2018 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · LX68 YOR

The 2018 Dacia Sandero presents a stable but concerning maintenance trend, culminating in a pass at its most recent MOT on 25 March 2026 at 12,992 miles. The vehicle has consistently passed its annual tests, yet the recurrence of identical advisories across multiple consecutive inspections suggests a pattern of deferred cosmetic and consumable upkeep rather than serious mechanical neglect. The tester flagged all four tyres for cracking or perishing in both the 2025 and 2026 tests, indicating the rubber has been deteriorating for at least a year without replacement. This is a minor consumable issue, not a structural risk, but it does point to an owner who addressed only the minimum legal requirements. The mileage profile is notably low for an eight-year-old vehicle. At 12,992 miles, the Sandero has covered roughly 1,624 miles per year, well below the UK average. The record shows a gap of over a year between the November 2022 pass at 10,628 miles and the March 2024 test at 10,959 miles, a period of approximately 16 months during which the car added just 331 miles. This suggests prolonged stationary periods, which aligns with the recurring tyre perishing advisories, as tyres age and crack from ozone exposure and lack of use even when tread depth remains legal. The mileage then increased by 1,117 miles between March 2024 and March 2025, and by a further 916 miles to the March 2026 test, indicating slightly more regular recent use. A buyer should inspect the nearside sill closely. The March 2024 failure recorded surface corrosion and damage on the nearside sill, a structural area that warrants attention even though the subsequent pass did not re-flag it. Surface corrosion on a sill can be cosmetic, but it can also mask deeper section loss, particularly on a vehicle that has stood for long periods. The offside sill and both front subframe mounting points should be checked for similar corrosion. The tyres, while advisory items, are clearly aged and should be replaced before any significant driving, regardless of remaining tread depth. The March 2024 failure for ineffective wipers was resolved by the retest the same day, so that issue appears to have been addressed with a straightforward blade replacement. Beyond the MOT record, a prospective buyer should examine the brake system for seized calipers or uneven disc wear, common on vehicles with low annual mileage and extended parking periods. Suspension bushes and shock absorbers should be checked for perishing, as rubber components degrade with age and ozone exposure independent of mileage. The exhaust system, particularly the flexi-joint and mounting points, deserves a visual inspection for corrosion. Overall, the Sandero's mechanical record is clean with no recurring safety-critical failures, but the pattern of advisories and low-mileage storage means a thorough in-person inspection of structural corrosion and aged rubber components is essential before purchase.