2016 Dacia Sandero 1.1L Petrol · NU66 ENC

The most recent MOT test on 2026-06-23 resulted in a pass, though it revealed persistent advisories that suggest ongoing issues requiring attention. While the vehicle has passed subsequent tests, the recurring advisories—particularly around brake disc wear, tyre edge wear, and wheel distortion—indicate a maintenance trend that has not fully resolved. The failure in 2026-06-20 highlighted critical issues, including a severely damaged rear tyre and exhaust emissions faults, which were not present in later tests, suggesting either partial repairs or incomplete fixes. This pattern of unresolved advisories and the presence of major defects from the previous MOT indicate that the vehicle’s roadworthiness is compromised by unresolved mechanical wear and potential structural or fluid-related issues. The recorded mileage of 56,658 miles for a vehicle aged ten years represents a relatively low annual usage rate of approximately 5,666 miles per year, which is unusually low for its age. Such low mileage can result from prolonged periods of inactivity, particularly if the car has been stored for extended periods without regular use. This could lead to several concerns, including the development of standing corrosion—particularly in the brake system, suspension components, and undercarriage—due to moisture exposure. Additionally, fluid degradation, such as brake fluid absorption of moisture or engine oil thinning from lack of circulation, may accelerate wear in seals, bearings, and hydraulic components. The vehicle’s low usage also raises questions about the condition of consumables like brake pads, filters, and fluids, which may have degraded over time rather than through wear from driving. Given the recurring advisories and the history of major defects, the buyer should conduct a thorough inspection to address the following critical areas. First, the brake system requires immediate attention: check for uneven brake pad wear, binding calipers, or corrosion on brake discs and hoses. Listen for grinding noises when braking, which may indicate disc warping or pad-to-disc contact. Inspect the parking brake mechanism for excessive play or binding, as the 2026 MOT advisory suggests it is not functioning correctly. Next, the tyres present significant concerns; the previous MOT failures indicate edge wear and a deep cut in the offside rear tyre, which could compromise traction and handling. Verify tyre tread depth, sidewall condition, and for signs of uneven wear or bulges, as these may signal underlying suspension or alignment issues. The wheel distortion advisories suggest possible warping or structural damage, warranting a visual inspection of wheel rims for cracks or deformities and a check for excessive play in wheel bearings. For the tyre advisories, the buyer should replace the offside rear tyre immediately, as the cut exceeds legal limits and poses a safety risk. The edge wear on the front tyres should be addressed promptly, as this can lead to hydroplaning risks and uneven tyre life. Regarding the exhaust emissions failure, the vehicle’s catalytic converter or oxygen sensors may need replacement, which could also resolve the lambda reading issues. The standing corrosion risk, given the low mileage, necessitates a thorough inspection of the undercarriage, especially around the suspension mounts, exhaust system, and wheel arches, for signs of rust or structural compromise. Additionally, check the fluid levels and condition—particularly brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil—for signs of degradation or contamination, as these can exacerbate wear in critical components. Finally, since the vehicle has not been serviced in recent years, verify the absence of service book stamps and consider a full fluid top-up, including the brake and coolant systems, to mitigate long-term degradation.