2015 Dacia Sandero 1.5L Diesel · SC65 RHZ

The most recent MOT test on 2026-08-25 resulted in a pass, though it revealed persistent tyre wear advisories on both front tyres nearing the legal limit, indicating ongoing or unresolved handling issues. Despite this, the overall maintenance trend over the past five years is relatively stable, with only two failures recorded in the last six months—both related to front suspension and braking components—suggesting that while the vehicle has encountered critical wear, it has not spiralled into a pattern of repeated, systemic failures. The earlier failure in August 2026 highlighted severe wear in the front anti-roll bar linkage and a leaking shock absorber, alongside heavily worn brake discs and pads, which are now either addressed or at least no longer failing. The absence of further failures since then suggests either corrective action has been taken or the underlying issues are stabilising, though the tyre advisories remain a cause for concern as they may reflect persistent alignment or camber problems. The vehicle’s mileage of 85,805 miles at the time of writing represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 7,800 miles per year, which is typical for a 11-year-old DACIA Sandero given its compact size and likely lower demand for long-distance travel. This usage profile does not suggest excessive wear beyond what is expected for its age, but it does not rule out potential standing-related issues, such as corrosion or fluid degradation, if the vehicle has been parked for extended periods. The lack of significant mileage spikes or rapid accumulation over recent years implies consistent, moderate use rather than heavy or aggressive driving, which could contribute to the observed wear patterns. However, the presence of a fluid leak in the front shock absorber from the 2026 failure indicates that the vehicle may have been subjected to stress or vibration that accelerated component failure, warranting closer attention to fluid condition and suspension integrity. Given the recent MOT history, the prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension and braking systems. On a test drive, listen for unusual clunking noises from the front anti-roll bar linkage, which may indicate further wear or detachment of the pin or bush, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns that could suggest misalignment or camber issues—particularly if the tyre advisories persist. Inspect the front brake discs for signs of warping, binding, or excessive corrosion, which could lead to reduced braking performance or premature pad wear. Additionally, verify that the leaking shock absorber has been replaced, as a fluid leak can compromise damping efficiency and increase the risk of a suspension failure. Beyond these immediate concerns, the buyer should also examine the tyre sidewall for signs of perishing or cracking, which can weaken the tyre structure and reduce its safety margin, especially given the age and wear advisories. For the broader vehicle assessment, the buyer should conduct a visual and functional check of the front suspension components, including the strut towers, coil springs, and suspension bushes, for signs of wear, corrosion, or physical damage. Pay particular attention to the steering components, as persistent tyre edge wear may indicate misalignment or worn steering rack components. The brake system should be inspected for any signs of excessive heat damage, such as glazed or grooved discs, and the brake fluid reservoir should be checked for contamination or air bubbles, which could indicate a failing master cylinder or brake booster. Given the vehicle’s age and the recorded mileage, it is also prudent to verify the service history for fluid changes, particularly brake fluid and coolant, as these fluids degrade over time and can lead to corrosion or system failure if not replaced. Finally, the battery should be tested for health, as older vehicles like this may struggle with cold starts or electrical systems if the battery is weak or the alternator is failing, which can exacerbate issues like corrosion in standing conditions.