2014 Dacia Duster 1.5L Diesel · SD64 UBA

The Dacia Duster presents a mixed maintenance profile, with the most recent MOT outcome showing a pass on 27 September 2025 at 109,880 miles. That result followed a same-day failure for a single nearside front position lamp, which was evidently rectified promptly. The pass itself, however, still carried advisories for corrosion on both front integral body structures and both front brake pipes, along with a minor engine oil leak. These are not new issues. They have persisted across multiple tests, indicating a stable but unresolved pattern of surface corrosion and fluid seepage rather than an acute mechanical failure. The vehicle remains legally roadworthy, but the recurring nature of these faults suggests cosmetic and preventative maintenance has been deferred rather than neglected outright. At roughly 9,157 miles per year over twelve years, the mileage accumulation is entirely typical for a vehicle of this age and class. The record shows a gap of approximately 5,745 miles between September 2024 and September 2025, which is consistent with steady weekly use rather than prolonged standing or high-intensity commuting. There are no suspicious mileage reversals or unusually sparse test intervals that would raise concern about odometer tampering or extended periods off the road. The annual test pattern itself is regular, with MOTs consistently falling in late summer or early autumn each year, suggesting a single owner or a stable keeper who maintained the testing schedule without significant lapses. A buyer inspecting this Duster in person should focus on the front subframe and bulkhead areas, where corrosion has been flagged repeatedly since at least September 2023. The advisories note that structural rigidity is not significantly reduced, but any visible corrosion on a twelve-year-old vehicle warrants close physical examination with a torch and probe to distinguish surface rust from deeper section loss. The front brake pipes have been flagged as corroded and contaminated with grease or material since September 2024, meaning the protective coating may have deteriorated and the pipe walls could be thinning. A visual check of the pipe routing along the inner wings and chassis rails is essential, particularly if the vehicle has been used on salted roads. The minor engine oil leak noted across multiple tests deserves attention under the bonnet and around the engine block, as even a non-excessive seepage point can worsen with age and contaminate belts or suspension components. The rear brake issues that appeared in the September 2024 failure, including binding service brakes and inoperative parking brake on both sides, were not repeated in the 2025 test, suggesting they were addressed at the time. Still, a road test should confirm the handbrake holds firmly on a gradient and that neither rear caliper drags under normal driving. Front tyre wear has been flagged as close to the legal limit in past tests, so checking tread depth and sidewall condition is prudent, along with a visual inspection of the front suspension mounts where corrosion was noted in 2024.