2018 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · SC18 LMU

A clean and unblemished MOT record defines this 2018 Dacia Sandero, presenting a reassuring picture of structural and mechanical integrity over the entirety of its testing history. The most recent assessment on 11 March 2026 returned a pass with no advisories or defects recorded, continuing a pattern established since its first test. Notably, the previous year's entry on 6 March 2025 initially logged as a failure but was followed immediately by a pass on the same date, a sequence typically indicative of a minor rectification carried out at the testing station rather than a fundamental mechanical concern. Across all four documented tests, no corrosion, component wear, or structural issues have been flagged, suggesting the vehicle has not yet encountered the suspension, braking, or underbody deterioration often seen at this stage of life. With 108,300 miles accumulated over eight years, this Sandero has averaged roughly 13,500 miles annually, placing it firmly in the higher mileage bracket for its age and generation. This sustained rate of use implies that consumable components such as tyres, brake pads, discs, and clutch friction material have likely undergone multiple replacement cycles. The continuous annual testing since 2023, with no recorded gaps, indicates the vehicle has been in regular service rather than laid up for extended periods, which generally prevents the issues associated with dried seals and seized components but accelerates wear on dynamic drivetrain parts. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories means a standard pre-purchase inspection should focus on the typical high-wear areas expected for a Sandero of this mileage. Particular attention should be paid to the front suspension, listening for knocking or rattling from the anti-roll bar bushes and drop links over uneven surfaces, and checking the rear axle bushes for signs of cracking. Steering wander or uneven tyre wear across the front axle would warrant scrutiny of the track rod ends, while a test drive should include firm braking from speed to confirm there is no pulling, vibration through the pedal, or grinding indicative of worn discs. Equally important is a thorough check of the engine and transmission for the secondary symptoms of high mileage. On start-up from cold, listen for any timing chain rattle or excessive diesel clatter if the engine is the 1.5 dCi, or any timing belt concerns if the 0.9 TCe petrol variant is approaching its scheduled replacement interval. The clutch should be tested on a hill to ensure there is no slipping under load, and a manual inspection underneath the vehicle is advisable to check for oil seepage from the sump gasket, valve cover, or turbo seals. Finally, confirm the operation of all interior switchgear and the heating system, as electrical gremlins and failed blower motors are common age-related faults on the Sandero that would not appear on an MOT certificate.