2015 Dacia Sandero 1.5L Diesel · SC65 TFK

The most recent DVSA examination on 27 April 2026 resulted in a Pass, although three advisories were recorded against the vehicle. The central high-level stop lamp was noted as not working, and both front tyres were flagged as being worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge. Looking at the broader trend across recent years, the maintenance picture is broadly stable but not without concern. The 2025 test was completely clean with no advisories, while the 2024 and 2023 tests carried repeated advisories relating to front tyre wear and perishing, and in April 2023 the vehicle actually failed on two Major defects: a fractured nearside front coil spring and a split nearside outer CV joint boot that was no longer preventing ingress of dirt. The vehicle was repaired and passed three days later on 18 April 2023, and since then the recorded defects have been limited to advisory items, suggesting that the major mechanical issues have been addressed but ongoing consumable wear, particularly to the front tyres and suspension joints, remains a recurring theme. With 77,287 miles recorded on a vehicle of this vintage, the annual mileage works out at roughly 7,026 miles per year, which is broadly typical for an eleven year old car and points to regular but moderate use rather than extremes of either long-term standing or motorway-high mileage accumulation. The MOT history shows annual tests without any conspicuous gaps, and the mileage progression appears steady and consistent from year to year. This kind of usage pattern is generally favourable, as it tends to keep mechanical components exercised and functioning, reducing the risk of seized calipers, perished rubbers, and stale fluids that often plague very low mileage or stored vehicles. However, the recorded mileage is now into a band where common wear items such as suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs, and exhaust mountings are beginning to require attention. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the recurring advisory history around the front tyres, noting that issues with perishing, cracking, and edge wear have been flagged at every MOT since 2023. Tyre sidewall perishing on a 2015 vehicle is often age-related as much as mileage-related, so even new-looking tyres should be inspected for hairline cracks in the sidewall rubber. Edge wear on both front tyres together typically points to a geometry or camber issue, or simply worn suspension geometry allowing the tracking to drift out of specification, so a four-wheel alignment check is advisable. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over speed humps or uneven surfaces, as the 2024 advisory recorded slight movement in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint; this is a progressive wear item that, left unchecked, can escalate into a failure. Uneven braking, vibration through the steering wheel, or pulling to one side under braking would also warrant immediate inspection of the discs, pads, and caliper slide pins. Beyond the recorded advisories, there are several age-related items that should be physically inspected regardless of MOT outcome. The central stop lamp should be checked for operation, as the bulb or LED unit may simply require replacement, but the wiring and switch should also be verified to ensure it is not a deeper electrical fault. The coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil should be checked for age and condition, as these degrade over calendar years even at modest mileage, and a service book or maintenance invoice review will help confirm whether major items such as the cambelt, water pump, and brake fluid have been replaced at appropriate intervals. Look underneath the vehicle for any signs of corrosion to the underbody, subframe, and brake lines, particularly around the rear axle and fuel tank area, which are common rust spots on cars of this age. Finally, verify that the 12 volt battery is holding charge, as original units will be well past their expected service life by now, and confirm that all warning lights extinguish promptly on ignition to ensure no stored fault codes are present.