2017 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · HM07 APM

This Dacia Sandero has demonstrated a mixed but ultimately concerning maintenance history, with the most recent MOT test on 6 March 2026 revealing a critical tyre failure despite a clean pass just hours earlier. The near-side front outer tyre exposing ply or cords—an immediate danger—indicates either negligent upkeep or a lack of pre-MOT checks. While the vehicle passed the preceding test in March 2025 with minor tread advisories, the recurrence of tyre-related failures suggests a pattern of deferred maintenance rather than a sudden mechanical issue. The absence of defects in earlier tests (2024 and 2023) further implies that the current owner or previous handlers have not consistently addressed basic safety components. The mileage progression reveals irregularities that warrant scrutiny. Between March 2023 and March 2024, the vehicle covered 19,293 miles in a year, averaging over 16,000 miles annually—a rate that exceeds typical usage for a car of this age. However, between March 2024 and March 2025, mileage stagnated, rising only by 7,866 miles, suggesting prolonged inactivity. This inconsistency could accelerate wear on suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers due to prolonged static loading. The most recent 6,976 miles since the last test (March 2026) aligns with moderate usage, but the abrupt failure in a single tyre underscores the risk of similar issues emerging elsewhere. A prospective buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of all tyres for uneven wear, embedded debris, or internal damage, particularly on the near-side front. The recurring advisories on tread depth imply the front tyres may have been rotated or replaced irregularly, so comparing wear patterns across all four wheels is essential. Given the vehicle’s age and the sudden tyre failure, the suspension components—including bushes, dampers, and coil springs—should be checked for excessive play, corrosion, or binding, as these are often overlooked until failure occurs. Additionally, the brakes, especially the rear calipers, should be tested for binding or excessive wear, as the 2025 advisory on worn tread could mask underlying brake system issues. Structural integrity, particularly around wheel arches and subframes, must also be examined for corrosion, as prolonged inactivity can exacerbate rust progression.