2017 Dacia Sandero 1.0L Petrol · MJ67 THU

A clean and consistent pass record defines this 2017 Dacia Sandero, with the most recent test on 4 November 2025 recording no defects and no advisories against the vehicle. Across five consecutive annual examinations stretching back to 2021, the car has never failed an MOT, and the only items ever flagged have been minor tyre-related advisories. Both rear tyres were noted in December 2024 as slightly cracking or perishing, and a nearside front tyre received the same advisory a year earlier in December 2023. These are surface-condition observations rather than structural concerns, and the fact that they did not reappear in 2025 suggests replacements have since been fitted. The overall trend is one of stable roadworthiness with no progressive deterioration, which for a budget-oriented supermini of this age is a reassuring indicator. Recorded mileage of 21,320 miles over nine years equates to an average of around 2,369 miles annually, which is notably low for the vehicle's age bracket. This pattern points either to very light daily use, perhaps limited to short errands, or to extended periods where the car has been laid up. Such low annual accumulation reduces wear on major mechanical items such as the clutch, drivetrain and braking components, but it does shift attention towards items that suffer more from standing than from being driven. Rubber seals, coolant hoses and underbody components can deteriorate through age rather than mileage, and a vehicle that has spent long stretches stationary is more prone to corrosion in box sections and undertray areas where road grime and moisture collect. The MOT history shows annual tests have been maintained without significant gaps, which at least confirms the car has been kept registered and inspected consistently rather than off the road for multi-year periods. Given the only recorded advisories relate to tyre sidewall cracking, the buyer's inspection on this Sandero should concentrate on the condition and age of the current tyres, including any uneven shoulder wear that might suggest alignment or suspension geometry issues. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps, particularly from the lower wishbones and anti-roll bar drop links, as Dacia Sanderos of this generation are known to develop play in these bushes. Steering should remain precise and free of vibration at speed, and the brake pedal should feel firm without excessive travel, as the low mileage does not eliminate the possibility of seized caliper sliders from infrequent use. A walkaround should also check for any oil seepage around the cam cover and sump area, as age-related gasket hardening can produce minor leaks regardless of how little the engine has been used. A closer inspection beneath the vehicle on a ramp or with a torch is worthwhile given the car's age, focusing on the condition of the rear axle beam, subframe mounting points and brake lines, all areas where surface corrosion is common on Dacias used on UK roads. The exhaust system, particularly the rear silencer and mounting rubbers, should be examined for signs of rot or sagging, as nine years of weather exposure can take its toll even at low mileage. Listen during the test drive for any rumble from underneath that could indicate a weakened exhaust or worn heat shield, and check that the cooling fan operates correctly and that the coolant level is clean, as neglected coolant is a frequent cause of head gasket problems on older small-capacity engines. Overall, the MOT record presents a fundamentally sound vehicle, but the low annual mileage means a thorough hands-on check of age-sensitive components will provide the clearest picture of its current mechanical state.