2015 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · FX15 ZCL

A 2015 Dacia Sandero carrying 108,767 miles presents a notably clean MOT history across five recorded tests, with every examination from June 2022 through February 2026 returning a pass and zero advisories or defects noted. The absence of any flagged items over a four-year testing window is unusual for a vehicle approaching its eleventh birthday and suggests that, from a statutory roadworthiness perspective at least, no examiner has identified component deterioration, corrosion, or wear requiring attention. The most recent test on 12 February 2026 confirmed a clean pass, reinforcing the consistent pattern. The only caveat inherent in this record is that a clean MOT does not confirm mechanical condition beyond the test date and cannot establish the quality of any preventative maintenance carried out between examinations. The recorded mileage equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 9,888 miles, which sits close to the typical usage profile for a car of this age and suggests regular rather than sporadic driving. There are no extended gaps between tests that would indicate a prolonged period off the road, with intervals ranging from approximately ten to sixteen months and each test recording mileage progression consistent with continued use. This kind of consistent running is generally favourable for keeping moving parts, seals, and lubricants in service, and reduces the likelihood of issues associated with long-term static storage such as perished coolant hoses, seized brake calipers, or deteriorated rubber components. The mileage progression between tests is steady, with no sudden jumps or implausibly low readings. For a prospective buyer, the principal inspection focus should be on the components most commonly affected by higher-mileage Sanderos but absent from the MOT record. The front suspension, particularly the drop links, anti-roll bar bushes, and lower wishbone bushes, is worth close inspection by pushing laterally on each front wheel while the car is jacked or rocking the body to detect knocking or excess play. On the test drive, listen for clonks or rattles over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and pay particular attention to any vagueness or wandering in the steering, which could indicate worn tie rod ends or top mount deterioration given the recorded mileage. Brake pedal feel should be tested for excessive travel or sponginess, and the handbrake holding on an incline should be assessed, as Sanderos of this vintage are known to suffer from rear drum brake adjuster wear that can pass an MOT but still compromise effective parking on slopes. Under-bonnet checks should focus on the engine and ancillaries, with particular attention to any signs of oil misting or weeping from the cam cover gasket and the valve cover breather system, as well as the condition of the auxiliary drive belt and tensioner for any cracking or noise on cold start. With eleven years of service and approaching 109,000 miles, the timing belt replacement interval should be confirmed in the service documentation, as neglecting this on the Renault-derived engine can result in catastrophic failure. The exhaust system should be inspected for corrosion at the manifold flange and rear silencer mounting, both common wear points on higher-mileage examples, and the underside of the vehicle should be examined for any surface rust on the rear beam axle and brake line clips, particularly given that the MOT record has not flagged corrosion but also has not specifically inspected every structural element in detail. Finally, check for coolant leaks around the thermostat housing and radiator, and ensure the cooling fan cycles correctly, as chronic overheating issues are known on this model and would not always manifest during a brief MOT inspection.