2014 Dacia Sandero 1.5L Diesel · SY14 XNO

The Dacia Sandero presents a mixed mechanical picture at its most recent MOT on 15 May 2026, passing at 118,185 miles but carrying a windscreen advisory that warrants attention. The maintenance trend is neither clearly worsening nor resolving. A fractured nearside front coil spring was identified and rectified in April 2024, which suggests that component was replaced, yet the subsequent test in May 2025 flagged slight play in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint, indicating ongoing front-end wear rather than a one-off failure. The 2023 test also recorded front brake disc wear and fluctuating service brake performance, but no brake defects have appeared since, implying that braking components may have been renewed or settled. Overall, the vehicle has remained legally roadworthy, but the pattern of recurring front-end advisories points to a car that has not been comprehensively refreshed. The mileage progression is broadly consistent with typical use for a 2014 vehicle. Between April 2023 at 87,291 miles and April 2024 at 97,037 miles, the car covered roughly 9,746 miles in twelve months, and from April 2024 to May 2025 it added approximately 13,047 miles, a modest acceleration that remains within normal parameters. The jump from May 2025 at 110,084 miles to May 2026 at 118,185 miles represents 8,101 miles over a full year, suggesting lighter recent use or a change in ownership pattern. There are no alarming gaps or sudden spikes that would indicate odometer tampering or prolonged standing, and the annualised average of around 9,849 miles aligns with typical UK driving habits. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension and steering components. The repeated advisories concerning the nearside front coil spring and ball joint play suggest that the entire front-end assembly, including wishbone bushes, track rod ends, and strut mounts, deserves close scrutiny. Corrosion on subframes and suspension mounting points is common on older Sandero models, particularly around the rear axle and inner wing arches, so a physical underbody check is advisable. The windscreen damage noted in May 2026 may seem minor, but if it spreads or falls outside the driver's line of sight, it will require replacement to pass the next test. The braking system also merits attention. Although the 2023 advisory on front brake disc wear and fluctuating performance has not recurred, a test drive should confirm that the pedal feel remains firm and progressive under varying loads and speeds. Tyre condition across all four corners, including the spare if fitted, should be checked for uneven wear that could indicate alignment or suspension geometry issues. The exhaust and emissions system has remained clean throughout the record, but a cold-start inspection for excessive smoke or rattling from the catalytic converter and mounting brackets would be prudent given the vehicle's age and mileage.