2013 Dacia Duster 1.5L Diesel · SH63 AAJ

The Dacia Duster’s MOT history presents a stable but puzzling picture, with the most recent tests in October 2025 showing no defects recorded—despite two consecutive failures on the same day at 79,259 miles. This suggests a procedural anomaly rather than mechanical decline, as both tests cleared the vehicle without advisories or faults. The absence of recurring issues in the past two years, including the 2024 and 2023 tests at 56,304 and 49,012 miles respectively, implies no major structural or safety concerns have emerged. However, the repeated failures on identical dates—without explanation—raises questions about whether the vehicle was presented twice for unrelated reasons or if there was an administrative error. For a buyer, this inconsistency demands clarification, as it deviates from standard MOT practice. The mileage accumulation of 6,097 miles per year aligns closely with the vehicle’s age, suggesting consistent but not excessive use. The gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests (7,292 miles over 12 months) and the subsequent 12,955 miles between 2024 and 2025 indicates variable usage, possibly reflecting seasonal or owner-specific patterns. There are no red flags in the mileage progression—no sudden spikes that would imply neglect or high-stress driving. The lack of advisories or defects across four tests further supports that major components like brakes, suspension, and emissions systems have not deteriorated beyond standard wear thresholds. Given the clean MOT record, a buyer should still prioritise a pre-purchase inspection focusing on wear-prone areas not covered by the MOT. Pay particular attention to the suspension—check for worn bushes, degraded coil springs, or uneven tyre wear, which could indicate alignment issues. The braking system should be tested for binding calipers or uneven disc thickness, even though the MOT did not flag any concerns. Exhaust emissions and fuel system integrity should also be verified, as these can degrade without immediate visibility. Structural corrosion, especially around wheel arches and sills, is common in older Dusters and should be scrutinised for surface rust or weakened metal. The absence of defects in the MOT history is encouraging, but the unexplained double failure in 2025 warrants further investigation. If no mechanical issues were present, the reason for retesting should be documented. For a buyer, this vehicle appears mechanically sound based on the available data, but due diligence on suspension, brakes, and structural integrity remains essential. The mileage suggests responsible ownership, though the irregular MOT outcome introduces a minor caveat worth resolving before purchase.