2014 Dacia Logan 1.5L Diesel · SY14 RKX

The most recent MOT, carried out on 28 March 2024, was a pass but included an advisory that the front tyre is worn close to the legal limit and shows edge‑wear. Over the past six years the vehicle’s MOT record shows a mixed pattern: a clean pass in 2022 followed by a major failure on the near‑side front ball joint, another major failure in early 2023 on the off‑side ball joint and a fractured coil spring, and then a return to a pass in 2024. The trend therefore indicates that serious front‑suspension wear was identified and presumably remedied, and the car has since cleared MOT, albeit with a tyre‑wear warning that may hint at lingering alignment or suspension issues. At 116,020 miles recorded in September 2026 the car averages roughly 9,600 miles per year, which is typical for a 2014 model. There are no obvious gaps in the mileage log that would suggest long periods of storage, so the wear on consumables is likely to be proportional to normal use rather than accelerated by high mileage spikes. The age of twelve years means that rubber components such as bushings, mounts and seals are approaching the end of their service life, and the drivetrain, steering and brake assemblies have been subjected to a moderate cumulative load. A prospective buyer should give the front suspension the highest priority. Inspect both ball joints for excessive play by rocking the wheel at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions and feel for any clunk or knock when applying the brakes or driving over bumps. Examine the coil springs for any signs of fatigue, cracks or uneven spacing, and verify that the mounting bushes are not cracked or leaking grease. A test drive should reveal any wandering, pulling to one side, or a noticeable vibration that could indicate misalignment, which would also explain the edge‑wear on the front tyre. While the car passed after the 2023 failures, it is prudent to ask for evidence of the repair – ideally a receipt or invoice showing replacement of the ball joints and coil spring, and to have a qualified mechanic perform a suspension safety check before purchase. Additionally, the advisory on the front service brake fluctuation suggests the brake system should be examined for uneven pad wear, disc glazing or sticking calipers; listen for any shudder or pulsation under braking and inspect the discs for corrosion or scoring. Given the vehicle’s twelve‑year age, other time‑related items merit scrutiny. Check the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or bulges, especially on the rear tyres which may have been stored for long periods. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery and consider a load test, as batteries often lose capacity after five to seven years. Examine all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and look for signs of leakage or contamination; many fluids degrade with time even if the car is not driven heavily. Inspect the under‑carriage for rust, particularly around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, and ensure that the registration plate lamp and all other lighting functions are operational. A full service history, with stamps for oil changes, timing belt or chain service (if applicable), and any major component replacements, will provide further confidence in the vehicle’s overall roadworthiness.