero is renowned for being one of the most economical cars to run in the UK. With its 998cc petrol engine, it falls into a favourable insurance group, making it an excellent choice for younger drivers or those looking to minimise monthly overheads. Fuel economy is generally strong, particularly for urban and extra-urban driving cycles.

Annual maintenance is straightforward, as Dacia parts are widely available and affordable. When budgeting, factor in the cost of regular servicing and the periodic replacement of wear-and-tear items like tyres and brake pads. You should expect an annual running cost of approximately £900-£1,200, depending on your annual mileage and insurance profile.

Pay close attention to the front axle components. The MOT history highlights previous advisories for brake disc and pad wear, so use a torch to inspect the thickness of the discs and the remaining pad material through the alloy wheels. Ensure the car stops straight under braking and there is no grinding or squealing.

Check the condition of the tyres across all four corners. The offside front tyre was flagged as worn on the edge, which can sometimes indicate poor wheel alignment or tracking. It is advisable to have a professional garage check the tracking to ensure the new tyres wear evenly. Finally, verify that all external lights are fully operational, as the vehicle had a recent failure related to a headlamp dipped beam.