2015 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · SL15 CPX

The most recent MOT on 16 September 2022 was passed, but it carried a number of advisories concerning the front brake disc and pads, front suspension ball‑joint play, a light oil mist on the off‑side front shock absorber, and slight cracking on the near‑side rear tyre. Over the preceding six years the pattern shows a steady accumulation of wear‑related advisories rather than a sudden deterioration; the only outright failure was in 2020 for a non‑functioning horn and an excessively worn anti‑roll bar bush, both of which appear to have been remedied for the 2022 test. Overall the maintenance trend can be described as stable but with recurring wear items that are typical for a vehicle of this age. At 57,973 mi the car averages just over 5,200 mi per year, which is well below the UK average for a 2015 model. The low annual mileage suggests the vehicle has not been subjected to heavy usage, yet it also raises the possibility that it has spent extended periods stationary. Prolonged standing can accelerate tyre perishing, battery sulphation and corrosion of suspension bushings, even when the mileage is modest. There are no obvious spikes in mileage that would indicate a period of intensive use, so the wear observed is more likely to be age‑related than mileage‑driven. A prospective buyer should concentrate on the items flagged repeatedly in the MOT record. The front brake disc shows pitting and scoring and the pads are reported as thin; these components should be measured for disc thickness and pad remaining material, and likely require replacement within the next few thousand miles to avoid reduced stopping performance or brake fade. The near‑side front ball joint exhibits slight play; a test for excessive movement when the wheel is rocked and a visual inspection for worn splines are advisable, as progressive play can lead to steering wander or uneven tyre wear. The off‑side front shock absorber’s oil mist indicates seal wear – listen for a soft “squish” or “popping” noise over bumps and check for any fluid on the shock body, as a failing damper can compromise ride quality and handling. The anti‑roll bar bush on the off‑side, previously flagged as excessively worn, should be inspected for cracks or looseness, as a worn bush can cause body roll and clunking noises during cornering. Finally, the near‑side rear tyre was noted as slightly damaged or perishing; examine the sidewall for dry rot, cracks or bulges, and verify tread depth on all four tyres, as ageing rubber can fail suddenly even with limited mileage. Beyond the specific advisories, the car’s age warrants a broader set of checks. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery – a load test or voltage check after a short drive will reveal any loss of cranking power that often accompanies long periods of inactivity. Inspect all suspension bushes, mounts and chassis for surface corrosion, especially in the wheel arches and under‑body, as rust can develop unseen when a vehicle sits. Confirm that the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed in line with calendar intervals (typically every 12 months for coolant and brake fluid on a Dacia of this vintage), and look for any signs of fluid leakage around the engine bay and rear sub‑frame. A thorough test‑drive should include listening for any clunk, squeak or shudder from the front suspension, brakes and steering, checking for smooth, progressive braking without pulsation, and ensuring the horn functions correctly, as the 2020 failure may re‑appear if the electrical circuit has deteriorated. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the vehicle’s current roadworthiness and the near‑term maintenance budget required.