2015 Dacia Sandero 1.5L Diesel · SC65 RLV

The most recent DVSA examination on 9 February 2026 returned a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which on the surface suggests a vehicle that was presented in sound mechanical condition at the time of test. However, looking back through the recent history, the trend is somewhat mixed rather than steadily improving. The 2023 test cycle reveals a substantial front suspension intervention, with a major failure recorded just four days prior to a pass on 23 December 2023 for excessively worn near and offside front suspension arm ball joints, and that same test carried advisories on all four tyres for inner-edge wear. The January 2025 pass then noted a worn near-side front anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush, indicating that suspension component wear was still progressing. The 2020 cycle also demonstrated a pattern of partial rectification, with a major failure on 15 December 2020 for an inoperative engine malfunction indicator lamp and substandard parking brake efficiency being addressed enough to secure a pass the following day. The overall pattern is therefore one of intermittent but recurring chassis and drivetrain concerns rather than a clean record, suggesting that the vehicle has required ongoing attention to its suspension and braking systems. With 141,750 miles recorded against an eleven-year build, this Dacia Sandero is accumulating approximately 12,886 miles per year, which is notably above the national average and points to consistent, fairly intensive use rather than a vehicle that has spent extended periods standing. Such high annual mileage typically accelerates wear on all consumables and mechanical components, particularly the clutch, gearbox synchros, turbocharger if fitted, engine oil seals, and the rear brake drums or discs which often suffer from limited use on the handbrake mechanism given the predominantly front-wheel-drive nature of urban motoring. The fact that mileage has continued to accumulate steadily through 2025 and into early 2026 implies the vehicle remains in active service, and any prospective buyer should factor in that major service items such as cambelt or timing chain inspection, clutch hydraulics, and exhaust system components may be approaching or overdue for renewal depending on the manufacturer schedule. For a prospective buyer, the recurring suspension and tyre wear advisories warrant particular attention on inspection and test drive. The inner-edge tyre wear recorded on all four corners in late 2023 is highly suggestive of incorrect wheel alignment, worn suspension bushes, or possibly weakened front strut top mounts, and even after a presumed four-wheel alignment and tyre renewal, the underlying geometry issue may still be present. On a test drive, listen carefully for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as the previously replaced ball joints and the worn anti-roll bar bush could indicate broader wear in the front subframe mounting points, track rod ends, and wishbone bushes. Check that the steering remains centred and that the vehicle does not pull noticeably to one side under braking, which would point to either a sticking brake caliper or distorted front discs, both common on higher-mileage vehicles. Inspect the inner and outer edges of all four tyres for feathering or stepped wear, and verify the manufacturing date codes on the sidewalls to ensure replacements are recent, as the advisory history suggests the previous set may have been replaced only after the failed test in December 2023. Given the age and mileage, several calendar-based deterioration issues should also be physically inspected even though they do not appear in the MOT record. Check all tyres closely for sidewall cracking and perishing, which occurs regardless of tread depth and is particularly common on older budget tyres; the tread depth must also be verified with a gauge to ensure it sits well above the 1.6 mm legal minimum. Inspect the brake discs for corrosion ridges around the perimeter, as vehicles used for short urban journeys with frequent light braking are prone to disc surface rust that may have progressed into lipping. Examine the exhaust system from the manifold rearwards for corrosion, paying attention to mounting rubber hangers which often perish with age. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested if possible, as eleven-year-old units are well beyond typical service life and may fail without warning. Verify that the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid have been changed in line with the manufacturer schedule rather than purely on a mileage basis, and confirm a complete service history with stamped evidence in the book. Finally, examine the underside of the vehicle for fluid leaks, corrosion to structural members, and the condition of the undertrays and protective covers, noting that the 2021 advisory regarding covers obscuring components may make a thorough pre-purchase inspection more difficult without their temporary removal.