2016 Dacia Duster 1.5L Diesel · VA16 YNX

The Dacia Duster presents a mixed maintenance picture, with a clean bill of health in its most recent September 2025 test at 134,132 miles but a troubling failure recorded on the exact same day. That failed attempt revealed a parking brake efficiency below requirements, an inoperative offside rear parking brake, and a non-working offside stop lamp. The subsequent pass with zero defects suggests these specific items were rectified, yet the fact the car failed its initial MOT at such a high mileage raises questions about how diligently the braking system was being monitored day to day. The trend is broadly stable rather than actively deteriorating, but the underlying pattern of recurring brake-related advisories and failures points to a drivetrain and braking system that demand close scrutiny. The vehicle has covered roughly 13,400 miles per year over its ten-year life, placing it firmly in the high-mileage category for its age. The record shows a steady, unbroken annual climb from 109,015 miles in September 2022 to 134,132 miles by September 2025, with no significant gaps in testing that would suggest prolonged periods off the road. This consistent accumulation rate is typical of sustained daily use rather than sporadic long-distance touring, meaning wear on consumable components such as brake discs, pads, suspension bushes, and tyres is likely to be evenly distributed but substantial in total. A buyer should pay particular attention to the rear braking system. The 2024 test flagged an offside rear service brake binding and rear service brake fluctuation on both sides, while the 2025 failure centred entirely on the parking brake circuit at the rear. Binding calipers, a seized handbrake cable, or uneven wear on rear brake discs and pads are all plausible culprits that may have been temporarily addressed rather than fully resolved. Inspect the rear calipers for free movement, check the parking brake lever travel and equalisation, and examine the rear disc surfaces for scoring or lipping. Beyond the brakes, the recurring tyre wear advisories in 2022 and 2024, both citing wear close to the legal limit and edge wear, suggest the front and rear suspension geometry may not have been regularly checked. Edge wear typically indicates misaligned tracking or worn suspension bushes and track rod ends, components that deteriorate faster at this mileage. A thorough inspection of front and rear suspension bushes, coil springs, and shock absorbers for corrosion or cracking is advisable, along with a four-wheel alignment check before purchase.