2015 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · SC15 UOO

The most recent MOT, carried out on 9 January 2026, resulted in a failure due to several major defects – an excessively worn nearside front suspension arm ball‑joint, a split off‑side front constant‑velocity joint boot, and related front‑suspension failures. This follows a pattern of intermittent clean passes in 2024 and 2025, but the vehicle suffered a cascade of serious front‑suspension and coil‑spring fractures in late 2023, indicating a deterioration rather than an improvement in the underlying condition. The overall maintenance trend is therefore clearly worsening, with recurring structural and drivetrain issues that have not been fully resolved. With 50,125 miles recorded over an eleven‑year life, the average annual mileage is roughly 4,500 mi, well below the typical UK usage of 8‑12 000 mi per year. Such low utilisation often points to long periods of inactivity or very gentle driving, which can be as detrimental as high mileage for certain components. Prolonged standing can accelerate tyre perishing, cause brake discs to rust and seize, allow battery electrolyte to stratify, and let suspension bushings dry out, while the limited mileage may mask progressive wear in critical load‑bearing parts such as ball joints and coil springs that have now manifested as failures. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front suspension assembly. Inspect both front coil springs for cracks or signs of fatigue, and check the condition of the nearside and off‑side ball joints for any play when the wheel is rocked at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions. Examine the anti‑roll bar linkage for secure mounting bolts and any signs of looseness. The constant‑velocity joint boots on both front drive shafts must be intact; any split or cracked boot can admit dirt and lead to premature joint failure. During a test drive, listen for clunking or knocking when negotiating bumps, feel for any wandering or vague steering response, and note any vibration that may indicate a broken spring or worn joint. Also verify that the rear service brake on the nearside is not binding – a slight drag can be felt as a pulling sensation when applying the brakes, and excessive wear may be audible as a shudder. Beyond the documented defects, age‑related checks are essential. The tyres, already noted with a nail in the off‑side rear and signs of perishing on both rears, should be examined for sidewall cracks, tread loss, and any bulges; replace any tyre that shows more than superficial ageing. Inspect the front brake discs for deep scoring or excessive rust, especially given the 2022 advisory about pitting. Test the 12 V battery voltage and, if possible, perform a load test, as a vehicle that sits for long periods often suffers reduced capacity. Finally, confirm that all fluid services – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been performed on a calendar basis, as time‑driven degradation can occur even with low mileage. A full mechanical inspection by a qualified technician, with particular focus on the front suspension and drivetrain, is strongly recommended before committing to purchase.