2018 Dacia Sandero 1.0L Petrol · NA68 OTK

The most recent MOT test on 2025-06-20 confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy at 70,343 miles, with no defects recorded. This reflects a stable maintenance pattern over the past year, as both the 2024 and 2025 tests passed without failings. The absence of advisories or recurring issues suggests the vehicle has not experienced persistent mechanical or structural concerns during this period. However, the two consecutive failures in August 2023—both at exactly 46,205 miles—demonstrate an anomaly that warrants closer scrutiny, though no specific defects were logged for those tests. The mileage progression indicates typical usage for a vehicle of this age, averaging around 8,793 miles annually. There are no prolonged gaps or unusually rapid mileage jumps between tests, though the 2024 retest occurred just one day after a failure, which is unusual and may imply a rushed or administrative oversight rather than mechanical urgency. The 2023 failures at identical mileage could suggest a coincidental timing issue, but the subsequent tests at higher mileages passed without incident, reinforcing the vehicle’s current reliability. Given the lack of recorded defects in recent tests, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on components prone to wear at this mileage: the suspension system, particularly coil springs and bushes, should be checked for uneven sagging or excessive play. The braking system, including rear calipers and discs, should be examined for binding or uneven wear, as the 2023 failures—though unexplained—could hint at latent brake issues. Structural integrity, especially around wheel arches and sills, should be assessed for corrosion, particularly if the vehicle has experienced wet or salty conditions. Tyres, while not noted in failures, should be inspected for uneven tread wear or signs of past patchwork, as the repeated 2023 tests at identical mileage might imply a delay in addressing such issues. Finally, the exhaust system and emissions should be verified for leaks or excessive smoke, as these are common areas for gradual deterioration.