2016 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · ND66 TFN

The most recent MOT inspection on 2nd December 2025 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle's maintenance profile shows a concerning and persistent trend regarding its tyre condition. While the vehicle has successfully passed its tests since 2023, the recurring advisories for perishing and cracking across all four tyres have remained constant for three consecutive years. This indicates that while the vehicle is technically roadworthy, the rubber components are undergoing significant age-related degradation that has not been addressed. The overall maintenance trend is stable in terms of passing the test, but it is worsening in terms of the neglected state of the consumables, suggesting a pattern of reactive rather than proactive maintenance. With a recorded mileage of only 14,004 miles over a ten-year period, this Dacia Sandero has averaged approximately 1,400 miles per year. This extremely low annual usage is significantly below the UK average and confirms the vehicle has spent much of its life either standing or used only for very short, infrequent trips. While low mileage generally implies less mechanical wear on the engine, gearbox, and suspension components, it introduces specific risks associated with vehicle stagnation. Such usage patterns often lead to the deterioration of rubber-based components, the settling of fluids, and the potential for moisture buildup within the braking system and exhaust. The most immediate mechanical concern for a prospective buyer is the condition of the tyres. The repeated advisories for cracking and perishing across all four tyres are a direct consequence of age and UV exposure rather than tread wear. On a test drive, you should listen for increased road noise or vibrations, which can indicate internal structural damage or unevenness caused by flat-spotting from long periods of standing. You must physically inspect the sidewalls and the grooves of the tread for deep cracks or "weather checking." If these cracks are deep, the tyres are at risk of sudden failure or delamination, and an immediate replacement will be required. Furthermore, the previous advisory regarding oil residue near the offside front area should be re-examined to ensure no active leaks have developed, as stagnant engines can sometimes suffer from perished seals. Given the low mileage and likely long periods of inactivity, additional inspections are vital. Check the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion and ensure the calipers are not binding, which can happen when a vehicle sits for extended periods. You should also verify the service history to confirm that oil and coolant changes have been performed based on the calendar year rather than just mileage, as fluids degrade over time regardless of distance driven. Inspect the 12V battery for signs of sulphation or weakness, as low-use vehicles frequently suffer from battery discharge. Finally, check all suspension bushes and drive shafts for perished rubber, as these components can crack and fail due to age even if the vehicle has barely moved.