2016 Dacia Duster 1.5L Diesel · SH66 ABU

The most recent MOT, carried out on 20 February 2026, was a pass but it carried an advisory that the nearside rear lower suspension mounting area shows damage, although it was not deemed excessive. The preceding twelve‑month period shows a mixed picture: a pass in February 2025 with no defects, but a failure in February 2026 for several major items and an earlier failure in 2025 for tyre wear and a faulty registration‑plate lamp. The trend therefore appears to be stabilising – the major safety‑critical faults that caused the 2026‑02‑19 failure have been rectified, leaving only a non‑excessive suspension advisory as the outstanding concern. At ten years old the Dacia Duster has logged 128,646 miles, which works out to roughly 12,800 miles per annum – well above the average for a vehicle of this age. Such a mileage level accelerates wear on the tyre tread, suspension bushings, shock absorbers, brake discs and pads, and the drivetrain’s engine and transmission oil seals. It also suggests the car has been used regularly rather than stored, meaning that any latent corrosion or perishing of rubber components will be more advanced than on a low‑mileage equivalent. When you inspect the vehicle, give particular attention to the nearside rear lower suspension mounting area highlighted in the advisory. Look for any looseness or clunking when the wheel is rocked vertically and laterally, and check the condition of the surrounding bushings and mounting bolts for corrosion or cracking. The tyre history shows repeated concerns about edge‑wear, under‑inflation and early cracking on the off‑side rear tyre; therefore a thorough visual and tactile examination of all four tyres is essential. Replace any tyre that shows sidewall perishing, uneven wear patterns, or tread depth approaching the legal limit, and verify that the tyre pressures hold steady after a short drive. The fuel‑cap sealing defect recorded in the 2026‑02‑19 failure should be re‑tested – a loose or damaged cap can cause evaporative‑emission leaks and fuel odour, and may trigger a future MOT failure if not corrected. During a test drive listen for any suspension noises such as rattles or knocks over bumps, which could indicate progression of the rear mounting damage or worn shock absorbers. Check that both windscreen washer systems operate correctly and that the washer fluid is delivered to the glass; a non‑functioning system can be a safety issue in wet conditions. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven wear, and confirm the pads are not glazed; binding calipers are more likely on a high‑mileage car that has sat for periods. Finally, assess the 12‑volt battery’s cranking performance and check the condition of the electrolyte (if accessible) or have a load test performed, as batteries over ten years often suffer from sulphation even if the car has been driven regularly. Verify that the service book shows timely oil changes, coolant flushes and timing‑belt or chain inspections, as calendar‑based maintenance is as critical as mileage‑based servicing on a vehicle of this age and usage.