2021 Dacia Duster Prestige LPG TCE 4X2 1.0L Gas bi-fuel · J700 NAM

The most recent MOT test on 2026-05-30 reveals a vehicle that narrowly passed despite critical tyre defects, including a nearside rear tyre cut reaching the ply and offside front tread below the legal minimum. The same test also recorded excessive wear on front brake discs and pads, alongside fluctuating rear brake performance—all of which suggest a vehicle pushed beyond its safe operational limits. While the 2025 and 2024 tests showed no faults, the 2026 failures indicate a sudden deterioration in basic safety components, likely due to deferred maintenance rather than progressive wear. The trend is unstable, with a clear pattern of neglect in critical areas that could escalate into binding calipers, uneven braking, or structural compromise if unaddressed. The recorded mileage of 24,482 miles over five years—approximately 4,896 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, suggesting prolonged periods of inactivity rather than consistent use. The gap between the 2024 (16,347 miles) and 2025 (19,261 miles) tests indicates roughly 2,914 miles were accumulated in a year, followed by a near-stagnant period before the rapid 5,221 miles between June 2025 and May 2026. This erratic pattern raises questions about storage conditions, which could accelerate corrosion or degrade suspension bushes and coil springs if the vehicle was left exposed. The sudden spike in mileage before the 2026 failures further implies that the faults were not pre-existing but likely accelerated by recent driving habits or deferred servicing. A prospective buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the tyres, particularly the nearside rear, to confirm the cut has not worsened or spread. The front brake discs and pads, while not yet at failure point, show advanced wear that could lead to binding calipers or uneven braking if ignored. The fluctuating rear brakes warrant a check for uneven pad thickness, seized wheel cylinders, or contaminated brake fluid. Given the low mileage and prolonged inactivity, suspension components—including bushes, ball joints, and coil springs—should be visually inspected for corrosion or dry rot, especially if the vehicle was stored outdoors. Structural integrity, particularly around wheel arches and sills, must also be assessed for hidden corrosion, as standing vehicles are prone to rust development even at low mileages.