Used Dacia Sandero cars

Widely praised as one of the most reasonably priced cars on the market, the Dacia Sandero has a lot to offer for its attractive price tag. Practical and robust, it has plenty of room for occupants and luggage. It also has plenty of engine options, both petrol and diesel, with varying power offerings.

First launched to the world in 2008, its Mk2 version was the first to make it to the UK in 2013. The Sandero’s price tag made it stand out in the hatchback market and it has also widely been regarded as a practical and efficient supermini alternative to popular rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo. Ten years on from its first UK launch, the Dacia Sandero’s qualities remain as highly regarded as ever – recognised as the UK’s ‘Best Budget Car’ in the 2023 Autocar Awards, thanks to its ‘blend of value, size and comfort’.

Make Model updates and facelifts

While the Dacia Sandero first launched on the global market in 2008, the Mk1 was never launched in the UK. The UK waited until 2013 for the introduction of the Mk2. A five-door ultra-affordable hatchback, winning plaudits for the value for money it offered. At a reduced price point, it still retains plenty of the practicality and offers a number of engine options to suit varying types of drivers.

A facelift for the Mk2 Dacia Sandero in 2017 added an additional engine option along with a modern boost to its interior. This was closely followed by the arrival of the Mk3 in 2020, which brought further appealing aesthetic and tech developments.

Practicality and style of a used Dacia Sandero

One of the reasons for the enduring appeal of the Dacia Sandero after more than a decade on the UK market is its practicality, which is arguably the most significant ‘value for money’ benefit. Even today, its Mk2 remains one of the most spacious superminis for sale. The boot is what really draws praise; its 320 litres of capacity is impressive, 40 litres more than the popular Mk5 Volkswagen Polo, as well as 28 litres more than the Mk7 Ford Fiesta’s 292 litres. A 60/40 boot split comes as standard, which is a real win if you’re looking to transport large luggage and a third passenger. Slotting all the seats down offers plenty more space, increasing the capacity to 1,200 litres – similar to what you might expect from a smaller van.

While the Mk3 adds value in terms of tech and safety features. Space inside remains impressive with the boot capacity increased further, to 328 litres. With the seats down the capacity is nearly equal to its predecessor, coming in at 1,108 litres.

If that’s not enough, the Dacia Sandero also has an impressive towing capacity for a hatchback. Its Mk2 engines can pull up to 1,000kg, while some Mk3 engines can manage up to 1,100kg and could easily manage towing some small caravans for a trip away. And if you’re transporting your small family, whether on a holiday or on the school run, an ISOFIX seating system comes as standard across all Mk2 and Mk3 trims so installing child seats is simple.

Running costs

In keeping with its reputation as an incredibly reasonably priced car, the Dacia Sandero keeps running costs low. Its Mk2 sits between insurance groups 2 and 10, while the Mk3 is between 3 and 12, all depending on engine size.

Road tax can be as little as £35 per year for the Mk2, rising up to £180 depending on engine size. The Mk3, meanwhile, is at a flat rate of £180 per year across all engines.

How a used Dacia Sandero drives

A range of engines across the Mk2 and Mk3 of the Dacia Sandero offer a welcome choice of power and transmission options. While its economical running costs and practicality are top of the ‘benefits’ list, one of the reasons the Dacia Sandero has garnered widespread popularity is because it drives well, too. Its 75bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine is the Mk2’s entry level option, alongside a 1.5-litre diesel engine. A facelift in 2016 replaced the 1.2-litre with a three-cylinder, 1.0-litre SCe 75 powerplant, which has similar power, but at a more economical rate. The Mk2 is nimble on the roads, with body-roll particularly aiding the handling around tight corners and is comfortable for all occupants.

The arrival of the Mk3 in 2021 saw plenty of impressive changes to the Sandero, but it retained its reliable three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine with either six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. The engine comes either as a TCe 90, delivering 90bhp and a top speed of 107mph, or as a TCe 100 BiFuel which offers 100bhp and a top speed of 113mph. Both of these engines will provide a decent amount of zip on the road for this practical hatchback. With its durable suspension and sophisticated cornering, the Mk3 Dacia Sandero proves to be a genuinely enjoyable driving experience and is therefore a great option for the daily commute or regular school drop-offs. With a surprising jolt of power at higher gears, it can deliver the speed and handling required of B roads, too.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2013 - 2021

Engine	Official NEDC MPG	Official WLTP MPG
0.9 TCe	52.3–57.7 mpg	-
1.0 SCe	48.7–54.3 mpg	-
1.0 TCe Bi-Fuel	-	49.6 mpg
1.2	47.9–48.7 mpg	-
1.5 dCi 90	74.3–80.7 mpg	-
1.5 dCi 95	76.3 mpg	62.7 mpg

2021 - onwards

Engine	Official WLTP MPG
0.9 TCe	53.3 mpg
0.9 TCe Automatic	48.7 mpg
0.9 TCe Automatic Stepway	45.6 mpg
0.9 TCe Stepway	50.4 mpg
1.0 SCe	53.3 mpg
1.0 SCe 65	53.3 mpg
1.0 TCe Bi-Fuel	52.3 mpg
1.0 TCe Bi-Fuel Stepway	48.7 mpg

Features of a used Dacia Sandero

With practicality at the fore, you can expect a used Dacia Sandero to keep your driving experience comfortable and safe without too many unnecessary frills.

Interior

The introduction of the affordable Mk2 Dacia Sandero in 2013 brought a cabin that keeps the necessary tools close to hand while retaining an uncluttered feel. Space grey upholstery comes as standard, and the whole interior feels well put together. Aside from its entry level trim, all Mk2s offer air-conditioning and stereo equipment. After its facelift in 2016, the Mk2 offers those essentials as standard, with the added benefits of increased cabin storage and USB and Bluetooth connectivity for all but the entry-level trim.

The 2021 Mk3 Sandero offers a real touch of modernity. Its entry-level trim includes rake and reach adjustment on the steering wheel, as well as a smartphone holder on the dashboard. But from mid-entry and above, the smart and practical features come into their own. As well as DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, Media Control enables the use of a Dacia app to access essential features like Google Maps and Waze. Stepping it up to the top-entry trim, you can expect an eight-inch infotainment system that runs both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Technology

While the entry-level Mk2 Dacia Sandero offers all the basics necessary for a smooth and comfortable drive, helpful road assist features like anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control are included too. Moving up to the Mk3, you can expect emergency call (E-call) on the entry-level trim, while the higher-level trims include an impressive range of features to enhance your day-to-day driving. Cruise control and lane assist make motorway driving less tiring, while a reversing camera and sensors are on hand to assist with parking in tight spots. From the mid-entry trim, you can also expect automatic wipers, keyless entry and electrically adjustable wing mirrors.

Safety

Safety and practicality are usually a top priority in a hatchback. The good news is that the Mk2 Dacia Sandero scores very well on the Euro NCAP safety rating. Holding four stars, it offers an adult occupant safety rating of 80%, as well as a child occupant safety rating of 79%. The Mk3 does similarly well on these two scores, with an adult occupant safety rating of 70% and a child occupant safety rating of 72%.

Trims available on a used Dacia Sandero

Dacia Sandero Ambiance

The mid-entry trim of the Mk2, the Ambiance offers Bluetooth and USB connectivity, body-coloured bumpers, central locking, electric front windows and chrome interior trim sections.

Dacia Sandero Laureate

Enhancing the Mk2 is the Laureate trim, which adds a chrome front grille and graphite interior, as well as a leather gearstick and air con. Plus, cruise control adds a premium feel to motorway driving, while the wing mirrors are heated and power-adjustable.

Dacia Sandero Essential

The entry-level Mk3 Sandero offers a steering wheel control panel, tinted windows and a 3.5-inch FTF instrument panel – plus, a sleek, remodelled exterior that adds an attractive modern feel to the Sandero.

Dacia Sandero Expression

The Expression is the Mk3 Sandero’s top-entry trim. It offers an eight-inch infotainment screen complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a reversing camera and parking sensors, as well as LED headlights and keyless entry.

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