Used Dacia Sandero £1000 Gem – Britain’s Best‑Value Car
Bottom line: You can pick up a second‑generation Dacia Sandero for as little as £1,000, giving you a five‑seat hatchback that out‑values most new superminis on the market.
Used Dacia Sandero £1000 Gem – Britain’s Best‑Value Car
Image: Used Dacia Sandero £1000 Gem – Britain’s Best‑Value Car – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
The Mk2 Sandero (2013‑2020) was built to compete with the Fiat Panda and Kia Rio. It offers a simple, boxy shape that maximises interior space. Trim matters – the entry‑level Access version is very basic (no radio, no central locking, plain steel wheels). For a modest price upgrade to Ambiance or Laureate to get body‑coloured bumpers, metallic paint, electric windows and, in Laureate, climate control and a leather‑touched steering wheel.
The rugged Stepway adds plastic cladding, a 40 mm lift and roof bars. It looks tougher but doesn’t turn the Sandero into an off‑roader.
Performance & Mileage
Engines are modest. The original 1.2 L petrol feels slow; the newer 0.9 L turbo (TCe) is peppier and more efficient. The 1.5 L diesel is the strongest and, from 2016, ULEZ‑compliant. All models use a five‑speed manual. Expect a “sixth‑gear” feeling at high speed, and steering can feel numb.
Running costs are low – cheap insurance, low road tax and decent fuel economy, especially with the diesel. Keep an eye on the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and timing belts/chains, which can be costly if neglected.
Price & Rivals
New Sanderos start above £15,000, but used Mk2 examples range from £1,000 to just under £10,000. At the £1,000‑£2,500 bracket you’ll find high‑mileage cars; £2,500‑£5,000 gives lower‑mileage, better‑spec Stepways and turbo petrols; £5,000‑£7,500 offers well‑maintained, decent‑spec models. Compared with rivals like the Peugeot 208, Skoda Citigo or Kia Rio, the Sandero wins on price, interior volume and basic practicality.
| Engine | Mileage | Price | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.9 L Turbo Petrol | 30,000‑70,000 mi | £2,500‑£4,500 | Peppy, low fuel use, easy city driving |
| 1.5 L Diesel | 40,000‑80,000 mi | £3,000‑£5,500 | Best torque, ULEZ‑compliant, good for long runs |
| 1.2 L Atmospheric Petrol | 50,000‑90,000 mi | £1,500‑£3,000 | Simple, cheap to maintain |
FAQ
- What mileage can I expect from a £1,000 Dacia Sandero? Most cars in this price band have 70,000‑100,000 mi, but careful inspection can find lower‑mileage examples.
- Is the Sandero worth buying compared to a used Kia Rio? Yes, if you value interior space and low purchase price; the Rio may feel more refined but costs significantly more.
- Can a Sandero be used for light towing? The 1.5 L diesel can handle modest loads, but the cheap petrol units are better suited to city driving only.
Got a story about your own Sandero hunt? Leave a comment below and let us know how it’s working for you.
Source: Read Official News
