Dacia Sandero III (2020 – 2025)

Reliability score : 8.8/10

The third-generation Dacia Sandero (based on the modern CMF-B platform of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, shared with the Clio V) marks a spectacular leap forward in terms of road performance, safety, and comfort compared to its predecessor. IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION REGARDING DIESEL: Although your search targets a diesel engine, it is crucial to specify as an expert that Dacia has definitively removed the diesel engine (1.5 dCi) from the Sandero's catalog with the transition to this third generation. Anti-pollution standards (Euro 6d-Full) and the cost of depollution systems (SCR/AdBlue) made this engine incompatible with the model's pricing. To compensate for this absence for high-mileage drivers, Dacia has heavily relied on the 1.0 ECO-G 100 (Gasoline/LPG bi-fuel) engine, which acts as the t

✅ Strengths

Unbeatable price/spaciousness/performance ratio on the market
CMF-B platform offering road handling worthy of the upper segment (Clio V)
ECO-G 100 (LPG) engine masterfully replacing diesel (very low running cost)
Modernized design and standard LED light signature
Simple, responsive Media Nav multimedia system compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

⚠️ Weaknesses

Total absence of diesel engine (penalizing for company fleets or diesel enthusiasts)
Highway soundproofing still improvable (wind noise around the mirrors)
Hard interior plastics (though well-assembled)
Disappointing Euro NCAP rating (2 stars) due to the absence of sophisticated active driving aids, although the structure is solid
Manual gearbox sometimes notchy in the first gears

🎯 Verdict

The Dacia Sandero III is a highly recommendable purchase. It is the rational car par excellence. Regarding your diesel search: you must mourn the loss of this engine on this model. However, Dacia has pulled off a masterstroke with the 1.0 ECO-G 100 (LPG) engine. It offers the torque of a small turbo, a pump cost often lower than diesel, and superior mechanical reliability compared to modern diesels (no clogged DPF, no faulty AdBlue pump, no capricious EGR valve). If you are a high-mileage driver, the ECO-G 100 is the version to buy with your eyes closed. Avoid the SCe 65, which is too anemic outside of cities.

Common issues

Problèmes du système AdBlue (SCR) High

🔧 50 000 – 120 000 km

💶 600 – 1 800 €

Utiliser AdBlue de qualité, éviter de rouler réservoir vide, faire des trajets longs.

Encrassement du filtre à particules (FAP) Medium

🔧 40 000 – 100 000 km

💶 300 – 800 € (nettoyage) ; 1 200 – 2 500 € (remplacement)

Effectuer régulièrement des trajets autoroutiers pour favoriser la régénération.

Encrassement de la vanne EGR Medium

🔧 70 000 – 150 000 km

💶 250 – 600 €

Nettoyage préventif possible, éviter les trajets courts répétés.

Défaillances de capteurs ou bugs électroniques mineurs Low

🔧 Dès 20 000 km

💶 100 – 400 €

Vérifier les témoins au tableau de bord, privilégier les mises à jour logicielles.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£100 – 170
Timing belt	£600 – 1 100
Clutch	£700 – 1 300
Complete brakes	£300 – 550
Estimated annual budget	£500 – 1 000

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.