2020 Dacia Duster 1.3L Petrol · FN20 HTT

The most recent MOT on 10 March 2026 was passed, but it carried three advisories concerning the front tyres – both near‑side and off‑side tyres are reported as being worn close to the legal limit with edge wear, and there are fine perishing cracks developing across all four tyres. The previous year’s test also flagged front tyre tread at 3 mm, which is well above the minimum but indicates progressive wear. Earlier MOTs in 2023 and 2024 recorded no defects, so the overall trend is stable in terms of mechanical integrity but shows a clear, worsening pattern of tyre degradation that now requires imminent attention. With a recorded 14,579 miles on a six‑year‑old Dacia Duster, the average annual mileage is roughly 2,430 miles, which is considerably below the typical UK usage of 7‑10 000 miles per year. Such low utilisation often points to long periods of inactivity or predominantly short‑run, urban driving. While low mileage reduces wear on engine, transmission and suspension components, it can also allow moisture to settle in brake discs, promote battery sulphation, and accelerate rubber perishing on tyres that are not regularly warmed up. There are no large mileage spikes that would suggest heavy load or aggressive driving, so the wear that does exist is likely age‑related rather than abuse‑related. Prospective buyers should treat the tyre situation as the priority. Inspect the tread depth across the entire width of each tyre, looking for uneven wear patterns that could indicate mis‑alignment, worn suspension bushes, or incorrect tyre pressures. On a test drive listen for any thumping or vibration that may arise from a tyre that is close to the tread limit or has edge cracking, and feel for any pull to one side which would suggest an alignment issue. Given the advisories, replacement of the front tyres is advisable soon, and it would be prudent to replace all four tyres together to maintain balanced handling, especially if the vehicle is fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system that may flag mismatched wear. Beyond the tyres, a thorough visual and tactile inspection of age‑related items is warranted. Check the 12‑volt battery for signs of sulphation, low cranking power or swollen case, and consider a load test or a professional check, as batteries left idle for long periods can lose capacity. Examine the brake discs and pads for surface rust, glazing or uneven wear; any pitting or corrosion could cause shudder under braking. Look for any corrosion on chassis mounting points, especially around the wheel arches and underbody, and verify that the suspension’s coil springs and rubber bushes are free of cracks or excessive play. Finally, confirm that the service history shows timely oil, coolant and brake fluid changes – fluids degrade with time even when the car is not driven much – and that any time‑based maintenance recommended by Dacia has been observed. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the vehicle’s true roadworthiness and help avoid unexpected costs after purchase.