2016 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · MA66 WMW

The defining mechanical feature of this 2016 Dacia Sandero is a persistent, multi-year tyre perishing advisory across all four wheels, accompanied by a single but significant drivetrain failure. Every recorded MOT from 2022 onwards has flagged slight cracking or perishing on the nearside and offside front and rear tyres, with the 2022 test only omitting the nearside rear. This repeated pattern indicates age-related rubber degradation rather than a one-off wear issue, and it suggests that even nominally replaced tyres may be standing on wheels long enough for sidewall cracking to develop. More concerning is the failed test on 8 October 2025, where a major defect was recorded against the nearside front outer constant velocity joint boot, which was split or insecure and no longer prevented ingress of dirt. A retest the same day resulted in a pass, implying the boot was replaced in time, but a CV boot failure is a known precursor to joint contamination and eventual failure if left unaddressed, so the quality and provenance of that repair warrants close verification. Against a ten-year vehicle age, the recorded 20,849 miles equates to an average annual accumulation of approximately 2,085 miles, which is well below typical usage for a Sandero of this vintage. There are no extended gaps between tests, with annual MOT entries from 2022 through 2025 confirming the vehicle has remained in active use, albeit at a modest rate. This low-mileage profile means major mechanical components such as the engine, gearbox, and clutch have accumulated relatively little wear, but it also means consumables have aged in calendar terms more than in operational terms. Brake discs, for instance, may exhibit surface corrosion from infrequent use, and rubber components throughout the suspension and driveline are particularly susceptible to age-related hardening and cracking, as already evidenced by both the tyre advisories and the CV boot failure. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the condition of all four tyres, looking not only for tread depth but for visible sidewall cracking, checking the sidewalls for any repaired punctures that may have weakened the structure. Inspect the nearside front wheel arch and suspension area carefully for any grease residue around the outer CV joint, as a recently fitted boot should be clean, properly seated with intact clips, and free from signs of fresh splits. On the test drive, listen for any clicking or rhythmic knocking from the front wheels when turning on full lock, particularly during low-speed manoeuvres, which would indicate CV joint damage that may have occurred before the boot was replaced. It is also prudent to assess the general condition of the braking system, given the low mileage. During the test drive, expect to feel the initial bite of the brakes take slightly longer than usual due to light corrosion on the disc surfaces, and listen for any binding or dragging from the calipers, especially after the vehicle has been parked for a while. Inspect the underbody, paying attention to the front subframe, suspension arms, and anti-roll bar drop links for any surface corrosion, as Dacia underbody protection is generally modest and age-related rust can develop even at low mileages. Finally, verify the service history to confirm that brake fluid and coolant have been renewed at appropriate calendar intervals, as low annual mileage makes time-based fluid replacement more relevant than mileage-based schedules.