2017 Dacia Logan petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Dacia Logan petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Dacia Logan petrol than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Headlight aim3.7× usual
  Dacia Logan

  6.6% All 2017 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 1.8% of all 2017 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.

• Engine oil leaks3.5× usual
  Dacia Logan

  5.2% All 2017 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Wipers1.8× usual
  Dacia Logan

  4.9% All 2017 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.7% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Washers2.3× usual
  Dacia Logan

  3.6% All 2017 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.6% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Headlights2.8× usual
  Dacia Logan

  3.1% All 2017 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2017 Dacia Logan petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Dacia Logan petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  31% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  17% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  15% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Suspension
  7% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  5% 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 2017 Dacia Logan petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the headlight aim? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2017 Dacia Logan petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2017 Dacia Logan petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2017 Dacia Logan petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?