2017 Dacia Duster 1.2L Petrol · WD17 SFF

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 10 April 2025, resulted in a PASS with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating that the vehicle met the minimum roadworthiness standards at that point. The prior test on 12 April 2024 also resulted in a clean pass, suggesting a stable maintenance trajectory over the last two assessment cycles. However, the history does show two failures within the record: one on 4 April 2024 and another on 31 March 2023, each immediately followed by a pass, which is a pattern often associated with minor, rectifiable issues being addressed prior to retest. While the absence of recorded defect details on those failed entries is unusual, it may simply reflect data omission on the DVSA system rather than anything mechanically significant, particularly as subsequent passes were achieved without advisories. With 101,872 miles recorded on a 2017 Dacia Duster, this vehicle has accumulated an average of roughly 11,300 miles per year, which sits broadly in line with typical UK driving patterns for a car of this age and class. The MOT history does not show any obvious gaps or irregular intervals that would suggest extended periods of standing, and the roughly annual testing pattern is consistent with regular use. This mileage level, while not extreme, is sufficient to place significant wear on consumable components such as brake pads and discs, clutch material (if manual), tyres, and certain drivetrain and suspension items. A prospective buyer should therefore treat the odometer reading as a strong prompt to verify the state of these wear-and-tear parts rather than relying on the clean MOT history alone. Given the relatively high mileage and the vehicle's age, a physical inspection should focus on areas that an MOT may not fully scrutinise or that deteriorate with calendar time as well as use. Tyres should be checked closely for tread depth, evenness of wear across the axle (suggestive of alignment or suspension issues), and sidewall perishing or cracking, as aged rubber can deteriorate regardless of mileage. The exhaust system, particularly the rear silencer and mounting rubbers on Dusters of this generation, is known to corrode and should be inspected for blowing joints and physical integrity. The 12V battery should be tested for cranking performance and resting voltage, as a nine-year-old original unit is likely approaching the end of its reliable service life, and all fluid services (engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and if applicable, transmission fluid) should be confirmed as within their recommended intervals based on time as well as mileage. During a test drive, particular attention should be paid to the suspension, as the Duster's ride height and occasional off-road orientation place additional stress on coil springs, shock absorbers, and bushes. Listen for clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, which can indicate worn anti-roll bar drop links, top mounts, or wishbone bushes, and watch for any vagueness in steering response. The braking system should be assessed for any shuddering under heavy application, which would point to warped brake discs, a common issue on higher-mileage vehicles, and for any pulling to one side, which may suggest a binding caliper or uneven pad wear. Finally, check for oil leaks from the engine and gearbox seams, coolant leaks from hoses and the radiator, and ensure the air conditioning system functions effectively, as regassing and compressor repairs on a vehicle of this age and mileage are foreseeable maintenance items.