2017 Dacia Duster 1.5L Diesel · YB67 YTA

The Dacia Duster presents a stable maintenance trend overall, though the most recent MOT activity in December 2025 reveals a pattern of minor but recurring neglect. The vehicle failed its first attempt at 90,993 miles on the same day it passed, with the tester flagging obviously incorrect nearside headlamp aim, an offside headlamp aim too low, an inoperative headlamp levelling device that cannot be operated from the driver's seat, a failed rear registration plate lamp, and perished sidewalls on both rear outer tyres. The same rear tyre advisory had been raised at the identical mileage during the pass, suggesting the perishing was noted but not addressed between the two tests that day. These are low-cost, easily preventable items, and their presence at consecutive tests indicates a casual approach to basic preparation rather than any deep mechanical concern. The mileage accumulation of roughly 10,110 miles per year is typical for a nine-year-old vehicle and does not raise immediate red flags. The progression from 69,143 miles in December 2023 to 80,754 miles in December 2024 and then to 90,993 miles in December 2025 shows consistent, steady use with no suspicious gaps or sudden spikes. The record is sparse, with only three test cycles documented, but the annual cadence suggests the vehicle has been in regular service rather than sitting idle for long periods. A buyer should focus the in-person inspection on the items the MOT record repeatedly surfaces. Both rear outer tyres showed perishing sidewalls at the most recent test, so check the date codes and condition of all four tyres carefully, including the spare if fitted. The headlamp aim and levelling fault warrant examination of the headlamp units themselves and the manual levelling switch, as well as the condition of the wiring and connectors behind the dashboard controls. The advisory on a worn front brake disc recorded in December 2023 at 69,143 miles has not reappeared, but given the current mileage approaching 91,000, a thorough check of front and rear brake discs, pads, and calipers for uneven wear or binding is advisable. Inspect the exhaust system for corrosion, particularly around joints and mounting points, and examine the underside for any structural rust on suspension mounting points or subframes, as these are common failure points on Dusters that have covered this kind of mileage. The windscreen wiper defect from December 2024 was cleared, but test the washer system and wiper linkage for smooth operation. Finally, check all exterior lamps and the number plate lamp circuit, since electrical gremlins in the lighting system appear to be a recurring theme.