2018 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · SD18 WFG

The vehicle remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 2026-04-27, but the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. The same front brake disc wear and nearside front tyre condition that appeared in 2023 have reappeared in 2026, indicating a failure to address underlying issues. The corrosion on the front sub-frame and the advisory on the rear axle beam suggest structural degradation that may not yet be critical but warrants close inspection. The fact that the brakes were flagged again despite passing in 2024 shows a pattern of deferred maintenance rather than proactive care. Mileage progression is consistent with the vehicle’s age — 49,404 miles over eight years equates to roughly 6,200 miles annually, which is within normal expectations for a used car of this type. The gap between the 2024 and 2026 tests is 4,938 miles, a reasonable interval for a car driven moderately. There are no signs of sudden mileage spikes or long periods of inactivity, which supports the view that the car has been in regular use, though not necessarily well maintained. The 2025 MOT failure occurred at the same mileage as the 2025 pass, indicating the tyre issue was not resolved between tests. Buyers should inspect the front brake system in detail, particularly the discs and pads, as repeated wear without replacement suggests either neglect or a systemic issue with brake balance or alignment. The corrosion on the front sub-frame and rear axle beam should be evaluated for structural integrity — while not yet failing, these are early signs of metal fatigue or poor environmental protection. The nearside front tyre’s persistent wear to the legal limit implies either incorrect wheel alignment, uneven tyre pressure, or a suspension fault that should be diagnosed before purchase. Wiper blades and rear fog lamp functionality should also be checked, as these were flagged in prior tests and may still be faulty. The car’s mechanical condition is serviceable but not robust. The recurring brake and tyre issues point to a lack of consistent servicing, while the corrosion suggests exposure to moisture or poor bodywork maintenance. A buyer should not assume the car is mechanically sound just because it passed its last MOT — the history reveals a pattern of deferred fixes that may require immediate attention to ensure long-term reliability and safety.