2014 Dacia Logan diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Dacia Logan diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Dacia Logan diesel than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes26× usual
  Dacia Logan

  10.4% All 2014 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.1% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Dacia Logan

  8% All 2014 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 2% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Horn11× usual
  Dacia Logan

  4.4% All 2014 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 0.4% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Number plate lights1.9× usual
  Dacia Logan

  8.7% All 2014 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.4% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Headlight aim2.3× usual
  Dacia Logan

  6.8% All 2014 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 3% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

Common 2014 Dacia Logan diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Dacia Logan diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  33% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Suspension
  29% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  28% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  2% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 Dacia Logan diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 26× as often on the 2014 Dacia Logan diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2014 Dacia Logan diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the horn? (Flagged at MOT 11× as often on the 2014 Dacia Logan diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?