2018 Dacia Duster 1.6L Petrol · KT18 GZG

The most recent MOT on 2026-05-22 was a pass at 63,227 miles — but only after rectifying the headlamp aim and likely the track rod end play that caused the earlier same-day failure. That dual outcome suggests last-minute repairs were made to secure the pass. A clear pattern emerges: repeated issues with front suspension and steering ball joints — specifically the nearside front track rod end (flagged in both 2026 and 2025) and the nearside front suspension arm ball joint (noted in 2025). The 2025 failure cited excessive play in the track rod end, while the 2026 entries downgrade it to slight play — indicating either partial repair or temporary tightening, not full replacement. The trend is concerning but not yet catastrophic: the same components keep failing inspection, suggesting wear is progressing steadily rather than suddenly worsening. However, the recurrence across two years — especially with no record of full replacement in the MOT history — means these parts are overdue for proper attention. At 63,227 miles over eight years (~7,900 miles/year), the mileage is broadly typical. It neither signals unusually hard use nor prolonged under-use — though the persistent ball joint wear implies the car has seen consistent road use, possibly on rough surfaces, rather than gentle or infrequent driving. Tyre condition is another red flag: the offside rear outer wall shows cracking or perishing — a sign of age-related degradation, not just wear. This is especially notable given the relatively modest mileage; it hints the tyres may be old, possibly fitted years ago and left to degrade in place.