Dacia Duster, 999cc of Throbbing Fun

[Mark-t]

Clifford Chambers said:

Ii think really all we aspire to is the access model, then heads get turned by shiny things.

Not really as I believe that comes with a blanking plate in place of the radio. The essential model is perfect, especially when it’s at the price of the Access

[croyde]

It was originally the Access model that I was to happily go for but they have crept up in price.

Aren't they over £10k new now?

So when this thread came up it got me looking at the Essential pre reg which I think was £11,500 but I played a waiting game and saw the prices come down but they were getting less available.

My local to London garages had sold theirs and I had to look further afield.

Manchester had one at the new low of £10,500 but wanted £300 to deliver.

I was getting greedy and only wanted to pay £10.5k

Wolverhampton stepped in and the salesguy said £10.5k all in incl delivery. It even came with a full size spare. A £175 option I think.

I'm liking the plain white but I saw a blue the other day that looked similar to my old BMW. I would have liked that. There were a few colours available at the same low price but they went very quickly.

[Clifford Chambers]

Mark-t said:

Clifford Chambers said:

Ii think really all we aspire to is the access model, then heads get turned by shiny things.

Not really as I believe that comes with a blanking plate in place of the radio. The essential model is perfect, especially when it’s at the price of the Access

ICE

[Mark-t]

Clifford Chambers said:

ICE

It’s essential for me, pun intended

[Mikebentley]

Clifford Chambers said:

Mark-t said:

Clifford Chambers said:

Ii think really all we aspire to is the access model, then heads get turned by shiny things.

Not really as I believe that comes with a blanking plate in place of the radio. The essential model is perfect, especially when it’s at the price of the Access

ICE

Ah but CC I only paid Essential money for mine. I like shiny.......and LPG

[OppoLocksmith]

Shominy said:

I've spent the last few days reading this thread and I'm quite liking the idea of a Duster now. Can anyone allay my fears which are that the 1.0 Tce will feel a bit gutless, the driving experience isn't/won't be as good as a normal hatchback compared to this raised SUV type vehicle, and that these Dusters are really that good value?

For reference I currently knock about in a 2008 Focus 1.8 which I find is a joy to drive. It could definitely do with a bit more low down grunt, especially if you stick it into 3rd or 4th a bit early and you find yourself a bit bogged down but the steering feel is top notch and imo this is down to the 3 level steering assistance. On the sport mode the steering is quite heavy and there's less assistance which I really enjoy. When I drive other cars the steering just seems so light and disconnected.

I must've looked at 100 other cars in my quest for a new one and I was almost sure I was going to get a mk3 Focus hatch or estate but these Dusters have grabbed my interest and I quite like the rugged non-badge snobby look of them. For the same price you can get a very well specced Vauxhall Astra of a similar vintage with a more powerful engine and generally I would imagine is a nicer place to be and I'm no fan of Vauxhalls. Someone please give me some perspective!

This was my concern and I haven't felt it to be underpowered. Ours is loosening up nicely now, it's just much more interesting proposition than an Astra etc in my book. It continues to grow on our family and the novelty hasn't worn off yet.

Edited by OppoLocksmith on Sunday 21st March 18:55

Edited by OppoLocksmith on Sunday 21st March 21:42

[Shominy]

OppoLocksmith said:

This was my concern and I haven't felt it to be underpowered. Ours is loosening up nicely now, it's just much more interesting proposition than an Astra etc in my book. It continues to grow on our family and the novelty hasn't worn off yet.

Glad to hear that you don't think it's underpowered. I think I'd have to have a go in one before I could buy one. I'd definitely be after a Comfort spec as I just think having a reversing camera and cruise control would be worth it. Also, the Comfort spec is the first to mention an on-board trip computer. Surely the Essential spec has one that tells you the range and fuel consumption etc?

You're right in that they are a much more interesting proposition and I'd hope they hold their value reasonably well as I can see them becoming quite a popular used buy in a few years time now that the rust issues have gone and the spec is slightly better with turbo engines.

[Mark-t]

Essential has a few options to flick through on the dash, some I'm not quite sure of myself but I'll try and recall them:
Mileage & trip
Range
Current mpg
Average mpg
Tyre pressure check
Car systems check
Current journey distance (though mine doesn't seem to auto reset)
Speed limiter if switched on (and CC if you change the switch)

I've had the car just over a month and only today did I find the thumbwheel at the back of the stereo controls mounted on the steering column. It seems to flick through radio stations but I'm sure it'll have other uses too.

I've also noticed the range for the RCL is quite far! My one year old loves stomping around with keys and has worked out the buttons. She was upstairs at the rear of the house and the car was still locking/unlocking! Other cars / previous cars don't do this.

[croyde]

You can use that wheel to scroll through music via Bluetooth or USB as well as through phone contacts.

[Shominy]

Mark-t said:

Essential has a few options to flick through on the dash, some I'm not quite sure of myself but I'll try and recall them:
Mileage & trip
Range
Current mpg
Average mpg
Tyre pressure check
Car systems check
Current journey distance (though mine doesn't seem to auto reset)
Speed limiter if switched on (and CC if you change the switch)

I've had the car just over a month and only today did I find the thumbwheel at the back of the stereo controls mounted on the steering column. It seems to flick through radio stations but I'm sure it'll have other uses too.

I've also noticed the range for the RCL is quite far! My one year old loves stomping around with keys and has worked out the buttons. She was upstairs at the rear of the house and the car was still locking/unlocking! Other cars / previous cars don't do this.

Thanks for the info. So an Essential model with aftermarket parking sensors and replacement of the speed limiter switch for the cruise control one would likely be all I'd need. Brand new ones, or pre-reg with <1000 miles are available for £11k which is a great deal. Still can't shake the feeling that a lightly used hatchback in higher spec with a bit more power might be the best option for me but I'll need to have a proper look around when the garages open up again.

[bungz]

Have seen quite a few about with the new 130 tce at a year old or so for very reasonable money, even in 4 x 4 guise.

All very sensible and tempting....

[Magnum 475]

bungz said:

Have seen quite a few about with the new 130 tce at a year old or so for very reasonable money, even in 4 x 4 guise.

All very sensible and tempting....

Does anyone know just how capable the 4x4 version is? Could be useful where I live - quite remote and roads untreated during winter. I've always managed using RWD with cold weather tyres, but a low-cost 4WD setup is appealing.

[bungz]

No personal experience

[Clifford Chambers]

Magnum 475 said:

bungz said:

Have seen quite a few about with the new 130 tce at a year old or so for very reasonable money, even in 4 x 4 guise.

All very sensible and tempting....

Does anyone know just how capable the 4x4 version is? Could be useful where I live - quite remote and roads untreated during winter. I've always managed using RWD with cold weather tyres, but a low-cost 4WD setup is appealing.

I think they use a Nissan 4x4 system, coupled with reasonable ground clearance add some decent tyres and it should do okay.

[Magnum 475]

Clifford Chambers said:

Magnum 475 said:

bungz said:

Have seen quite a few about with the new 130 tce at a year old or so for very reasonable money, even in 4 x 4 guise.

All very sensible and tempting....

Does anyone know just how capable the 4x4 version is? Could be useful where I live - quite remote and roads untreated during winter. I've always managed using RWD with cold weather tyres, but a low-cost 4WD setup is appealing.

I think they use a Nissan 4x4 system, coupled with reasonable ground clearance add some decent tyres and it should do okay.

Hmmm. Now I'm thinking silly thoughts about getting one and playing with it... I also won't be so precious about the interior as I have been with my E-Class so could be a perfect 'kid wagon'

Wonder if it's possible to drop, say, a Megane 250 engine in??? Inspired by the Skoda Yeti I saw a while back that had Golf R running gear...

[OppoLocksmith]

Would definitely make and interesting project, there's plenty of room in the engine bay. Not sure how the chassis would handle it though!

[Mikebentley]

Here’s a question for the knowledgeable. I filled with LPG today at Carvers in Wolverhampton. I had driven 50 miles on the red light so knew it was pretty empty. After pumping the attendant advised me it took 39.2 litres. I believed my LPG tank was a 38litre unit. Would this be down to the temperature or other factors?

[74merc]

Is the quoted 38 litre the actual capacity of the tank or the nominal capacity? With LPG, tanks can normally only be filled to about 80% of their actual capacity. It is possible to get in slightly more than this.

[Mikebentley]

74Merc I can only find reference to it being 38 litres capacity. The regular required fill ups have been between 32 and 35 litres max on one fill after it had clicked over to petrol suggesting it was empty of gas. I’m thinking the attendant either wrote it down wrongly or I paid for a part of someone’s earlier usage. Another possibility is the pump is faulty.

[muchacho]

Well, it looks very much like this parish is about to lose a Z4 convertible and gain a bright orange Throbber! Another notch on PP's bedpost and I am sure he won't mind. My only concern is that that my (listprice) 2019 Suzuki Jimny is about to be seriously outgunned in the value stakes..