2013 Dacia Duster 1.5L Diesel · GU13 LRF

The most recent DVSA test on 24 October 2025 recorded a PASS with no advisories or defects, continuing a clean run of passes going back several years. Since the 2019 dangerous failure, which was purely related to a nearside front tyre tread depth breach, every subsequent annual examination has been completed without any recorded advisories, indicating that the previous advisory regarding an edge-worn nearside front tyre in November 2022 was addressed and has not recurred. The overall maintenance trend appears stable and well-managed, with no recurring structural, brake, suspension, or exhaust advisories present in the recent test history to suggest progressive deterioration. The recorded mileage of 100,441 miles over approximately 13 years equates to an average of around 7,700 miles per annum, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and segment. The annual MOT records suggest reasonably consistent usage without major gaps or sudden mileage spikes that might point to prolonged standing followed by heavy use. This steady, moderate annual mileage is mechanically favourable, as it implies regular warm-up cycles, consistent brake and clutch operation, and steady tyre rotation, all of which help preserve component life. At the same hundred-thousand-mile threshold, however, attention naturally turns to the major drivetrain service items, including cambelt replacement history, clutch wear, and general engine bay condition, none of which are assessed under the MOT but which warrant verification through the service book or independent inspection. Despite the clean MOT record, a prospective buyer of a 13-year-old Duster with this mileage should carry out a focused physical inspection. The nearside front tyre advisory recorded in 2022 and the prior dangerous failure for insufficient tread depth indicate a possible pattern of uneven front-tyre wear, which on this model is often linked to worn suspension components such as bottom arms, anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or top mounts. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and check for uneven shoulder wear on the front tyres. Given the vehicle's age, also inspect the sidewalls of all tyres for cracking and perishing, as rubber degrades with time regardless of tread depth, and a Duster of this vintage will likely be approaching its third or fourth set of tyres. Examine the brake discs for corrosion ridges on the outer edges, which is symptomatic of a vehicle stood for extended periods between short trips, and verify that the calipers are releasing correctly by ensuring the wheels rotate freely when warm. Further age-appropriate checks should include verification of the cambelt or chain replacement schedule against manufacturer intervals, inspection of the exhaust system for corrosion particularly around the joint faces and mounting rubbers, and a thorough check of all underbody components for surface rust or structural corrosion, as the Duster is occasionally noted for sill and rear crossmember corrosion in older examples. Inspect the 12V battery for signs of age and check that the cooling system has been refreshed on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage, as coolant degrades over time. Brake fluid should also have been renewed regardless of MOT status, and a check of the service book or invoices for evidence of recent fluid services, spark plugs, and air filter renewals is strongly recommended. If all of these items are confirmed, the vehicle presents as a sound mechanical proposition with a credible and transparent MOT history.