2018 Dacia Duster 1.6L Petrol · GD67 SGV

The most recent DVSA test on 21 January 2026 resulted in a clean pass, with only a minor advisory noting that the rear seats were folded at the time of inspection and therefore the seatbelts could not be fully examined. This is a procedural note rather than a mechanical concern and does not indicate any underlying defect. Looking at the broader test history, the vehicle has passed every annual inspection since 2021, with only two failures recorded in 2022 and 2023, both relating to the brake hydraulic system rather than to structural, suspension, or powertrain components. The pattern of advisories is largely tyre-related and consistent with a vehicle that has covered relatively few miles but is now reaching an age where rubber deterioration becomes a more prominent issue than outright tread wear. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable, with no recurring mechanical failures and a clear record of issues being addressed at subsequent tests. With just under 40,000 miles recorded over eight years, this Duster has covered approximately 4,990 miles annually, which is notably below the national average for a vehicle of this age. Such low annual mileage often suggests a mix of short urban trips and extended periods of standing, both of which carry their own mechanical consequences. Short journeys prevent the engine, exhaust system, and oil from reaching full operating temperature, encouraging moisture accumulation and the formation of acidic by-products that accelerate internal wear. Periods of inactivity, on the other hand, allow corrosion to take hold on brake discs, calipers, and underbody components, and can lead to degradation of seals, bushes, and fluid condition through calendar ageing rather than use. Any prospective buyer should therefore weigh the benefits of low wear on major drivetrain components against the heightened risk of time-related deterioration elsewhere. The most consistent theme across the MOT record is tyre perishing and edge wear, which appeared as advisories in 2023, 2024, and 2025, affecting both front and rear positions. Perishing or cracking of the sidewall is a calendar-driven phenomenon and will continue to develop regardless of mileage, so a thorough physical inspection of all four tyres, including the spare, is essential. Look for hairline cracks in the sidewall rubber, check the DOT date code to confirm the tyres are not excessively old, and measure tread depth across the full width rather than just the centre. Uneven edge wear on the front tyres, as noted in 2023 and 2025, can indicate incorrect wheel alignment, worn suspension bushes, or deteriorated coil springs, all of which are plausible on a Duster of this age and would warrant a road test to listen for clonking over bumps or to feel for vague steering. A close visual inspection of the front suspension arms, anti-roll bar drop links, and steering rack gaiters is also advisable. The brake-related failures of January 2022 and January 2023 are worth scrutinising carefully, as they suggest some neglect of routine brake servicing. The missing hydraulic reservoir cap recorded in 2022 and the significantly low brake fluid noted in 2023 imply that the system may not have been inspected or topped up at appropriate service intervals. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and should ideally be replaced every two to three years regardless of mileage, so given the vehicle's age and its apparent low usage, the fluid should be tested for water content or simply renewed as a matter of course. On a test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding from the brakes, check for a firm pedal without excessive travel, and verify that the vehicle pulls straight under braking, as seized caliper slide pins are a common consequence of light use on older vehicles. Additionally, inspect the 12V battery for signs of weakness, examine all underbody and suspension components for standing corrosion, verify the condition and age of the coolant, and confirm that the service book reflects timely oil and filter changes, as these are the areas most likely to have been neglected on a low-mileage but ageing vehicle.