2022 Dacia Sandero Sway Prestige TCE CVT 1.0L Petrol · GL22 VTJ

The 2022 Dacia Sandero Stepway Prestige TCe CVT presents with a single recorded DVSA MOT test dated 23 July 2025, which was passed without any advisories or defects being recorded against the vehicle. With only one MOT entry on file, it is not possible to establish a longitudinal trend of improvement or deterioration from the official test history alone; however, a clean pass on a four-year-old vehicle with no advisories is generally a positive indicator that the braking system, suspension components, tyres, lighting, exhaust emissions, and structural integrity were deemed to meet roadworthiness standards at that point. Because the 2025 test is now approximately fourteen months old, any component condition assessed at that time, particularly the tyres and brake friction material, will have progressed, and an independent pre-purchase inspection remains strongly advisable. The recorded mileage of 15,894 miles over a four-year registration period equates to an average annual utilisation of roughly 3,974 miles, which is notably below the typical mileage for a vehicle of this age and segment. While low annual mileage reduces wear on high-friction components such as the brake discs, pads, and clutch (less applicable here given the CVT transmission), it raises the likelihood of issues associated with prolonged standing periods and infrequent use. Extended periods of inactivity can lead to brake disc corrosion, caliper slider seizure or binding due to corrosion on the guide pins, and flat-spotting or sidewall perishing of the tyres from age rather than wear. The CVT transmission, although inherently low-stress on internal components, requires regular fluid inspection as calendar-based degradation of transmission fluid can occur regardless of mileage accumulation. Coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil will similarly degrade with time, and verification of service history stamps confirming time-based fluid changes is essential. From a buyer inspection perspective, particular attention should be paid to the condition of the tyres, checking the sidewalls for cracking, perishing, or ozone damage typical of low-use vehicles, as well as confirming that the tread depth remains above the legal 1.6mm minimum and that the manufacture date code on each tyre does not indicate excessive age. The braking system should be examined for any roughness or pitting on the disc friction surfaces and any signs of the calipers binding, which can be detected during a road test by pulling away slowly and feeling for uneven retardation or by listening for any scraping or grinding noises. The CVT transmission should be evaluated for smooth and consistent step-less acceleration without any juddering, slipping sensation, or whining noises, and a thorough under-bonnet inspection of the transmission fluid level and condition should be undertaken. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as batteries in low-mileage vehicles frequently suffer premature failure due to repeated shallow discharge cycles rather than regular replenishment from extended driving. Finally, prospective buyers should verify the completeness of the service book, ideally seeking evidence of annual or time-based servicing regardless of the low mileage, and confirm that any dashboard warning lights, particularly for the AdBlue system (if applicable to this Euro 6 compliant engine) and engine management, are extinguished upon ignition. A road test on varied road surfaces should be conducted to identify any suspension knocks, clonks, or knocking from anti-roll bar bushes, wishbone bushes, or coil springs, which can deteriorate from age-related rubber perishing rather than wear. Exhaust emissions should be monitored for any visible smoke, particularly on cold start, and the underbody should be inspected for any fluid leaks from the engine, transmission, or differential seals. Given the CVT specification, particular care should be taken to confirm that the parking pawl mechanism functions reliably on inclines, as this is a known consideration on low-mileage CVT-equipped vehicles that have stood for prolonged periods. Overall, the clean MOT history and low recorded mileage make this vehicle an attractive proposition, provided the age-related and standing-related inspection points outlined above are thoroughly addressed prior to purchase.