2018 Dacia Sandero 1.0L Petrol · YM67 BYL

The 2018 Dacia Sandero presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass at its most recent MOT on 22 January 2026 at 31,396 miles with zero defects recorded. That clean result followed a same-day failure for a dangerously degraded nearside rear tyre with exposed ply or cords in the sidewall, a defect that was evidently rectified immediately before the retest. The trajectory from the 2025 test, which carried five separate advisories and failures, to the spotless 2026 outcome suggests the previous owner addressed outstanding issues promptly in the most recent cycle. The mileage profile is notably low for an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 3,924 miles per year. Between the January 2024 test at 21,694 miles and the January 2025 test at 25,672 miles, the car covered approximately 3,978 miles in twelve months, consistent with the overall annual rate. The jump from 25,672 miles in January 2025 to 31,396 miles by January 2026 represents an increase of 5,724 miles, a modest uptick that may reflect slightly more regular use in the final year. No significant gaps or anomalies appear in the recorded intervals, and the annual testing pattern has been consistent since at least 2024. The 2025 failure record is worth examining closely. Both windscreen wipers were flagged as ineffective, and the offside headlamp had a non-functioning dipped beam alongside an aim fault, with the nearside headlamp aim also reading too low. These are minor electrical and consumable issues rather than structural or mechanical concerns, but their simultaneous appearance hints at a period of deferred basic upkeep. The exposed sidewall damage on the nearside rear tyre in 2026 is more concerning, as internal tyre degradation of that nature often results from prolonged underinflation, age-related sidewall deterioration, or impact damage that went unaddressed. A buyer should inspect all four tyres for date codes, uneven wear, and sidewall condition, paying particular attention to the nearside rear. The headlamp aim faults also warrant a quick static check, as misaligned beams can mask deeper issues with suspension ride height or mounting points. Given the low mileage and clean 2026 result, the mechanical prognosis is broadly positive, but the tyre-related defects suggest a cautious physical inspection of the wheel and tyre assembly is advisable before purchase.