2023 Dacia Sandero Stepway Expression TCE 1.0L Petrol · WF23 KXT

The most recent DVSA MOT test dated 24 February 2026 resulted in a pass with no advisories or defects recorded against the vehicle. However, the same inspection date also shows a failure entry limited to two nearside and offside headlamp aim too high items, both classed as Prescribed (dangerous) reasons which would have rendered the car unroadworthy until rectified. The fact that a pass was subsequently issued on the same date indicates these were corrected and re-presented the same day, suggesting a straightforward adjustment rather than a deeper electrical or wiring concern. With only this single test history record available, the maintenance trend cannot be fully established, but the absence of any structural, braking, suspension, or emissions defects is a positive indicator. Prospective buyers should still confirm that the headlamp alignment was carried out professionally and that the adjustment has remained stable, as improperly seated bulbs or disturbed mounting brackets can allow the beam pattern to drift again over time. With 35,021 recorded miles over an approximate three-year lifespan, this Sandero Stepway has covered around 11,674 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical usage bracket for a vehicle of its age and class. This moderate accumulation suggests a sensible mix of urban and light commuter use without the elevated wear associated with high-mileage examples or the standing-related concerns that frequently accompany very low annual mileages. There is no evidence within the available records of significant mileage gaps between tests, and the car would not be expected to display accelerated wear on major mechanical assemblies at this point. The 1.0 TCe petrol engine and manual transmission combination is generally robust under this kind of mileage, though the buyer should remain attentive to the typical service items that begin to present themselves as the vehicle approaches the mid-thirties of thousands. Given the relatively modest annual mileage and clean pass record, attention during a physical inspection should focus on age-related degradation rather than wear-related wear. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing or hairline cracking, as rubber compounds deteriorate with calendar age regardless of tread depth; the same applies to any spare or space-saver wheel in the boot. Brake discs, particularly the rear units if the car retains a drum or solid disc arrangement, should be checked for surface corrosion from standing or short-trip use, and the calipers should be free-running without evidence of binding. The 12V battery is worth a load test, as frequent short journeys combined with the demands of stop-start systems if fitted can leave a battery weakened well before its expected service life. Cooling system hoses, drive belts, and the auxiliary drive components should be visually inspected for perishing, while the exhaust system should be checked for surface corrosion at mounting points and the catalytic converter heat shield security. On a test drive, listen for any suspension clonks over uneven surfaces which might indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, top mounts, or front MacPherson strut wear, all of which are common wear items on light hatchbacks of this generation. The steering should remain consistent without pulling to either side, which could suggest geometry misalignment or uneven tyre pressures, and the clutch should engage smoothly without slipping or juddering under acceleration. Engine behaviour should be assessed from cold start as well as at operating temperature, listening for timing chain rattle on the TCe unit which has been known to develop on higher-mileage examples. Finally, verify the full service book history to ensure that oil, filter, spark plug, and air filter changes have been completed at the manufacturer-recommended intervals, and confirm the timing chain replacement schedule if applicable, as this is a critical maintenance item on this engine family. The combination of sensible mileage, a clean current MOT, and an absence of structural advisories makes this a reasonably low-risk proposition provided the age-related checks outlined above are thoroughly carried out.