2015 Dacia Sandero 1.5L Diesel · MH65 FPJ

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2015 Dacia Sandero took place on 2 March 2026 and resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which represents a positive immediate outcome. Looking at the broader test history, there is a clear pattern of alternating pass and fail entries over recent years, with passes achieved in March 2024, March 2025, and March 2026, alongside corresponding failures in February 2025 and February 2026. Because no defect details have been logged against either of those failed tests, it is reasonable to infer that the failures were likely administrative in nature, possibly relating to emissions readiness, lamp condition, or tyres being just below the legal threshold, with the issues being rectified and the vehicle passing shortly afterwards each time. The overall trend therefore appears stable rather than worsening, as the vehicle has consistently returned to a clean pass on the retest and has maintained that standard over three consecutive annual cycles. With an odometer reading of 86,925 miles across approximately eleven years of service, this Sandero has covered an average of around 7,900 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical usage band for a vehicle of its age and class. There are no obvious extended gaps in the recorded mileage progression that would suggest prolonged periods of standing, and equally there is no evidence of unusually rapid accumulation that would point to a particularly hardworked life such as heavy motorway commuting or commercial use. This steady, moderate annual mileage is generally favourable for the longevity of major mechanical components, suggesting that the engine, transmission, and clutch have not been subjected to excessive thermal or load cycling. That said, it is worth noting that even moderate mileage on an eleven year old car will have produced cumulative wear on consumable systems, and a physical inspection should still focus on age-related degradation as much as distance-related wear. Given that the MOT history is remarkably clean and free of recorded advisories, attention should shift towards the practical, age and calendar-driven checks that a standard MOT examination does not fully cover. Tyres on an eleven year old vehicle, even those with adequate tread depth, can suffer from sidewall perishing and cracking due to prolonged exposure to UV light and ozone, so a close visual inspection of the sidewalls for hairline fissures is essential, particularly on a car that may have stood for periods. Brake discs on a low to moderate mileage example are prone to surface corrosion and can develop a lip or pitting that leads to brake shudder under pedal application, while caliper sliders can seize from lack of use, so a firm press of the brake pedal from speed should produce a straight, progressive response without pulling to either side. The 12V battery should also be load tested if possible, as batteries beyond five years of age frequently show diminished cranking performance, particularly in colder months. Finally, the prospective buyer should verify the time-based servicing items that are not assessed during an MOT but are critical to long term reliability on an older vehicle. Coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil all degrade with calendar age irrespective of mileage, and Dacia generally specify replacement intervals for these fluids that, on an eleven year old car, will almost certainly be overdue unless documentary evidence in the service book confirms recent attention. The timing belt or cam belt replacement interval is particularly important to confirm on this generation of Sandero, as omission of this can lead to catastrophic engine damage, so any supporting invoices or service history stamps relating to this work should be checked carefully. A cold start observation is also recommended, listening for any timing chain rattle, misfire, or excessive exhaust smoke that might suggest valve stem seal or piston ring wear, and a road test should confirm smooth gearchange operation and the absence of clonks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces.