2016 Dacia Logan 0.9L Petrol · OV16 OLJ

A clean sheet at the most recent test on 27 April 2026 reinforces what is otherwise a largely unblemished roadworthiness record for this 2016 Dacia Logan, with seven straight passes between 2020 and 2026 and only a single minor incident in that span. On 28 April 2025 the car was presented and failed on two near-side and off-side headlamp aim defects, both classified as dangerous, before being re-presented the same day and passing without any advisories being logged. The absence of any corrosion advisories, suspension component wear notes, or brake system flags across eight test entries suggests that structurally and dynamically the car has not exhibited the sort of deterioration that typically surfaces on a vehicle of this age. The only historical blemish is therefore isolated to headlamp alignment, a presentational and photometric issue rather than a mechanical wear concern, and the immediate re-test pass suggests it was a straightforward adjustment rather than a symptom of deeper lighting or wiring faults. Recorded mileage of 70,964 miles over a ten-year life equates to an average of around 7,096 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical private-use accumulation for a small family saloon of this era. There are no extended gaps in testing history, with annual MOT entries continuing uninterrupted from 2020 through to the current 2026 certificate, indicating the vehicle has been in consistent use rather than left standing for prolonged periods. Mileage progression between tests appears steady and proportionate to the elapsed intervals, with no signs of clocked readings or anomalous jumps that would warrant concern. Mechanically, this pattern of regular moderate use tends to keep lubricants circulating, suspension components working through their travel, and brake systems free from the seizing that affects vehicles stored for long periods, so the usage profile is broadly favourable from a wear standpoint. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection should be confirmation that the headlamp aim defect has not returned, as two failed aims in a single test can occasionally indicate a faulty levelling mechanism, weakened adjuster, or a body component that has shifted. On a flat surface facing a wall, check that both headlamps produce a sharply defined horizontal cut-off at the correct height and that any manual levelling motor, where fitted, operates smoothly through its range. Beyond this, the absence of recorded advisories means a physical inspection should focus on the usual Logan weak points: front suspension top mounts, anti-roll bar drop links, and the rear axle bushes, all of which can deteriorate without necessarily prompting an MOT failure at the mileage seen here. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and pay particular attention to any vagueness or rattling through the steering, which can indicate worn track rod ends or front strut cartridges. The braking system should be evaluated with the engine running on a quiet stretch of road, feeling for any pulling to one side under firm pedal pressure, any pulsing through the pedal that would suggest disc warping, and any grinding or squealing that might indicate pad wear close to the backing plate. Inspect the underside for any signs of fresh oil staining around the engine sump, cam cover gasket, or the transmission, as Logan engines of this generation are known to develop minor oil seepage with age, and check the exhaust system for blueing at joints or hangers that have begun to separate. Finally, examine all visible body seams, wheel arches, and the underside of the sills for any bubbling paint or surface corrosion, particularly around the rear wheel arches and the jacking points, as the MOT record does not flag rust because none was evident at test, but a ten-year-old budget saloon can develop early corrosion between tests that warrants a close look.