2013 Dacia Logan 1.5L Diesel · FN63 LRZ

The most recent DVSA examination on 19 November 2025 resulted in a Pass, although one advisory was issued concerning slight play in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint. Looking at the broader test history, the maintenance trend is decidedly mixed and warrants careful scrutiny. Between 2021 and 2023 the vehicle passed cleanly, but during the 2024 test cycle it failed twice in quick succession due to a dangerous anti-roll bar linkage defect, an insecure fuel pipe, a headlamp aim issue, and a defective fuel cap, before passing later that month with brake disc advisories. The recurrence of front suspension and anti-roll bar component wear across three consecutive test dates, alongside persistent brake disc and brake balance advisories, suggests the front axle and braking system are deteriorating rather than being properly rectified between tests. While the car is currently roadworthy, the pattern points to ongoing mechanical wear that a buyer should not ignore. With 118,222 miles recorded over thirteen years, this Dacia Logan has averaged approximately 9,094 miles annually, which sits squarely within the typical range for its age and indicates consistent, regular use rather than long periods of standing. There are no conspicuous gaps in the MOT record that would suggest extended inactivity, so the wear profile should be reasonably proportionate to mileage rather than age-related degradation alone. That said, at this odometer reading the timing belt, clutch, dual-mass flywheel if fitted, and engine mount rubbers are all approaching or past their expected service intervals, and any corroborating service history stamps or invoices should be carefully verified to confirm these major items have been addressed. The recurring front suspension and anti-roll bar advisories are the primary mechanical concern. The 2022 advisory noted wear in the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush, and by November 2024 the offside front linkage had deteriorated to the point of being classified as dangerous, meaning the component was likely to become detached. The most recent advisory now records slight play in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint, which is a different but related component. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over bumps and during low-speed direction changes, and feel for imprecise steering response or vagueness around the straight-ahead. Inspect both front anti-roll bar drop links, the anti-roll bar bushes, and the lower arm ball joints for perished rubber, excessive movement when levered with a bar, and any signs of recent repair that may have been a hasty fix to secure a test pass. The braking system also demands close attention. Both inner front brake discs were flagged as worn, pitted, or scored in November 2024, and a brake imbalance advisory has appeared repeatedly, suggesting rear brake adjustment or a sticking rear caliper. On a road test, listen for any grinding or scraping, feel for shudder through the brake pedal or steering wheel under firm application, and verify the car pulls up in a straight line without grabbing. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, also inspect the condition of the fuel lines and their fixings in the engine bay and beneath the rear of the car, as the previous insecure fuel pipe failure suggests the original plastic unions may be becoming brittle. Check that all headlamp alignment is correct and adjust if necessary, examine the fuel cap seal for a positive click, and conduct the usual age-related inspections including tyre sidewalls for perishing and cracking, brake discs for any lip corrosion indicating infrequent pad use, the 12 volt battery under load, and the condition and age of the coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil, all of which degrade with calendar age regardless of mileage.