Dacia: an anomaly
Discussion
I love the duster on steelies, especially with a real man’s roof rack.
I get the ‘cheap car’ bit, new, warranty, no hassle, what I dont really get are the gentrified versions, its a cheap car with more tatty plastic screwed on.
We have been here before, back in the day my father inherited a nearly new Yugo from a recently deceased friend, I had a Fiat 128 at the time and it was basically one of those made out of the cheapest possible pattern parts, so anyway, when the warranty ran out the only people that would take it off him were Lada, so he had a basic Samara, now my dad was by that time a ‘4 wheels and a heater’ man who was finished with driveway maintenance, so that was fine, only after a year they called him and put him in (I s
t you not) a Samara with alloys, a body kit, Recaro looky likeys and all that schnizzle - WTF?
Anyway, thats where I see the poshed up Dacia’s at, and yes, my dad realised the foolishness and bought an ex demo Primera, not very exciting, but it did what he wanted.
Maybe I’m just a snob, but cheap is fine, blinded up cheap I really think just looks desperate.
IN the same box I’m stuck with a ‘5 sized’ 2.0 Diesel at work because of the CO2, and I think the M Sport/ S Line/ AMG Sport/ R Design versions all look daft as well, I’m well into the spec editing up SE at this end of the performance spectrum in the bigger/ mid sized car. A neighbour just got a new LWB 7 series and it looks ridiculous in the BMW ‘M BLue’ colour and M body kit.
Looks fine on a 3 series or the big engined 5’s......not on a 7.
I get the ‘cheap car’ bit, new, warranty, no hassle, what I dont really get are the gentrified versions, its a cheap car with more tatty plastic screwed on.
We have been here before, back in the day my father inherited a nearly new Yugo from a recently deceased friend, I had a Fiat 128 at the time and it was basically one of those made out of the cheapest possible pattern parts, so anyway, when the warranty ran out the only people that would take it off him were Lada, so he had a basic Samara, now my dad was by that time a ‘4 wheels and a heater’ man who was finished with driveway maintenance, so that was fine, only after a year they called him and put him in (I s
t you not) a Samara with alloys, a body kit, Recaro looky likeys and all that schnizzle - WTF?Anyway, thats where I see the poshed up Dacia’s at, and yes, my dad realised the foolishness and bought an ex demo Primera, not very exciting, but it did what he wanted.
Maybe I’m just a snob, but cheap is fine, blinded up cheap I really think just looks desperate.
IN the same box I’m stuck with a ‘5 sized’ 2.0 Diesel at work because of the CO2, and I think the M Sport/ S Line/ AMG Sport/ R Design versions all look daft as well, I’m well into the spec editing up SE at this end of the performance spectrum in the bigger/ mid sized car. A neighbour just got a new LWB 7 series and it looks ridiculous in the BMW ‘M BLue’ colour and M body kit.
Looks fine on a 3 series or the big engined 5’s......not on a 7.
Edited by MalcolmSmith on Sunday 18th February 09:37
What is interesting about Dacia is their "classlessness".
They are the opposite of the common British fascination with "all show" and the "sportiness" of rock hard suspension, as epitomised by S-line, ST Line, R line etc.
The modern Dacia is far more capable and reliable than the Lada, Skoda, Fso or Yugo Cars of the 70/80s.
For some people, the likes of Dacia are a mystery, but for many they are a refreshing, non-ostentatious, liberating change.
Having said that, I have a now 8 year old Mondeo estate (16" steel wheels, non-sport suspension, decent tyres) TDCi that performs a similar, care-free function, but is more comfortable and capable, but I do home servicing and maintenance (although the Mondeo has not needed anything beyond new brakes).
Ps. It could be quite fun (but financially senseless) to take a Duster and raid the Renault/Nissan parts bin for some engine, brakes and suspension to build a Q car
Similar to the concept of an old Subaru estate or early Forester.
Fitting a Sandero Stepway with some hot Clio parts could be good too.
They are the opposite of the common British fascination with "all show" and the "sportiness" of rock hard suspension, as epitomised by S-line, ST Line, R line etc.
The modern Dacia is far more capable and reliable than the Lada, Skoda, Fso or Yugo Cars of the 70/80s.
For some people, the likes of Dacia are a mystery, but for many they are a refreshing, non-ostentatious, liberating change.
Having said that, I have a now 8 year old Mondeo estate (16" steel wheels, non-sport suspension, decent tyres) TDCi that performs a similar, care-free function, but is more comfortable and capable, but I do home servicing and maintenance (although the Mondeo has not needed anything beyond new brakes).
Ps. It could be quite fun (but financially senseless) to take a Duster and raid the Renault/Nissan parts bin for some engine, brakes and suspension to build a Q car
Similar to the concept of an old Subaru estate or early Forester.
Fitting a Sandero Stepway with some hot Clio parts could be good too.
Edited by MC Bodge on Sunday 18th February 10:54
MC Bodge said:
Fitting a Sandero Stepway with some hot Clio parts could be good too.
Like this? Edited by MC Bodge on Sunday 18th February 10:54
Shame it's never going to come to the UK, though I know someone who is trying to transplant a Clio 197 into one, always thought a Nismo Juke based one would be fun though.
Back to the OP though I just returned my 4 year old Sandero Stepway, just under 70k miles, hasn't cost me a penny other than usual costs during those 4 years and hasn't missed a beat, totally hassle free, had all the toys, aircon, cruise, electrics, media system/nav etc.
The difference between Dacia and others on PCP / HP is the relatively low deposit, many of the cars you see advertised for under £200 p/m or low finance etc need a deposit that normally equates to 1/3rd total price of a Dacia.
I'm now on my second Dacia (just over 24hrs ago), this time a Logan Stepway Summit, really impressed so far.
I've looked at the Dacia Duster a few times. Dacia are your 'do the job' kinda brand. People who want a car to do stuff and things, yknow? 15k for a brand new SUV isn't half bad, and plus, seems pretty cheap to maintain. The plastic bumpers make it easy to replace any damage there.
I get what the OP is saying about HP/PCP options, they don't seem that much cheaper than other, frankly better, cars. But on the upside, like many are saying, if I was to buy a Dacia Duster it would be a run-into-the-ground job.
Like many, I'm surprised at how the "cheap" Dacia's hold their value second-hand wise. This was especially annoying for me, because I have to drive with hand-controls (+ auto transmission), and the Dacia only comes in one auto version, making them even more expensive... not to mention, it only comes in 4x2 option automatic.
Still kinda want one though, but the 4x2 only and the lack of decent ones available second hand has put me off.
I get what the OP is saying about HP/PCP options, they don't seem that much cheaper than other, frankly better, cars. But on the upside, like many are saying, if I was to buy a Dacia Duster it would be a run-into-the-ground job.
Like many, I'm surprised at how the "cheap" Dacia's hold their value second-hand wise. This was especially annoying for me, because I have to drive with hand-controls (+ auto transmission), and the Dacia only comes in one auto version, making them even more expensive... not to mention, it only comes in 4x2 option automatic.
Still kinda want one though, but the 4x2 only and the lack of decent ones available second hand has put me off.
We looked at the possibility of buying a Sandero, but ended up buying a Ka Plus (the budget Ford, not to be confused with a Ka) - It's basically a Fiesta with rear/side windows that are large enough to see out of 
. There were a few things that put us off getting a Sandero 1) The engine was either a Diesel or small turbo petrol 2) The (it would seem absolutely wrong) impression that if we even wanted to sell it we wouldn't be able to. 3)Once the 'extras' that Wife wanted eg Stereo and A/c were added the price of the Sandero crept up closer to the KA Plus. The 16v petrol in the Ka Plus is something I am more comfortable with. I have to say we are very pleased with the ford!
. There were a few things that put us off getting a Sandero 1) The engine was either a Diesel or small turbo petrol 2) The (it would seem absolutely wrong) impression that if we even wanted to sell it we wouldn't be able to. 3)Once the 'extras' that Wife wanted eg Stereo and A/c were added the price of the Sandero crept up closer to the KA Plus. The 16v petrol in the Ka Plus is something I am more comfortable with. I have to say we are very pleased with the ford! As a used dealer we have never stocked a Duster as residuals are too strong and we can't really compete with Renault dealerships.
Done a Logan recently...biggest load space in an estate for a mid sized car, economical, cheap to tax, and most importantly doesn't have too many buttons or controls to confuse certain buyers. Plus they're mega cheap.
Done lots of Stepway Sanderos. SUV looks for Clio money. Decent kit for the money. Cheap and usually in a nice colour. Personally I think they look OK for the money. Downfall is you need to open the boot with the key and the seats don't adjust enough but most buyers can get past that. Perfect suburban OAP car you can run on a pension income.
Done a Logan recently...biggest load space in an estate for a mid sized car, economical, cheap to tax, and most importantly doesn't have too many buttons or controls to confuse certain buyers. Plus they're mega cheap.
Done lots of Stepway Sanderos. SUV looks for Clio money. Decent kit for the money. Cheap and usually in a nice colour. Personally I think they look OK for the money. Downfall is you need to open the boot with the key and the seats don't adjust enough but most buyers can get past that. Perfect suburban OAP car you can run on a pension income.
They appeal to a lot of people who read horror stories about other cars. Take any mid range car and if they go wrong so full of electronics that many are written off.
The Dacia have less trick bits so hence people do not fear repairs. They are decent cars for none enthusiast, simple to drive, cheap to buy, heavily advertised and have a good reputation with owners.
Not my cup of tea but cannot fail to be impressed by them
The Dacia have less trick bits so hence people do not fear repairs. They are decent cars for none enthusiast, simple to drive, cheap to buy, heavily advertised and have a good reputation with owners.
Not my cup of tea but cannot fail to be impressed by them
spaximus said:
Not my cup of tea but cannot fail to be impressed by them
The reasonableness(?) of this took me aback a little.It seems like every car is argued over like football or politics on here now, a for camp and a camp against and they do battle to the death over mind-numbing details.
To the moderates.I’m considering a new model Duster (to be released this summer - LINK) as a replacement for my Polo GTI.
Chalk and cheese but I want something more comfortable and cheaper, that can be parked anywhere without worry, have bikes thrown in the boot, runs to the dump, etc. The only driving I really do these days is a 30 miles-per-day commute, so I am struggling to justify a nice/quick/sporty car. The current model is ticking those boxes but the improved interior of the new one is swinging me that way.
EDIT re discounts: there’s a dealership near me doing up to 15% deposit contributions (4x4 diesel Laureate). Yes that means finance on a not-great rate of 6.9%, but take it out to get the discount, then pay off immediately, if you have the cash.
Chalk and cheese but I want something more comfortable and cheaper, that can be parked anywhere without worry, have bikes thrown in the boot, runs to the dump, etc. The only driving I really do these days is a 30 miles-per-day commute, so I am struggling to justify a nice/quick/sporty car. The current model is ticking those boxes but the improved interior of the new one is swinging me that way.
EDIT re discounts: there’s a dealership near me doing up to 15% deposit contributions (4x4 diesel Laureate). Yes that means finance on a not-great rate of 6.9%, but take it out to get the discount, then pay off immediately, if you have the cash.
Edited by Dyl on Sunday 4th March 19:47
The Vambo said:
spaximus said:
Not my cup of tea but cannot fail to be impressed by them
The reasonableness(?) of this took me aback a little.It seems like every car is argued over like football or politics on here now, a for camp and a camp against and they do battle to the death over mind-numbing details.
To the moderates.sidaorb said:
Like this?
Shame it's never going to come to the UK, though I know someone who is trying to transplant a Clio 197 into one, always thought a Nismo Juke based one would be fun though.
Back to the OP though I just returned my 4 year old Sandero Stepway, just under 70k miles, hasn't cost me a penny other than usual costs during those 4 years and hasn't missed a beat, totally hassle free, had all the toys, aircon, cruise, electrics, media system/nav etc.
The difference between Dacia and others on PCP / HP is the relatively low deposit, many of the cars you see advertised for under £200 p/m or low finance etc need a deposit that normally equates to 1/3rd total price of a Dacia.
I'm now on my second Dacia (just over 24hrs ago), this time a Logan Stepway Summit, really impressed so far.
Wouldn't a megane 225 engine be better?Shame it's never going to come to the UK, though I know someone who is trying to transplant a Clio 197 into one, always thought a Nismo Juke based one would be fun though.
Back to the OP though I just returned my 4 year old Sandero Stepway, just under 70k miles, hasn't cost me a penny other than usual costs during those 4 years and hasn't missed a beat, totally hassle free, had all the toys, aircon, cruise, electrics, media system/nav etc.
The difference between Dacia and others on PCP / HP is the relatively low deposit, many of the cars you see advertised for under £200 p/m or low finance etc need a deposit that normally equates to 1/3rd total price of a Dacia.
I'm now on my second Dacia (just over 24hrs ago), this time a Logan Stepway Summit, really impressed so far.
Tannedbaldhead said:
Great value if you are walking into a showroom with £15k in your back pocket to buy a new car outright.
Any other procurement option and the Duster suddenly becomes expensive. They are also relatively expensive second-hand.
in your op you said residuals were falling off a cliff?Any other procurement option and the Duster suddenly becomes expensive. They are also relatively expensive second-hand.
Jag_NE said:
Tannedbaldhead said:
Great value if you are walking into a showroom with £15k in your back pocket to buy a new car outright.
Any other procurement option and the Duster suddenly becomes expensive. They are also relatively expensive second-hand.
in your op you said residuals were falling off a cliff?Any other procurement option and the Duster suddenly becomes expensive. They are also relatively expensive second-hand.
Tannedbaldhead said:
And my dream of the dirt cheap Duster hack? Dacia residuals are not falling off a cliff the way Soviet Block Ladas, Skodas and FSOs did when I was a lad.
Think u may have misread my post. Gassing Station | Dacia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff