2015 Dacia Sandero 1.1L Petrol · OU65 XPL

The most recent MOT test on 02 February 2026 resulted in a pass, but it is worth noting that this pass was achieved immediately after a fail on the same date, with the fail having been rectified for the subsequent retest. The failure items were all relatively minor in nature, comprising insufficient washer fluid on both front positions and a nearside front headlamp aim that was too low, all of which are easily rectified issues. However, the advisory items are more telling, as the same tyre perishing and cracking defects that have been flagged since 2022 are again present on all four corners at the latest test. The recurring nature of these tyre advisories across multiple consecutive tests indicates a persistent condition rather than a transient one. The maintenance trend therefore appears stable in terms of outright safety-critical defects, but the repeated tyre advisories and the earlier 2023 advisory regarding upper Macpherson strut top mount play suggest ongoing wear in specific areas that warrants close attention during a pre-purchase inspection. With 17,303 miles recorded over approximately eleven years, this Dacia Sandero has covered an annual average of around 1,573 miles, which is exceptionally low and strongly suggests significant periods of standing or only occasional use. Such low mileage typically results in different wear patterns compared to higher mileage vehicles. Mechanical components that rely on regular operation to remain in good condition are likely to have suffered from prolonged inactivity, including brake discs and calipers which may have corroded or seized, suspension components that can develop flat spots or surface corrosion, and rubber items such as drive belts, hoses, and seals which degrade with age regardless of mileage. The low usage also means the engine, transmission, and clutch may not have been exercised sufficiently to identify developing faults, and any evidence of regular short journeys or cold starts without sufficient warm-up periods would be a concern. Given the recurring tyre perishing advisories dating back to 2022, a prospective buyer should carefully inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking, particularly along the outer shoulders which was specifically mentioned in 2023. Perishing rubber can deteriorate further with age and exposure to UV light, eventually compromising structural integrity even where tread depth remains adequate. On a test drive, listen for any suspension clunks or knocking from the front end, particularly over speed humps or uneven surfaces, as the 2023 advisory noted play in the nearside front upper Macpherson strut top mount bush, a component that can progressively worsen and ultimately require replacement of the strut assembly. Additionally, inspect the front brake discs for signs of severe surface corrosion or uneven wear which is common on low mileage vehicles that have stood for extended periods, and verify that the calipers are releasing correctly without any binding that would cause pulling or juddering under braking. Beyond the items flagged in the MOT history, a buyer of this eleven-year-old vehicle should conduct several age-related checks regardless of the low recorded mileage. The 12V battery is particularly susceptible to failure after prolonged standing and may require load testing to confirm its state of health. All fluids should be inspected for condition and age, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and if applicable transmission fluid, as these degrade over time on a calendar basis rather than purely through use. Check the exhaust system for corrosion, particularly at joints and mounting points, and inspect the underbody for any signs of rust that may have developed through age and exposure. Verify that the service book contains stamps or invoices confirming regular maintenance, and check the timing belt or cam belt replacement history if applicable to this engine variant, as this is a critical age-based service item. Finally, examine all exterior rubber seals and trim for perishing, test all electrical functions including the headlamp levelling adjustment that was flagged in February, and confirm the windscreen washer system operates correctly with adequate fluid delivery.