2015 Dacia Sandero 1.5L Diesel · SH15 LXW

The vehicle's roadworthiness shows a worsening trend regarding braking and suspension components. While the most recent test on 16 April 2026 at 48,170 miles resulted in a pass, the immediate failure on 15 April 2026 highlights significant issues. The tester flagged a nearside rear service brake that was excessively binding and an imbalance across the rear axle. This follows a pattern of braking issues seen in the 2025 test at 45,077 miles, where the tester noted pitted front brake discs and handbrake linkage freeplay. The mileage pattern indicates low annual usage, averaging approximately 4,379 miles per year over its eleven-year lifespan. This low-use profile is consistent with the recorded 48,170 miles as of April 2026. However, the history suggests that infrequent use may contribute to mechanical stagnation. The recurring issues with binding brakes and perished tyres, such as the cracking noted in the July 2021 test at 35,185 miles, often correlate with vehicles that sit idle for extended periods. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking system and suspension geometry. The record shows a persistent struggle with brake maintenance, including binding calipers, imbalanced axles, and low hydraulic fluid levels. The suspension has also been a recurring failure point, with the 2023 test at 40,304 miles flagging multiple worn ball joints and a split CV boot, and the 2025 test noting a worn offside front lower suspension arm ball joint. Specific attention should be paid to the underside of the vehicle to check for seized handbrake cables or levers, as these were explicitly identified as potential causes for binding in the July 2023 failure. Given the history of fractured coil springs and worn suspension bushes, a road test is necessary to check for knocks or instability. Finally, verify that the recent windscreen damage mentioned in the April 2026 test has not compromised the structural integrity of the glass or the driver's field of vision.