Key facts
Most reliable
Good choice, check first4.5/5
Least reliable
Extra caution2.0/5
Cheapest to buy
Good choice, check firstfrom €3,300
Cheapest to run
Good choice, check first≈ €252/month
Used Dacia ranking
Good choice, check firstPhoto: crash71100, CC0
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Ubi-testet, CC BY 3.0
Good choice, check firstPhoto: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Good choice, check firstPhoto: KGC626, CC BY-SA 4.0
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Dacia Sandero
2012–2020 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €347/month
- Buy with care
Photo: Corvettec6r, CC0
Buy with carePhoto: (G)jabz, CC BY 4.0
Extra cautionPhoto: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Dacia engines
Engines fitted to the Dacia models we analysed, from most to least reliable.
- Renault-Nissan 1.0 TCe (H4Dt)
Petrol · 1 known fault
Excellent choice5.0/5 - Renault 0.9 TCe (H4Bt)
Petrol · 3 known faults
Good choice, check first4.0/5 - Renault 1.0 SCe (naturally aspirated three-cylinder)
Petrol · 3 known faults
Good choice4.0/5 - Renault-Nissan-Mercedes 1.3 TCe / DIG-T (H5Ht, HR13DDT, M282)
Petrol · 3 known faults
Good choice4.0/5 - Renault-Nissan 1.2 TCe / DIG-T (H5Ft, HRA2DDT)
Petrol · 2 known faults
Buy with care3.5/5 - Renault 1.5 dCi / Blue dCi (K9K)
Diesel · 4 known faults
Buy with care3.0/5
Dacia comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the most reliable used Dacia?
Among the models we analysed, the Dacia Sandero III has the best reliability score: 4.5/5, calculated from its known, sourced faults.
Which used Dacia models should you avoid?
No model we analysed is rated "Avoid" or "Poor reliability". The lowest score is the Dacia Duster I (2.0/5): check its known faults before buying.
Which used Dacia should you buy on a small budget?
The Dacia Logan II is the cheapest to buy among the models we analysed: from €3,300 according to our price surveys. The lowest all-in monthly cost is the Dacia Spring I: about €252 per month at 12,000 km a year.
Which Dacia engines are reliable?
Among the engines we analysed, the Renault-Nissan 1.0 TCe (H4Dt) has the best reliability score (5.0/5) and the Renault 1.5 dCi / Blue dCi (K9K) the lowest (3.0/5).
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 (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.