2018 Dacia Sandero 1.5L Diesel · NU18 RYH

The most recent MOT test on 2025-12-12 resulted in a passing grade, though it included several advisories that warrant careful consideration. Despite this, the vehicle’s MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring issues rather than a consistent improvement. The 2025-12-12 test followed a major failure in December 2024, where dangerous defects—including a critically compromised parking brake and imminent detachment of front anti-roll bar linkage components—were identified. While the 2025-12-12 test passed, the persistence of advisories such as worn and pitted front brake discs and rear tyre perishing suggests ongoing wear and potential underlying mechanical fatigue. The failure in December 2024 also highlighted structural concerns with the anti-roll bar linkages, which were deemed likely to fail soon, indicating that the vehicle’s suspension system has been subjected to significant stress over time. This trend of recurring defects points to either substandard maintenance or inherent wear beyond typical expectations for its age, meaning the buyer should approach this purchase with heightened vigilance. The vehicle’s mileage of 127,822 miles at its current age of eight years represents an unusually high annual usage rate of approximately 15,978 miles per year. This level of mileage is disproportionate to most eight-year-old cars, which typically accumulate around 8,000 to 12,000 miles annually. Such high mileage accelerates wear on critical components, including brakes, suspension, and drivetrain elements, as evidenced by the MOT history. The rapid mileage accumulation may also suggest periods of prolonged idling or heavy use, which can exacerbate issues like brake disc corrosion, suspension bush degradation, and fluid degradation. Additionally, the absence of service records or maintenance logs for such a high-mileage vehicle raises concerns about whether consumables like brake fluid, coolant, and lubricants have been replaced at recommended intervals, further compounding potential long-term reliability risks. For the prospective buyer, this vehicle presents a high-risk acquisition due to its history of critical failures and recurring advisories. Immediate inspection should focus on the front suspension, particularly the anti-roll bar linkages, which failed dangerously in December 2024. Listen for clunking noises from the front axle area during acceleration and braking, as these could indicate loose or failing components. Inspect the front brake discs for signs of binding or excessive corrosion, especially near the hubs, which may suggest standing corrosion or improper alignment. The brake system should be tested for shuddering or pulsation during deceleration, as this could signal warped discs or soft calipers. Additionally, check the parking brake mechanism for proper engagement and ensure the cables or hydraulic lines are not seized or corroded, as the 2024 MOT failure highlighted a severe efficiency issue. Beyond the mechanical checks, the buyer should also verify the rear tyres for further perishing or cracking, as the MOT history repeatedly flagged this issue. Given the high mileage, inspect the sidewall for signs of dry rot or cracking, which can compromise tyre integrity and lead to sudden failure. The vehicle’s battery should be tested for voltage and overall health, as prolonged idling or high mileage can accelerate battery degradation. Finally, since the vehicle has not been serviced at recommended intervals, consider a thorough fluid check—particularly brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid—due to their susceptibility to degradation over time. If possible, obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic to assess the condition of the suspension bushes, exhaust system, and structural integrity, as these areas have shown recurring vulnerabilities. The buyer should also be cautious about the advisories related to items obstructing the driver’s view, which may indicate misaligned or damaged components that could affect safety during operation.