2016 Dacia Sandero 1.5L Diesel · OV16 KLE

The most recent MOT inspection from February 2026 indicates a passing result, but the vehicle has entered a period of declining mechanical stability. While the history from 2019 through 2024 was largely clean, the 2026 test revealed multiple major failures and several significant advisories. The transition from a clean record to a failure involving suspension components, wheel bearings, and wiper effectiveness suggests that the vehicle is now entering a phase of age-related wear and tear that requires immediate attention. The current maintenance trend is worsening, as the recent failures indicate that several critical components have reached the end of their serviceable life simultaneously. With a recorded mileage of 53,076 over approximately ten years, this Dacia Sandero has averaged roughly 5,300 miles per year. This is considered very low usage for a vehicle of this age. While low mileage typically implies less wear on the engine and drivetrain, it often leads to different mechanical issues, such as components seizing or degrading due to infrequent use. In this specific case, the low mileage may have contributed to the recent deterioration of rubber components and suspension elements, which can perish or lose effectiveness when a vehicle spends long periods stationary or is only driven on short, low-speed journeys. The recent MOT failure and subsequent advisories highlight several areas of concern that must be addressed. The failure of the nearside front lower suspension bush and the offside front wheel bearing indicates significant wear in the steering and suspension geometry. During a test drive, you should listen for rhythmic humming or growling noises from the front end, which would indicate the wheel bearing issue, and feel for any clunking or knocking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces, which would signify worn suspension bushes. Furthermore, the advisories regarding misting oil on the nearside front shock absorber and reduced damping on the offside rear suggest that the dampers are failing. This can lead to excessive vehicle body roll in corners and a bouncy, unsettled ride quality. You must also pay close attention to the braking system and tyres. The advisory for worn brake discs on both front sides suggests that the discs are approaching the minimum thickness limit and may soon require replacement to avoid judder or reduced stopping power. The front tyres being worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edges suggests potential tracking or alignment issues, likely stemming from the aforementioned suspension wear. Given the low annual mileage, I also recommend inspecting the tyre sidewalls for signs of perishing or cracking and checking the 12V battery health, as low-use vehicles are prone to battery sulphation. Finally, verify that the service history includes regular oil and fluid changes, as calendar-based degradation is often more critical than mileage-based wear in vehicles with this usage profile.