The 2021 Sandero petrol/manual is a no-frills compact hatch — many have the small 1.0-litre petrol (either the simple naturally aspirated SCe or the 1.0 TCe turbo) paired with a 5–6 speed manual. Dacia keeps things mechanically basic, so parts are inexpensive and easy to source, but budget cars also tend to show higher depreciation and lower standard equipment levels. If the car has the turbo 1.0, regular oil changes to the correct spec are more important than on an older non-turbo engine.

• Clutch biting point and slip — test on a hill and during an extended drive to feel for slipping or juddering.
• If fitted with the 1.0 TCe turbo, inspect boost hoses and around the turbo for oil leaks, whine or smoke under acceleration.
• Confirm regular oil changes with the correct oil spec (small turbo engines suffer if service intervals/oil spec are ignored).
• Suspension and anti-roll bar bushes/ball joints — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
• Rust/corrosion around sills, rear wheel arches and door bottoms — Irish salt and stone chips show up in these budget cars.