2016 Dacia Sandero 1.5L Diesel · YR16 KBY

The Dacia Sandero presents a mixed roadworthiness picture as of its most recent MOT activity in March 2026. The maintenance trend is currently worsening, driven by the emergence of defects that were entirely absent from the preceding three consecutive annual tests. On 24 March 2026, at 85,356 miles, the vehicle failed on three distinct items before passing a retest on the same day. The tester flagged a severely deteriorated and loose offside constant velocity joint boot, a headlamp aim defect, and light cracking on both rear tyres. The fact that all three issues surfaced simultaneously after three years of clean passes suggests a sudden lapse in basic inspection and preventative care rather than a gradual decline. The CV boot failure is particularly telling, as a severely deteriorated and loose boot typically develops over months, allowing grease to escape and contaminants to ingress, accelerating joint wear. A proactive owner would have spotted this during routine checks. The mileage accumulation is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age. Between April 2023 and April 2025, the car covered approximately 17,000 miles over two years, averaging around 8,500 miles annually. The most recent MOT on 24 March 2026 recorded 85,356 miles, up from 79,031 miles on 2 April 2025, representing 6,325 miles over an eleven-month interval. This is consistent with steady, unremarkable use. There are no alarming gaps or sudden spikes in the odometer record that would raise concerns about clocking or prolonged inactivity. The annual test pattern from 2023 through 2025 shows a clean, well-maintained vehicle with zero defects, making the sudden cluster of failures in March 2026 all the more notable. A buyer inspecting this Sandero should focus first on the drivetrain and wheel assemblies. The offside CV joint boot was severely compromised, and even though the retest passed, the joint itself may have suffered accelerated wear from contamination. Listen for clicking on full lock and check for play in the driveshaft. The light cracking on both rear tyres at the March 2026 test raises questions about the age and condition of the rubber. Tyre sidewalls that are cracking indicate perishing, often from age or prolonged standing, and both rear tyres being affected simultaneously suggests they may be a matched pair of similar age. Inspect the date stamps and budget for replacement if the cracking persists. The headlamp aim fault, while minor, should be verified to confirm the bulb seating and adjuster mechanism are functioning correctly. Beyond the flagged items, examine the underside for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points, subframes, and brake lines, as these are common deterioration points on budget hatchbacks of this age. Check the condition of all remaining tyres, including the spare if fitted, and assess brake disc thickness and pad life. The sudden appearance of multiple defects after years of clean passes points to a period of neglect rather than inherent mechanical weakness, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection by an independent garage is strongly advisable before committing.