RE: North Coast 500 in a Dacia Duster

[leccyt]

I drove a Duster round Iceland. It was perfectly adequate for kit hauling, having done numerous NC500 trips I can only imagine it would serve the same purpose there if your goal was going on an adventure. It would take the enjoyment out of driving though... it's not like doing it in the M3.

One thing though, the headlights were beyond awful. I was seriously concerned the main beams weren't even working but they were... the car was almost undriveable on a black night. I don't know if there is a headlight upgrade option but that would be the first box I ticked!

[Rosedene]

Kamox said:

This was me, 10 days, 2014, with a rented Hyundai i30. Great places, aside from the occasional terror of driving on two-way traffic, sigle-lane roads with oncoming trucks and buses behind a crest...
I also got a flat tire in the lighthouse west of Dunvegan... luckily the owner of the B&B I was staying in found me a garage with a matching tire!
He saved my holiday (I had a strict deadline because of the booked ferries), I was so gratefut that I sent him local chocolate nougats the Christmas of that year

Edited by Kamox on Tuesday 4th April 14:32

You missed the best bit! Should have turned left at Tarbert and journeyed round the mighty C79 Bays of Harris, back up the westside and onwards!

[croyde]

First thread where I've read bad things about the Duster.

Bad steering and headlights?

Is this true?

[ukaskew]

Cpt Stirling said:

Was up in the Highlands last week, couldn't believe how popular these are; loads of 'em.

The Alps are chock full of them too. And that was when I visited in February in some reasonably remote areas, so they presumably work pretty well in interesting conditions.

[dapprman]

croyde said:

First thread where I've read bad things about the Duster.

Bad steering and headlights?

Is this true?

On the headlamps - nope on the face lifted (during 2013) versions they're great - before that I'm not sure.

Steering - as long as you're progressive it's fine and does feel more accurate than people let up, however if you steer suddenly (such as entering a roundabout too quickly ) then that (semi) off-road suspension can leave you wondering, not just where the front wheels are pointing, but if you're going to tip - you're not, but yes if you try driving more spiritedly (even if accidentally) then the steering is vague.

I'm another owner who loves the back to basics unpretentiousness of the car, and over rough roads and speed bumps I actually find it a smoother, more comfortable drive than my C6. What partly sold me on it and the cheap seats is I had a back back when I went for a test drive. Sat in it and the back ache went - not surprising I suppose since the interior is lower rent clio/megane.

[Yipper]

Think Scotland is so pretty, it is best done at a steady speed, so you can see the scenery, rather than hacking it round in a blur. Not every drive need be a race.

[sidaorb]

croyde said:

First thread where I've read bad things about the Duster.

Bad steering and headlights?

Is this true?

Some come out of dealers with headlights set too low, 5 minute job to adjust but still should be done on PDI, though many owners I know fit Osrams.

Steering is fine, it's not a bloody sports car or a £50K+ Chelsea tractor, you just have to get used to it and then have fun trying to find the limits.

[LDN]

ukaskew said:

The Alps are chock full of them too. And that was when I visited in February in some reasonably remote areas, so they presumably work pretty well in interesting conditions.

Very true. Some days, in the Alps; I thought I was in some twilight zone wherein everyone simply must drive a Duster, or else! There was that many of them. The French aren't as worried about being judged on their car choice like the Brits, Swiss and Germans are. Leave the RR's, Mercs and Audis to us! Anyway; I like these Dacias; they slot into a previously empty void in the modern car, main brand offerings.