2018 Dacia Sandero 1.5L Diesel · SC67 FSE

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 4 February 2026. However, the overall maintenance trend is concerning and appears to be worsening. While the car maintained a relatively clean record between 2021 and 2024, the last two years have seen consecutive failures. The 2025 failures were primarily related to lighting and visibility, but the 2026 failure was significantly more severe, involving critical suspension components and braking efficiency. This shift suggests a transition from proactive maintenance to a reactive approach where defects are only addressed upon failing a legal inspection. With a recorded mileage of 78,013 miles over approximately eight years, the vehicle has averaged nearly 9,752 miles per year. This is considered typical usage for a small hatchback of this age. This level of mileage means that while the engine and drivetrain should be well within their operational lifespan, the vehicle is entering a phase where high-wear consumables and chassis components naturally degrade. The mileage is consistent with a daily driver, meaning the wear observed in the MOT history is likely a result of genuine road use rather than prolonged standing. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the front end of the vehicle given the recent failures of the anti-roll bar ball joint, track rod end, and coil spring. During a test drive, listen for clunks or knocks when traversing uneven surfaces or turning the steering wheel at low speeds, as these can indicate remaining play in the steering and suspension bushes. The failure regarding brake efficiency and the previous advisory for pitted brake discs suggest a history of brake wear. Check for any shuddering through the brake pedal during deceleration and inspect the discs for deep scoring or corrosion, which could indicate a need for a full brake overhaul including calipers and pads. Given the recurring issues with windscreen washers, wipers, and lighting, a thorough check of all electrical peripherals is necessary. Ensure the windscreen washer jets are clear and the wipers leave a clean, streak-free finish. Additionally, verify the functionality of all exterior lamps and the tyre pressure monitoring system to ensure no intermittent faults remain. Finally, because the vehicle is eight years old, the service history should be scrutinized to ensure that timing belts or water pumps have been replaced according to the manufacturer's calendar-based intervals, regardless of the mileage, to prevent catastrophic engine failure.