# Dacia Sandero — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Dacia Sandero on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/dacia-sandero

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2021
- **Ideal trim**: Comfort TCe 90
- **Target mileage**: 30,000–50,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £8,895

## Why this model

The Dacia Sandero is a fantastic choice if you're looking for maximum bang for your buck. It's incredibly practical, surprisingly spacious for a supermini, and very cheap to run. It might not have the fanciest interior or the most exciting drive, but it's honest, reliable, and gets the job done without fuss. It's a no-nonsense car that focuses on affordability and utility, making it perfect for daily commutes or as a second family car.

## What you should pay

Based on current UK market data (Feb 2026), a 2021 Dacia Sandero Comfort TCe 90 with around 30-50k miles typically sells for around £8,895. This represents excellent value for money, as the Sandero holds its value surprisingly well for a budget car. You might find slightly cheaper basic models or pay a bit more for lower mileage or higher trims, but £8,895 is a solid target for a well-maintained example.

## Which trim to buy

The Comfort TCe 90 trim hits the sweet spot for value. it comes with essential features like air conditioning, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and rear parking sensors, which significantly improve daily usability without pushing the price up too much. The TCe 90 engine is a peppy 1.0-litre turbo-petrol that offers a good balance of performance and fuel economy for a car of this size, making it much more enjoyable than the entry-level SCe 65.

## What to check before you buy

- Listen for any suspension knocks or creaks, especially over bumps, as bushes can wear.
- Check all electricals, including the infotainment system, as minor glitches have been reported.
- While generally reliable, some owners mention interior trim rattles.
- Be aware of the 2-star Euro NCAP safety rating for the 2021 model, which means it lacks some of the advanced safety tech found in more expensive rivals.

## Running costs

Expect running costs to be very low. Fuel will be around 16-18 pence per mile, road tax is £190 per year, and insurance is usually very affordable, often in the lowest groups, making it one of the cheapest cars to keep on the road.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 90 hp
- **Mpg**: 37–42 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: Good (often above average)
- **Safety Rating**: 2-star Euro NCAP (2021 model)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Essential TCe 90 | £10,000 | £7,500 | DAB radio; Bluetooth; Electric front windows |
| Comfort TCe 90 | £12,000 | £8,895 | 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; Air conditioning; Rear parking sensors |
| Expression TCe 90 | £13,500 | £10,000 | Automatic climate control; Keyless entry; Electric parking brake |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £8,895 | 100% |
| 2027 | £7,800 | 87.7% |
| 2028 | £7,000 | 78.7% |
| 2029 | £6,300 | 70.8% |
| 2030 | £5,700 | 64.1% |

Buying a 3-4 year old Dacia Sandero is a smart move for depreciation. The steepest drop in value has already occurred in its first few years. From this point, the Sandero tends to hold its value quite well for a budget car, meaning you won't lose a huge percentage of your purchase price over the next few years compared to buying new or a much younger used car.

Total value lost since new: 35.9%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Kia Picanto](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/kia-picanto.md)
- [Hyundai i10](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/hyundai-i10.md)
- [Renault Clio](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/renault-clio.md)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.