2019 Dacia Duster 1.6L Petrol · LM69 DYV

The most recent MOT test passed on 22 October 2025, but a review of the recent history reveals a concerning downward trend in the vehicle's maintenance standards. While the 2022 and 2023 tests were clean, the 2024 and 2025 records show an increasing frequency of failures and a shift from simple consumable issues to more complex electrical faults. This pattern suggests that the vehicle may be entering a period of increased component degradation or that the previous owner has become less diligent with proactive maintenance, which warrants a much more rigorous physical inspection. With 79,997 miles recorded over approximately seven years, the vehicle has covered an average of roughly 11,428 miles per year. This is considered typical annual usage for a Dacia Duster, indicating the car has been used regularly for commuting or general transit rather than being subjected to long periods of standing. Mechanically, this level of mileage is consistent with expected wear on suspension bushes, brake discs, and drivetrain components. You should ensure that the service history is documented and consistent with this mileage to confirm that oil changes and major interval services have been performed. The most significant concern from the recent MOT history is the failure regarding the Electronic Power Steering and Electronic Stability Control warning lamps. These electrical faults can indicate issues with steering sensors, the steering rack, or various control modules. During your test drive, you must pay close attention to the steering feel; look for any heaviness, sudden resistance, or any recurrence of dashboard warning lights. Furthermore, the history of tyre issues, including a dangerous failure for exposed cords and current advisories for perishing rubber, suggests a lack of attention to consumables. Inspect all tyres for sidewall cracking, which indicates age-related perishing, and check for uneven wear on the inner edges, which could point to misaligned geometry or worn suspension components such as ball joints or control arm bushes. Finally, verify the functionality of the windscreen wipers and the washer system, as these were recent failure points. Ensure the wipers clear the glass smoothly without juddering and that the washer jets provide a strong, directed spray. Given the recent history of lighting failures, check that all headlamps and indicators are functioning correctly. Listen for any clunks or knocks when driving over uneven surfaces, which may indicate that the suspension is nearing the end of its service life. A thorough check of the brake discs for excessive corrosion or thinning is also advised, especially if the vehicle has experienced periods of less frequent use.