2014 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · ML64 NCY

The Dacia Sandero’s most recent MOT test on 2026-07-11 confirms it passed without defects, though this follows a critical failure just 11 days prior on 2025-07-02 , where the vehicle failed on four major items : a fractured near-side front coil spring, severe parking brake defects (including inoperative near-side rear operation and excessive lever movement), and a non-functioning near-side front headlamp. The trend over the past two years is concerning—recurring suspension and braking issues suggest either deferred maintenance or a lack of proper attention to critical components. The 2023 tests further reveal persistent rear coil spring corrosion and tyre degradation, indicating long-term neglect rather than isolated incidents. While the latest pass is reassuring, the recent failure and historical pattern of structural and safety-related faults demand thorough verification. The recorded mileage of 56,371 miles at the most recent test suggests unusually light usage for a 12-year-old vehicle, averaging just 4,698 miles per year . This low mileage could imply extended periods of inactivity, which may have exacerbated issues like coil spring corrosion and tyre degradation rather than mitigating them. The gap between the 2024 (51,636 miles) and 2023 (45,469 miles) tests —just 6,167 miles in a year —also raises questions about whether the vehicle was regularly driven or stored, potentially accelerating wear on components like suspension and brakes. The lack of intermediate MOTs or service records further obscures whether any corrective work was performed between failures. A prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension system , particularly the front and rear coil springs , given the 2023 corrosion failures and the 2025 fractured spring . The parking brake system warrants immediate scrutiny, as the 2025 failure indicated inefficiency and inoperability on one side, which could point to worn cables, drum issues, or improper adjustment. Rear wheel bearings should also be checked for play or unusual noise, as they often correlate with tyre damage or suspension wear. The front anti-roll bar linkage bush from 2023 may have deteriorated further, contributing to handling issues, while the near-side front tyre from 2023 was worn to the legal limit—confirming its replacement is essential. Finally, the windscreen condition from 2023 suggests potential internal damage or poor maintenance, which could obscure vision if not addressed.