2017 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · PF17 VPD

The Dacia Sandero presents a mixed roadworthiness profile. The most recent MOT, conducted on 10 February 2026 at 38,039 miles, passed but flagged corrosion on both nearside and offside rear coil springs. This is a notable shift from the prior four years of testing, where advisories centred almost exclusively on tyre perishing and minor punctures. The maintenance trend is therefore worsening in a structural sense, moving from superficial rubber deterioration to corrosion on a critical suspension component, despite the car remaining legally roadworthy at the time of the last test. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low. Covering just 38,039 miles over roughly nine years equates to approximately 4,227 miles per year, well below the UK annual average. The record shows steady, incremental accumulation: 11,280 miles in February 2022, 17,777 in February 2023, 23,269 in February 2024, 30,414 in February 2025, and 38,039 in February 2026. This suggests consistent but light usage with no sudden jumps or gaps in the odometer record. Low mileage can preserve mechanical components, yet prolonged periods of inactivity likely contributed to the recurring tyre perishing and now the coil spring corrosion seen in the latest test. A buyer inspecting this vehicle in person should focus first on the rear suspension. The February 2026 advisory for corroded coil springs on both sides is a structural concern that can affect ride height, handling, and MOT longevity. Check for visible rust scaling, cracking, or sag at the rear, particularly if the car has been standing for extended periods or exposed to road salt. Tyre condition also demands close scrutiny. The record shows perishing advisories in every test from 2022 through 2025, with a nail puncture noted on the nearside rear in 2025. Even if tread depth is adequate, aged rubber with sidewall cracking poses a genuine failure risk, especially at speed. Beyond the flagged items, inspect the underside for corrosion on brake lines, subframes, and exhaust mounting points, as low-mileage cars that sit idle can develop surface rust in areas that higher-mileage vehicles naturally shed through regular heat cycling. Verify that the rear brakes are not binding, given the coil spring condition, and confirm that all suspension bushes and dampers are free from leaks or perished rubber. The record is otherwise clean with no outright failures, but the transition from tyre advisories to suspension corrosion suggests the previous owner addressed only immediate MOT consumables rather than underlying deterioration. A thorough underbody inspection before purchase is strongly recommended.