2018 Dacia Duster 1.6L Petrol · LC68 FHD

The 2018 Dacia Duster presents a largely stable maintenance profile, though the most recent MOT on 29 July 2025 at 68,973 miles flagged a developing front-end wear item. The tester identified slight play in the nearside track rod end ball joint, a minor advisory that does not yet constitute a failure but signals the onset of steering linkage wear. Prior to that, the vehicle passed cleanly in July 2023 at 53,861 miles and July 2022 at 48,135 miles, with only a single bulb failure recorded in August 2024 at 61,486 miles, which was promptly rectified the same day. The trend is broadly stable, with no recurring structural or mechanical defects, though the track rod advisory suggests the front suspension and steering components are entering a phase where wear-related replacements should be anticipated. The mileage accumulation of roughly 8,622 miles per year is typical for an eight-year-old vehicle and indicates consistent, regular use rather than prolonged standing or unusually high annual distances. The record shows a steady progression from 48,135 miles in July 2022 to 68,973 miles by July 2025, with no anomalous gaps or sudden jumps in recorded distance. The MOT history is relatively sparse, with only five tests logged over four years, which is not unusual for a vehicle that has required little more than routine annual testing. The clean passes between 2022 and 2023 suggest the car has been driven regularly and maintained to a basic standard. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering geometry, given the flagged track rod end play. Check for uneven tyre wear on the nearside front, which would confirm excessive play or misalignment, and inspect the track rod end boot for splits that could accelerate deterioration. The coil springs and suspension bushes should be examined for cracking or perishing, common on Dusters used on rough surfaces. The braking system has not appeared on any MOT advisories, but a road test should confirm no pulling or binding, particularly at the rear, where Dacia calipers can seize. Inspect the subframe and underbody for corrosion, especially around the rear suspension mounting points, as these are known weak points on higher-mileage examples. The exhaust and emissions system has remained compliant throughout, but a cold-start check for excessive smoke or rattling from the catalytic converter housing is prudent at this mileage.