2016 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · SD16 RVC

The most recent MOT test for this 2016 Dacia Sandero was conducted on 2025-06-04 and passed without any defects, marking a positive turnaround following a series of failures and advisories in the preceding year. However, the vehicle’s MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring issues that suggest underlying wear and potential neglect, particularly around the suspension, braking system, and front tyres. The failures in 2024—including a fractured anti-roll bar mounting bracket, excessive track rod end play, and binding rear service brakes—highlight structural and mechanical degradation that may have been exacerbated by either heavy use or inadequate servicing. While the 2025 test cleared these concerns, the advisories from earlier years, such as worn front tyres and fluctuating front brakes, indicate ongoing wear progression that should be monitored closely. The recorded mileage of 62,974 miles for a ten-year-old vehicle represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 6,297 miles per year, which is broadly consistent with typical usage patterns for this model. However, the gaps between MOT tests—particularly the lengthy period without inspection between 2024-11-19 and 2025-06-04—could imply periods of prolonged idleness, which may have allowed certain components to degrade further, such as brake systems or suspension elements that suffer from standing corrosion or binding. A lower mileage might suggest lighter use, but the vehicle’s age and the presence of multiple advisories and failures indicate that wear is not solely driven by mileage but also by time-based deterioration, such as fluid degradation, corrosion, or mechanical fatigue in non-moving parts like the Macpherson strut or anti-roll bar mounts. Before proceeding with purchase, the prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection to address the known issues and ensure the vehicle remains roadworthy. Given the history of binding rear service brakes and excessive play in the front track rod end, the brakes should be tested for responsiveness and checked for signs of overheating, such as a burning smell or pulsation when braking, which could indicate warped discs or worn brake pads. The front anti-roll bar mounting bracket failure suggests that the suspension geometry may be compromised, leading to uneven tyre wear or clunking noises when driving over bumps. Inspect the front tyres for uneven wear patterns, sidewall cracks, or signs of hydroplaning risk, as the advisories from previous MOTs indicate they are approaching legal limits. Additionally, the corroded Macpherson strut and potential structural integrity concerns around the anti-roll bar mounts warrant careful inspection of the suspension for excessive play, binding, or excessive noise when moving the steering wheel side-to-side. For fluid servicing, the buyer should verify the condition of the brake fluid, which may have degraded over time due to standing, and consider replacing it if it appears dark or has absorbed moisture. The engine oil and transmission fluid should also be checked for contamination or sludge, as these fluids can break down with prolonged periods without use. The battery should be tested for capacity, as prolonged idleness can lead to sulfation or reduced performance, and the alternator should be checked for charging system efficiency. Finally, the vehicle’s exhaust emissions system should be inspected for leaks or blockages, as the offside mirror damage from 2024-11-19 may have compromised airflow or sensor function. A professional inspection, including a test drive to listen for suspension clunks, uneven tyre wear, or binding calipers, is essential to confirm the absence of hidden issues and to prioritise maintenance tasks based on the vehicle’s current condition.