2018 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · SC68 UNE

The mechanical profile of this 2018 Dacia Sandero presents an unusual administrative pattern that warrants attention before any physical inspection. Over a testing history spanning from late 2023 through to December 2025, the vehicle alternates between pass and fail outcomes at consecutive attempts, with a passed test recorded on 5 December 2025 following a failed test just eight days earlier on 27 November 2025, and a similar pass after fail sequence occurring in October 2024. Notably, every single entry on the MOT record, both for passes and failures, shows no defects or advisories recorded. This means that while the failures represent genuine refusals of an MOT certificate, the items causing those refusals were either rectified between tests or, in some scenarios where items are not recorded against a failure, may relate to test administration rather than mechanical condition. The most recent pass on 5 December 2025 confirms current roadworthiness status as of the test date, and the overall pattern suggests a vehicle whose mechanical condition fluctuates around the pass threshold rather than showing progressive deterioration. Against its age, this Sandero has covered 54,363 miles at an average rate of roughly 6,795 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the expected range for a small supermini of its vintage and indicates reasonably consistent use rather than long periods of standing or exceptionally heavy motorway mileage. There are no extended gaps in the MOT testing record that would suggest the vehicle was off the road for multiple years, with tests conducted in October 2023, October 2024, and December 2025, confirming continuous registration and use. The mileage accumulation implies normal wear on consumable items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and clutch components, but nothing that suggests accelerated drivetrain fatigue. The Dacia Sandero platform is mechanically straightforward and utilises relatively simple suspension and braking architecture, which typically holds up well at this mileage provided basic servicing has been undertaken. Because no specific components, corrosion locations, or wear items have ever been flagged across the entire recorded MOT history, a prospective buyer cannot rely on the test record to predict where the next failure might occur. The absence of recorded advisories means there is no DVSA-documented evidence of emerging issues such as brake pipe corrosion, suspension bush deterioration, exhaust leaks, or steering component wear, which on a 2018 vehicle at eight years old would be considered a reasonably clean structural and mechanical record. However, this also means the test history offers no forewarning of latent issues, making a physical inspection particularly important. Particular attention should be paid to the underside of the vehicle for any surface corrosion starting to develop on subframe components, brake pipes, and suspension arms, as Dacia vehicles of this era can be susceptible to early corrosion in these areas even when not yet severe enough to warrant an MOT failure. On a physical inspection and test drive, focus on areas that the MOT record cannot fully assess. Listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or top mounts. Check for brake pedal pulsation or vibration under firm application, which suggests warped front discs, a common wear item at this mileage. Inspect the exhaust system for any blowing sounds or visible rust, particularly at the rear silencer and joint areas. Verify that the steering remains centred and does not pull to either side under acceleration or braking, and confirm that the clutch operates smoothly without slipping or excessive noise. Finally, examine the tyres for uneven inner or outer edge wear, which can reveal misalignment or worn suspension components. Given the clean advisory record, any symptoms discovered during these checks would represent fresh mechanical concerns rather than known recurring faults, allowing a clearer assessment of the vehicle's true current condition.