2021 Dacia Sandero Stepway Comfort TCE 1.0L Petrol · KN71 XCZ

This Dacia Sandero Stepway presents a mixed but largely stable maintenance picture. The most recent MOT on 1 September 2025 at 16,364 miles resulted in a pass, but three separate advisories were recorded, indicating that basic upkeep has not been entirely consistent. The trend is neither clearly worsening nor resolving; rather, it suggests a vehicle that has been left with minor defects between tests rather than proactively maintained. The 2024 test at 12,737 miles was entirely clean, so the cluster of issues appearing in 2025 represents a noticeable shift in condition over a relatively short interval. The mileage pattern is notably low for a five-year-old vehicle. At 16,364 miles recorded on 1 September 2025, the annual average sits at roughly 3,273 miles per year, well below the typical UK average of around 7,000 to 8,000 miles annually. The jump from 12,737 miles in September 2024 to 16,364 miles by September 2025 accounts for 3,627 miles in that single year, which is consistent with the overall low-use profile. There are no alarming gaps or sudden spikes in the recorded data, but the sparse two-test history limits how confidently any long-term trend can be assessed. Low mileage can mean reduced mechanical wear, yet prolonged periods of standing can equally cause tyre flat-spotting, brake disc surface corrosion, and deteriorated rubber components. A buyer should pay close attention to the nearside front tyre, which was flagged as worn close to legal limit and worn on the outer edge in the September 2025 test. Outer edge wear typically points to a tracking or wheel alignment issue, or potentially worn suspension bushes or a damaged strut, rather than simple underinflation. The fact that this was noted at only 16,364 miles is worth investigating, as a vehicle driven gently should not exhibit uneven tyre wear at such low mileage. The split front wiper blade and broken nearside headlight bracket, while minor in isolation, reinforce the impression that small cosmetic and consumable items have not been attended to promptly. The headlight bracket damage could affect beam alignment and may indicate an impact event that warrants closer inspection of the front structure. Beyond the flagged items, a physical inspection should cover the underside for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, as low-mileage vehicles that sit unused can develop surface rust in critical areas. Brake discs and pads should be examined for uneven wear or binding, and the suspension should be checked for deteriorated bushes and leaking dampers. The clean 2024 test provides some reassurance, but the 2025 advisories suggest the vehicle has not been kept in meticulous condition. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is strongly recommended before committing.