2018 Dacia Sandero 0.9L Petrol · WP68 ACU

The vehicle presents a mixed maintenance profile that has recently regressed from a stable state to a more problematic one. While the December 2025 test at 30,324 miles resulted in a pass, the initial failure on that same date indicates significant mechanical and consumable issues. The tester flagged a binding offside rear service brake and an imbalance across the rear axle, alongside perishing rear tyres. This represents a notable shift from the December 2024 test at 27,771 miles, where only tyre deterioration was noted as an advisory. The mileage accumulation is exceptionally low for an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,790 miles per year. The records show steady, incremental growth: 11,191 miles in November 2021, 18,077 miles in December 2022, 24,687 miles in December 2023, 27,771 miles in December 2024, and finally 30,324 miles in December 2025. This pattern suggests infrequent use, which often correlates with the tyre perishing and cracking issues seen throughout the history. Low usage can lead to flat spots or age-related rubber degradation even when tread depth remains sufficient. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system. The recurring issues with binding calipers and axle imbalance in the most recent failure suggest that the rear braking components may require more than just a simple adjustment. Given the history of perishing tyres dating back to 2022, the rubber condition on all four tyres should be checked for sidewall cracking or age-related brittleness, regardless of how much tread remains. The history also shows a pattern of neglected consumables, such as the defective wiper blade in 2021 and the headlamp failure in 2023. While these are minor, they indicate a tendency to address maintenance only when prompted by an MOT failure. A physical inspection should confirm that the recent brake repairs were completed effectively and that the vehicle has not suffered from seized components due to long periods of inactivity.