The Sandero 2, launched in 2012, only increased Dacia's success in the segment of universal city cars. In addition to maintaining an excellent price/quality ratio, the cousin of the Renault Clio and rival of the C3 has become more attractive, especially in its Stepway version, designed for all terrains.
And although this city car seems like a good option for a purchase, in terms of reliability, it has some weaknesses. It is available in versions powered by gasoline, diesel and one with a built-in LPG AGU. Overall, all three options are easy to maintain and relatively reliable cars. But of the three, the diesel is the one that will cause you the most problems. The optimal option is the dual-fuel version with a factory gas system.
What specifically should you pay attention to when buying
Noise in the front axle, manual gearbox, poor paint finish.
1.5 dCi - Flywheel, oil pump, FAP
1.5 Blue dCi - Oil consumption
Dacia Sandero 2 Stepway - besides being taller, it has no off-road capabilities.
Our opinion and advice before buying a second-hand Sandero II (B52)
Sandero is a smart choice for those looking for a spacious, economical and easy-to-maintain city car, designed primarily for two people. Initially, in 2012, the car had the so-called "childhood diseases", which were eliminated with the facelift in 2016.
The interior is not bad, but it is still below the standards in the segment with low-end plastics and very thin floor mats. The low price is also a requisite, and the Sandero accompanies its journeys with quite a bit of aerodynamic noise, and the paint is extremely thin and often this is evident.
However, this car is quite decently equipped with 4 airbags, ESP and power steering as standard. The Romanian company even allows itself to offer GPS and reversing sensors on its most refined versions.
Space becomes the Sandero's strong point. With its 4.08 m, it offers a folding seat with 3 real seats in the back and a decent trunk volume (320 l). In terms of road behavior, the Sandero does not match its cousin Clio 3, with which it shares its chassis (B0).
However, the steering is calm and predictable, but not dynamic, and the comfort is enviable, even compared to some more expensive competitors. The second-hand market is abundant with a high share of gasoline engines (0.9 TCe at the forefront) and Stepway versions.
Although the Romanian city car uses proven parts from the Renault spare parts bank, its reliability is not perfect. However, many problems can be resolved within the 3-year warranty period.
Stepway
More attractive than Sandero, "off-road" The version may appeal to adventure-seeking fathers, even if it's more about looks than 4x4 capabilities, because those are lacking.
Weaknesses
Road handling - Pronounced body roll, uncertain changes in behavior when taking turns at higher speeds, uncommunicative steering, slightly slower braking: despite sharing its base with the Clio III, the Dacia is not as lively as the Renault.
Finishing - Low-end plastics, thin carpet, very cheap details... In addition, the paint is not durable.
Easy-R box - The slowness of this automatic gearbox is terrifying.
Prices
How the prices of the second generation of the Sandero model move, you can see HERE.