2022 Dacia Duster 1.3L Petrol · SH22 LMK

A 2022 Dacia Duster presenting with a fundamentally clean MOT record, the only blemish across its two tests being a single advisory for an oil leak that the tester judged not to be excessive. The most recent assessment on 15 May 2026 recorded no defects whatsoever, while the earlier 2025 test carried forward the same minor seepage note rather than any new concerns. The absence of any brake, suspension, exhaust, or structural advisories across both examinations, combined with no failures on file, indicates that the vehicle has remained roadworthy throughout its recorded testing life without presenting any chronic deterioration patterns. Against an expected annual accumulation well above 5,000 miles for a typical family SUV, this Duster has covered only 19,342 miles in roughly four years, equating to around 4,836 miles annually. Such restrained usage means wear-sensitive consumables including brake pads, discs, tyres, and clutch friction material will show low absolute wear, though prolonged standing periods can introduce their own concerns such as brake disc corrosion from surface oxidation, dry corrosion on underbody components, and potential moisture accumulation in fluids. The MOT testing cadence aligns predictably with the calendar, suggesting the vehicle has been used regularly enough to be presented annually rather than left dormant for extended periods, which is reassuring from a corrosion and seal-condition standpoint. For a prospective buyer evaluating this particular car, the oil leak advisory deserves direct investigation despite the tester deeming it non-excessive. On a cold start, listen for any ticking or tapping that might indicate oil pressure anomalies, and after the engine reaches operating temperature, inspect beneath the engine bay and along the underside for fresh seepage around the sump, camshaft cover, and timing chain area. Examine the underside for oil residue tracking down the block or pooling on subframe members, and verify the oil level on the dipstick is stable between services. Given the Duster's known history of minor oil weepage from the camshaft cover gasket on these engines, a replacement during a routine service is straightforward and relatively inexpensive. The clean record otherwise permits a focused test drive without anticipation of handling faults, though specific components warrant direct attention. During the drive, test for any knocking or creaking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, paying particular heed to the lower wishbone bushes and anti-roll bar drop links, which are common wear items. Assess the brakes for binding or pulling under light pedal application, as low mileage combined with infrequent use can allow discs to develop lip corrosion that produces judder under braking. Finally, check the steering for any slack or uneven self-centring, and inspect the tyres for uneven shoulder wear, which on a low-mileage vehicle would suggest alignment issues rather than natural wear progression.