2013 Dacia Duster 1.5L Diesel · SD13 KJA

The Dacia Duster passed its most recent MOT on 19 February 2026 at 70,132 miles, but the record reveals a worsening pattern of corrosion and component wear that demands careful scrutiny. While the vehicle has consistently achieved a pass, the advisories are shifting from isolated minor faults toward more systemic structural concerns. The February 2026 test flagged corrosion on both front brake pipes, slight play in the nearside front track rod end ball joint, and both front tyres worn close to the legal limit. These are not new problems. They are the continuation of a long-running trend where age-related corrosion and steering wear have persisted across multiple test cycles without evidence of meaningful preventative repair. The mileage profile is notably low for a 2013 vehicle, averaging roughly 5,395 miles per year. Between the February 2022 test at 57,052 miles and the February 2023 test at 62,392 miles, the car covered 5,340 miles in twelve months. The following year it added just 2,957 miles, and between February 2025 and February 2026 it added only 2,850 miles. This suggests the vehicle has spent extended periods stationary, which is often more damaging to brake components, tyres, and seals than regular use. Long stationary periods accelerate moisture ingress in brake lines, cause flat-spotting in tyres, and promote corrosion in exposed underside components. The recurring theme across the MOT history is corrosion of the brake pipe network. Every test from February 2022 onward has flagged corroded brake pipes, with the February 2024 test noting all four pipes affected. The February 2025 test added corrosion to both rear shock absorber casings. The February 2026 test confirmed the front brake pipes remain corroded and introduced track rod end play. A buyer should have the entire underside inspected on a ramp, paying particular attention to the condition of all brake lines, the rear shock absorbers, and the structural integrity of the subframe and mounting points. Surface corrosion is common on older vehicles, but repeated advisories on brake pipes across four consecutive years suggest the lines may be approaching the point of failure rather than merely showing cosmetic age. The front tyres wearing on the edges at the most recent test, combined with the track rod end play, points to a suspension geometry issue that has likely been developing since at least February 2023 when the offside track rod end was first flagged. Uneven tyre wear and steering play together suggest worn tracking or a neglected front-end setup. A buyer should test-drive the vehicle for any vagueness in steering response or uneven braking pull, and budget for a full four-wheel alignment and possible track rod end replacement. The brake discs were flagged as worn and pitted in February 2024, and while no further advisory appeared in 2025 or 2026, the corroded pipework raises questions about whether the braking system has been properly flushed or maintained. This is a vehicle that has been kept running on a minimal maintenance budget rather than one that has been proactively cared for.