2023 Dacia Sandero Stepway Journey TCE 1.0L Petrol · HJ23 KSF

The mechanical record on this 2023 Dacia Sandero Stepway Journey TCE is essentially a blank sheet, with the single DVSA test on file dated 3 March 2026 returning a clean pass and zero advisories or defects recorded against any of the inspected components. For a car now three years old, that single clean sheet is what you would hope to see on a relatively modern, lightly used supermini, with no historic evidence of brake, suspension, exhaust, lighting, or corrosion issues to suggest any chronic weaknesses. Because only one MOT has been logged so far, the trend is by definition short and uneventful rather than improving or worsening, but the absence of any flagged items means there is no immediate mechanical concern drawn from the official test record itself. Mileage is exceptionally low at 15,110 miles over roughly three years, which equates to an annual accumulation of only around 5,037 miles per year, well below the typical 7,000 to 10,000 miles a Sandero would cover in normal private use. There are no gaps in the testing history to suggest long periods off the road, simply that the car has not yet reached its first mandatory test threshold until quite recently. Mechanically, low annual mileage of this nature points towards consumables such as front brake pads, discs, tyres, and the clutch operating with relatively little wear, but it also raises the usual caveat that any vehicle left standing for extended periods can suffer from aged rubber components, dried brake fluid, and a 12V battery that has seen limited charging cycles. Given that there is only one test on record and no multi-year lay-up is implied, the standing-time concern here is modest rather than acute. On a physical inspection and test drive, focus on the components most relevant to a low-mileage Sandero Stepway of this generation. Listen carefully over speed bumps and uneven tarmac for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension, particularly from the anti-roll bar bushes, lower wishbone bushes, and drop links, as these are known wear items on the TCe platform even at modest mileages. Check that the steering returns smoothly to centre without any notchiness and that the car tracks straight without pulling, which would indicate uneven front brake drag or a sticking caliper rather than any recorded issue. Feel for any vibration through the brake pedal under firm application, a sign of front disc lipping or runout, and confirm the handbrake holds the car securely on an incline, as rear drum mechanisms can seize if used infrequently. Finally, inspect the underside and around the wheel arches for any early surface corrosion, paying particular attention to the subframe, rear axle, and suspension arms, as the Sandero Stepway is not fully galvanised at the structural level and any standing water exposure can accelerate oxidation. On the test drive, allow the TCe 90 turbo engine to reach full operating temperature and watch the temperature gauge stabilise in the middle, confirming the cooling system is holding pressure with no tell-tale signs of a head gasket weep or coolant loss. Verify that the clutch bite point is firm and reasonably high rather than slipping under acceleration, and confirm smooth gearchanges throughout the box. With no advisories on file and such modest mileage, this vehicle presents a low-risk mechanical starting point, but the usual physical checks described above are still essential to satisfy yourself that the clean MOT record reflects the true condition rather than simply an absence of test data.