2014 Dacia Sandero 1.5L Diesel · SH14 AAJ

The most recent MOT test for the 2014 Dacia Sandero occurred on 2025-11-18, resulting in a passing outcome with no recorded defects. However, the vehicle’s MOT history reveals a pattern of two failures in the preceding two years—specifically on 2024-12-03 and 2023-11-28—though these were also classified as failures without defects listed. While the intervening MOTs (2023-11-30 and 2024-12-16) were clean, the presence of two failures within a 12-month period suggests a potential underlying issue that may have been either overlooked during testing or exacerbated by operational factors. Buyers should exercise caution, particularly if the vehicle has been driven under conditions that could accelerate wear, such as frequent short trips, rough roads, or heavy loads. The absence of specific defect codes in the failures means the exact nature of the problem cannot be pinpointed from DVSA records alone, but recurring issues in this context often relate to suspension components, drivetrain wear, or electrical faults that may manifest as subtle but persistent symptoms. The recorded mileage of 90,831 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 12 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 7,569 miles per year, which is within the expected range for a car of this age and class. This usage profile does not suggest either extreme light use or excessive wear from high mileage alone, but it does imply that the vehicle has been in regular service rather than left stationary for prolonged periods. However, the two MOT failures in the past two years could indicate that the vehicle has been driven under conditions that have contributed to accelerated wear, particularly in areas such as the suspension system, exhaust components, or drivetrain elements. If the vehicle has been driven frequently on rough terrain or subjected to frequent short trips, this may have led to premature fatigue in bushings, seals, or other wear items that were not detected during routine servicing. Given the MOT history, the buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection to identify potential causes of the past failures. Focus on the suspension system, checking for signs of excessive play or clunking noises when driving over bumps, which may indicate worn coil spring mounts, broken suspension bushes, or damaged control arm bushings. Listen for uneven suspension noise, particularly when cornering or over rough roads, as this could signal binding calipers or warped brake discs. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, rust, or disconnections, as these can lead to emissions failures and structural integrity issues. Additionally, examine the drivetrain for excessive vibration or whining noises, which may suggest worn differential seals or transmission fluid degradation. If the vehicle has been driven under heavy loads or in stop-start conditions, check for signs of brake system wear, such as excessive pedal travel, grinding noises, or uneven tyre wear patterns that could indicate binding calipers or warped discs. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, the buyer should also perform a series of age-appropriate checks to ensure long-term reliability. Given the 12-year age and moderate mileage, the tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking or perishing, which can occur even with low mileage due to prolonged exposure to UV light and environmental conditions. Check the 12V battery for signs of corrosion on terminals, a weak or slow-cranking response, or excessive voltage drops when tested. Inspect the brake system for signs of corrosion on discs or linings, particularly if the vehicle has been left stationary for extended periods, as this can cause binding calipers or reduced braking efficiency. Verify the condition of all fluids, including the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and differential/transmission fluid, ensuring they are free from contamination and within manufacturer-recommended service intervals. Since the vehicle has not had a full service in the past year, consider scheduling a comprehensive inspection with a qualified mechanic to address any potential issues before they escalate, particularly given the history of MOT failures. Lastly, if the vehicle has been driven under varying conditions, a thorough inspection of the exhaust system, catalytic converter, and oxygen sensors may be warranted to ensure compliance with emissions standards and prevent future failure.