2023 Dacia Sandero Stepway Journey TCE A 1.0L Petrol · LL23 AVJ

A largely unblemished DVSA record places this 2023 Dacia Sandero Stepway Journey TCe in a favourable position for a prospective buyer, with the most recent test on 8 April 2026 resulting in a pass and only two minor advisories recorded across its short history. The single MOT entry in the file shows no prior failures, refusals, or component deterioration items, and the two flagged items relate solely to the front tyres being worn close to the legal limit and showing edge wear. With a three-year-old vehicle of this type typically having covered considerably more distance, the front axle wear pattern combined with limited overall use suggests the front tyres may have been standing for prolonged periods, allowing the rubber to deform, or that the vehicle has been predominantly used in low-speed urban environments which concentrate wear on the steering tyres. The absence of any advisories relating to braking components, suspension, corrosion, or emissions indicates the car has not yet accumulated the wear typically associated with age-related deterioration. With only 15,413 miles recorded over approximately three years, the vehicle is averaging around 5,138 miles annually, which is notably low for a car in this segment and age bracket. Low-mileage examples of this generation of Sandero Stepway often experience more time spent stationary than active use, which can lead to specific mechanical concerns distinct from those caused by high wear. Brake discs and pads can suffer from surface corrosion and binding calipers due to infrequent operation, while the 12V battery, if not maintained on a conditioner, may have reduced capacity. Rubber components throughout the underbody, including suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and drive shaft gaiters, can degrade and crack with age rather than use, and tyre sidewalls can perish even when tread depth remains adequate. On a physical inspection, particular attention should be paid to the condition of the front tyres beyond the legal tread limit, examining the sidewalls for signs of cracking, perishing, or uneven shoulder wear that would indicate prolonged under-inflation or misalignment. The nearside and offside front tyres should also be checked for matching specifications and production dates, as replacement tyres may have been fitted as a pair following the advisory. During a test drive, listen for any graunching or grinding from the front brakes on first application, which would suggest corroded discs or seized caliper pistons resulting from the low annual mileage. A firm application of the brakes from speed should produce a straight, stable stop without pulling to either side, indicating free operation of the caliper slides. Suspension condition is particularly relevant given the Stepway's raised ride height and the potential for age-related deterioration of rubber components. On the test drive, listen for knocking or clonking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn anti-roll bar drop links, top mounts, or suspension bushes that have hardened with age rather than worn from mileage. The steering should feel precise without excess play at the centre position, and there should be no clonking transmitted through the steering wheel when turning on full lock, which would point to worn drive shaft joints or steering rack deterioration. Finally, given the low annual mileage, verify the service history independently, as the advisory-free MOT record does not confirm the vehicle has received its scheduled oil and filter changes at the manufacturer-recommended intervals.