2022 Dacia Sandero Comfort TCE 1.0L Petrol · SH22 YSG

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 10 June 2026 resulted in a pass, which is a positive immediate indicator of roadworthiness, although the associated advisory regarding a nearside rear outer child seat preventing full inspection of the adult belt should be noted as it relates to a temporary inspection limitation rather than a mechanical defect. Looking at the broader trend across the recorded MOT history, the maintenance profile is broadly stable rather than showing a pattern of deterioration. The first failure in May 2025 was caused by an isolated operational issue with the front windscreen washer, which was evidently rectified within the same test cycle as the vehicle passed two weeks later, and the advisory concerning the offside front tyre was similarly addressed. The June 2026 failure was more consequential, featuring a dangerous defect for an offside front inner tyre with tread depth below the 1.6mm statutory minimum, alongside a major defect for a split nearside front wiper blade, and advisories on both front brake pads wearing thin. The fact that the vehicle passed within two days of that failure suggests the items identified were rectified promptly, but the nature of the defects, particularly the tyre and brake wear, warrants close attention as they reflect consumable items reaching the end of their effective service life. With a recorded mileage of 26,391 miles over an approximate four-year period, this Dacia Sandero is averaging around 6,598 miles per year, which is broadly consistent with typical usage patterns for a small family or commuter vehicle of its age. There are no significant gaps in the recorded mileage between consecutive MOT tests that would suggest prolonged periods of standing, nor is there any evidence of rapid mileage accumulation that would indicate heavy commercial or high-mileage use. The relatively moderate annual mileage does, however, have implications for certain age-related degradation that is not solely mileage dependent. Components such as brake discs, calipers, suspension bushes, and flexible rubber elements can deteriorate with time and exposure to the elements regardless of distance covered, and the 2022 build year means the vehicle is now approaching four years of service where calendar-based servicing of brake fluid, coolant, and the 12V battery becomes increasingly material to its long-term reliability. Regarding the advisories noted on the most recent MOT for both front brake pads wearing thin, a prospective buyer should anticipate that pad replacement is now due or imminent, and during a physical inspection it would be prudent to measure remaining pad material and check the brake discs for scoring, lipping, or surface corrosion, particularly given that brake discs on a low-mileage urban-driven vehicle can suffer from corrosion pitting and binding calipers due to infrequent high-temperature operation. On a test drive, any signs of brake shudder under firm application, a pulling sensation to one side, or a grinding or scraping noise from the front calipers would indicate that further investigation is required, and binding calipers can be detected by checking whether the offside and nearside front wheels rotate freely by hand when the vehicle is jacked and the wheel is spun. Additionally, because the offside front tyre was previously flagged as worn close to the legal limit and the 2026 failure specifically identified an inner tread depth below requirements, close attention should be paid to the current set of tyres, checking for uneven wear patterns that could suggest misalignment, worn suspension components, or incorrect inflation, and confirming that all four tyres have adequate tread depth across the full width of the contact patch, not just the central tread area. Given the vehicle's age and modest mileage, several time-sensitive items warrant verification even though they do not appear on the MOT record. The 12V battery, being over four years old, should be load-tested to confirm its state of health, as battery failure is one of the most common causes of non-start in vehicles of this vintage, particularly those used predominantly for short urban journeys where the alternator rarely has sufficient opportunity to fully replenish the charge. All fluid services should be checked against the manufacturer's schedule, with particular attention to brake fluid which is hygroscopic and typically requires replacement every two to three years regardless of mileage, as well as coolant and the manual transmission or clutch hydraulic fluid if applicable. The underside of the vehicle, including suspension coil springs, bushes, anti-roll bar links, and exhaust mounting rubbers, should be examined for perishing or cracking from age rather than wear, and a thorough inspection of the bodywork and wheel arches for any early signs of corrosion is advisable, particularly given Dacia's historically modest rust-proofing provisions on lower-cost models. Finally, a comprehensive service history with documented stamps confirming that the cam belt or timing chain interval, whichever is applicable to the TCe engine variant, has been observed to schedule would provide important reassurance, as neglect of this critical drivetrain service on a 2022 petrol engine would represent a significant latent risk to any prospective purchaser.