2020 Dacia Sandero Stepway SE Twenty TCE 0.9L Petrol · GD20 BCK

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 11 May 2026 resulted in a pass, but two advisories were issued which warrant attention. The nearside front tyre was noted as worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge, suggesting uneven wear that may point to an alignment, geometry, or suspension issue, while the offside front tyre was flagged for slight damage, cracking, or perishing. Reviewing the broader history, the 2024 and 2023 tests were passed with no advisories at all, indicating a period of sound mechanical condition. The 2025 test then introduced multiple advisories concerning rear tyre perishing, front brake disc pitting, and thinning front brake pads, and the 2026 test continued the trend with further front tyre concerns. This pattern suggests a gradual worsening in consumable condition, particularly around the front axle, even though no failures have occurred. The overall maintenance trend remains stable in the sense that the vehicle continues to pass, but the increasing advisory count indicates that wear-related items are now accumulating and should be addressed proactively. The recorded mileage of 33,837 miles over six years equates to an average of roughly 5,640 miles annually, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age and type. Such low usage often implies a significant amount of standing time, whether due to short urban trips, seasonal use, or extended periods of inactivity between journeys. Mechanically, this profile is beneficial for major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch, and gearbox, which suffer less cumulative wear, but it does bring specific age-related concerns. Short journeys prevent the engine and exhaust system from reaching full operating temperature regularly, which can lead to moisture accumulation in the oil and exhaust, while prolonged standing encourages corrosion on unprotected steel components, particularly the underbody, brake discs, and exhaust system. Given the advisories recorded, a prospective buyer should carry out a focused inspection of the front tyres, checking both the tread depth across the full width and the sidewalls for any cracking, bulging, or perishing, as the edge wear on the nearside tyre may indicate a tracking or suspension geometry fault that should be investigated with a four-wheel alignment check. The front brake discs and pads should be physically examined, as the pitting and scoring noted in 2025 will have progressed and may now require disc refurbishment or replacement, particularly if any brake shudder, vibration through the steering wheel, or grinding is experienced on a test drive. Listen for any clonking or knocking from the suspension over uneven roads, which could indicate worn wishbone bushes, drop links, or top mount bearings, all of which are common wear items on a Sandero Stepway of this age regardless of mileage. Beyond the recorded defects, the low annual mileage profile demands several time-based checks that are often overlooked. The 12V battery is likely to have suffered from chronic undercharging due to short journeys, and its state of health should be tested before purchase, particularly if the vehicle has been used infrequently. All fluids, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and the manual transmission oil if applicable, degrade with calendar age rather than mileage alone, so service records should be scrutinised to confirm that time-based changes have been carried out at the recommended intervals, especially brake fluid which is hygroscopic and typically requires replacement every two years regardless of use. The underside should be examined for standing corrosion on the exhaust, brake lines, and structural components, while a thorough road test should confirm smooth clutch operation, even braking without pulling, and the absence of any warning lights that might indicate issues not captured during the MOT process.