Photo: crash71100, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Mihnea Lazăr, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Mihnea Lazăr, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: (G)jabz, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Verdict
The cheapest supermini, with simple mechanics and no serious documented fault. Two reservations: only 2 stars at Euro NCAP in 2021, and temperamental electronics (12 V battery, rear windows, multimedia) according to many owners.
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Indicative prices
- €10,500 – €15,600
- Monthly cost
- €357
- Euro NCAP
- 2/5
Which version to choose
Versions to favour: TCe 90.
TCe 90
✓ RecommendedPetrol · Manual · 90 hp · 5.4 L/100 km · Crit'Air 1
1.0 turbo (999 cm³, 67 kW) with 160 Nm, 6-speed manual gearbox. The best choice.
Engine: Renault-Nissan 1.0 TCe (H4Dt)
Verdict on this engine: Excellent choice
TCe 90 CVT
Petrol · Automatic · 90 hp · Crit'Air 1
Same engine with a continuously variable automatic gearbox, slightly thirstier.
Engine: Renault-Nissan 1.0 TCe (H4Dt)
Verdict on this engine: Excellent choice
ECO-G 100
Petrol · Manual · 100 hp · Crit'Air 1
Petrol and LPG bi-fuel, 6-speed manual gearbox: around 425 km on LPG then 800 km on petrol (50 L tank).
Engine: Renault-Nissan 1.0 TCe (H4Dt)
Verdict on this engine: Excellent choice
Market prices
€10,500 – €15,600
Indicative range: 2020 to 2026, yearly medians of 1359 online listings collected by iAutos (years with at least 3 listings).
Collected on 20 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.
Known faults
Weak 12 V battery and electronic glitches
Severity 1/3 · AnnoyingA sensitive point according to owners: rapid discharges of the 12 V battery, charging messages, then warning lights and functions that malfunction when the voltage drops (unstable multimedia, black screen). Some owners find the glitches disappear after the battery is replaced or the control unit is updated. Owner accounts only, with no frequency statistics.
- Versions
- TCe 90, TCe 90 CVT, ECO-G 100
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Rear windows working intermittently
Severity 1/3 · AnnoyingSeveral owners report rear windows that work intermittently or not at all, sometimes despite replacement of the electronic module. A weak battery is often cited at the same time.
- Versions
- TCe 90, TCe 90 CVT, ECO-G 100
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Manufacturer recalls
See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Dacia Sandero”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.
Real monthly cost
Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated
| Fuel or electricity | €133 |
|---|---|
| Insurance | €54 |
| Maintenance | €33 |
| Depreciation | €137 |
| Total per month | €357 |
⚠ Estimates to treat with caution
- Consumption taken from a published range (depends on trim and tyres).
- Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
- Fuel (petrol)€133
TCe 90 version: combined consumption of 5.4 L/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 2.14 €/L, for 1,000 km a month.
5.4 × 1.15 × 2.14 € × 10 = €133
Petrol price (SP95-E10): French national average on 7 October 2026.
- Insurance€54
Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.
- Maintenance€33
Servicing and wear parts (tyres, brakes) for 12,000 km a year, per month.
- Depreciation€137
Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.
Inspection checklist
Dacia Sandero III — inspection checklist
Things to check
- Have the 12 V battery tested and ask whether it has already been replaced.
- Operate each window, especially the rear ones, several times.
- Check the multimedia (screen, Bluetooth) and that there are no warning lights on the dashboard.
- ECO-G: check the petrol/LPG switchover and the service history of the LPG system.
- Have a Dacia dealership check, using the serial number, the recalls and updates.
Questions to ask the seller
- Has the battery been replaced? Were the electronic glitches dealt with under warranty?
- Have the windows already been repaired?
- Is the car often run on LPG (ECO-G version)?
- Do you have the service invoices?
Test-drive tip: read the fault codes
A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.
Electric or hybrid equivalent
No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost
Alternatives
Photo: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Renault Clio
V · since 2019
- Price
- €10,994 – €14,990
- Reliability
- 4/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Photo: MoCars, CC0
Peugeot 208
II · since 2019
- Price
- €8,900 – €18,000
- Reliability
- 3/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Toyota Yaris
IV · since 2020
- Price
- €15,900 – €22,000
- Reliability
- 5/5
- Fuel types
- Hybrid
Before you buy: check and equip
Check the history
Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of parts for the Dacia Sandero III (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.
Insure the car
Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the Sandero 3 only have 2 Euro NCAP stars?
Euro NCAP awarded it 2 stars in 2021. This is a factor to weigh if passive safety is your priority; the Clio V and the Yaris IV achieved 5 stars.
Which engine should I choose for a Sandero 3?
The TCe 90 with manual gearbox. The ECO-G 100 is worthwhile if you can easily refuel with LPG.
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