Used car check: Dacia Sandero II - very affordable, but often a maintenance issue

The Dacia Sandero II was unrivaled cheap when new. Unfortunately, many owners seem to forget that a vehicle needs regular maintenance and care.

Dacia, the Romanian Renault subsidiary, is known for its low new car prices. This is also the case with the small Sandero, which was available for around €7,000 in its second generation (2013 to the end of 2020). However, these low prices also have negative effects: They may tempt some owners to not always treat their cars with care, as the TÜV (German Technical Inspection Agency) determines during the vehicle inspections (HU).

Quality

The second generation of the Dacia Sandero doesn't make the TÜV experts' work easy. Major weak points are the chassis, lighting, and brakes. During the chassis inspection, the axle suspensions in particular stand out, while the steering and axle springs also give cause for criticism. The lighting system looks rather bleak; during the brake inspection, the inspectors complain about worn brake discs and rotten brake hoses, among other things. Oil leaks are also a recurring issue.

Body and interior

The 4.06-meter-long subcompact features an attractive design. In addition to the classic variant, there was also the Stepway version, which was popular with many customers and is reminiscent of a mini SUV with its off-road bodywork and raised suspension.

Inside, the aesthetics are less appealing, with cost pressure evident in the high proportion of hard plastic and the missing covers for the vanity mirrors in the sun visors. The seats are more suited to short journeys. However, the space in this small car is adequate. The trunk holds 320 to 1200 liters.

At the beginning of 2017, Dacia gave the five-door model a facelift, which can be recognized by modified headlights and some chrome trim in the interior.

Engines and drive

Initially, Dacia offered a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 55 kW/75 hp and a 0.9-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 66 kW/90 hp. The 1.2 was also available in a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) version. The turbo consumes an average of 5.2 liters per 100 km (44.2 mpg) – a good 1 liter less than the four-cylinder. Also available was a 1.5-liter diesel engine with 90 hp, which consumes an average of 3.5 liters per 100 km (34.4 mpg).

As part of the facelift, a 54 kW/73 hp 1.0-liter three-cylinder replaced the previous base engine, and an LPG version was no longer available. At the beginning of 2020, Dacia retired the 73 hp engine and the 0.9-liter turbo, leaving a 74 kW/100 hp turbo version of the one-liter three-cylinder in the gasoline lineup. The diesel received a power boost to 70 kW/95 hp. Power is transferred to the front axle via a manual five-speed transmission on all engines; the 90 hp turbo was alternatively available with an automated five-speed manual transmission.

Equipment and safety

The base "Essentiel," or since the facelift "Access," is only suitable for frugal consumers. It lacks features such as a radio, air conditioning, or power windows. The "Ambiance"/"Essential" trim levels included central locking with remote control and power windows as standard. Air conditioning and a radio were optional. The top-of-the-line "Lauréate"/"Comfort" trim levels offered chrome trim, air conditioning, power-adjustable exterior mirrors, fog lights, and a height-adjustable driver's seat. The respective Stepway trim levels were more expensive (starting at around €10,000), but also better equipped. Dacia did not offer any assistance systems for the Sandero.

Conclusion and market

Anyone looking for a second-generation, previously owned Dacia Sandero shouldn't just look at the price. Before signing a contract, it's advisable to have the model you're looking for checked by a professional for known weak points. A complete service history should also be available, as many owners save on maintenance and care. According to mobile.de, around 1,500 Sandero IIs are currently offered on this platform. Prices start at around €1,600 for older vehicles with the basic trim level.