2018 Dacia Sandero 1.0L Petrol · OY18 XAP

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 23 March 2026 at 50,670 miles, but this follows a failure just four days earlier on 19 March 2026 at 50,667 miles. That failure cited an inoperative or malfunctioning engine management warning light (MIL) and both front tyres being below or near the legal tread limit. The swift retest resulting in a pass suggests the immediate defects were rectified, yet the nature of the initial failure indicates a concerning maintenance trend where critical components were neglected until they caused a test failure. The recurring front tyre wear advisories in 2024 and the outright failure in 2026 point to a pattern of delayed basic upkeep rather than a stable or improving service regime. Mileage accumulation is consistent and typical for an eight-year-old vehicle. The recorded mileage shows steady annual use: from 31,898 miles in March 2023 to 36,728 miles a year later, then 43,045 miles in March 2025, reaching 50,670 miles by March 2026. This represents an average of approximately 6,300 miles per year, with no significant gaps or unexplained spikes in the recorded history. The data is sufficiently populated with annual tests to confirm regular, moderate usage without evidence of prolonged standing or exceptionally high wear from excessive mileage. A buyer must inspect the front tyres and alignment immediately. The history shows repeated issues with front tyre tread depth and edge wear across multiple years, which strongly suggests neglected wheel alignment or worn suspension components such as track rod ends or bushes. The 2026 failure for an engine MIL requires a thorough diagnostic check; this light should illuminate during a pre-purchase inspection to confirm it functions, and any stored fault codes must be read to identify the underlying issue, which could range from a simple sensor fault to a more serious engine or exhaust emissions problem. While the MOT history shows no direct failures for brakes or structural corrosion, the chronic front tyre wear pattern warrants a close examination of the front suspension coil springs, bushes, and braking system for uneven wear or binding calipers that could cause the observed tyre scuffing. The overall record implies previous ownership that addressed defects only when legally compelled, as seen by the tyre condition deteriorating from an advisory in 2024 to a fail item in 2026. The engine MIL failure is a significant red flag that must be resolved before purchase, as it indicates an active electronic engine management fault. Prioritise a professional inspection focusing on the front suspension geometry, the complete tyre set, and a full engine diagnostic scan to verify the MIL issue is fully resolved and not a temporary test-day fix.