2018 Dacia Duster 1.6L Petrol · PL18 OLT

A consistently clean roadworthiness record has defined this vehicle for the majority of its life, though the most recent pass on 13 April 2026 introduced the first significant mechanical concern. After five years of defect-free testing, the appearance of a severely deteriorated offside front outer drive shaft constant velocity boot indicates that rubber components are now beginning to perish. This transition from a clean history to one with a specific drivetrain advisory suggests the vehicle is entering a phase of expected age-related wear. The recorded mileage of 51,909 miles over eight years reflects a typical usage profile, averaging approximately 6,489 miles annually. This steady rate of accumulation suggests the vehicle has avoided the risks associated with both extreme high-mileage wear and the degradation caused by long-term standing. At this mileage, the mechanical focus shifts toward the degradation of rubber seals and the gradual wear of consumables, which aligns with the current advisory on the drive shaft. Immediate attention must be given to the offside front outer drive shaft CV boot. Because the boot is recorded as severely deteriorated, the internal joint is vulnerable to contamination from road grit and the loss of essential lubrication. During a test drive, the buyer should perform tight, low-speed turns in both directions while accelerating; any audible clicking or popping sounds from the front offside area would indicate that the joint has already suffered internal damage beyond the boot failure. While the historical absence of advisories regarding structural corrosion or suspension failure suggests the vehicle has remained stable, the current drivetrain issue remains the primary point of concern. The buyer should also inspect the surrounding suspension components for any signs of leaking dampers or perished bushings that may not have been flagged but are typical for a vehicle of this age. Ensuring the CV boot is replaced promptly will be critical to avoiding the more expensive requirement of replacing the entire drive shaft assembly.