Dacia Duster, 999cc of Throbbing Fun
Discussion
ch37 said:
ChocolateFrog said:
A question of my own, is Android Auto/ Carplay supposed to connect via wireless? I have to plug my phone in.
Android Auto is theoretically wireless now but very few cars at this end of the market have the tech to enable it, pretty sure Dacia don't (it requires WiFi, not just Bluetooth). We have a new Suzuki and it needs to be plugged into the USB. Frustrating as the in-built USB offers just enough power to stop the phone discharging rapidly, but it still loses quite a bit of battery on a long drive (Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, so quote power hungry). Where as if I could charge via the 12V socket and connect wirelessly to Android Auto I'd have the best of both worlds.The Rotrex Kid said:
ch37 said:
ChocolateFrog said:
A question of my own, is Android Auto/ Carplay supposed to connect via wireless? I have to plug my phone in.
Android Auto is theoretically wireless now but very few cars at this end of the market have the tech to enable it, pretty sure Dacia don't (it requires WiFi, not just Bluetooth). We have a new Suzuki and it needs to be plugged into the USB. Frustrating as the in-built USB offers just enough power to stop the phone discharging rapidly, but it still loses quite a bit of battery on a long drive (Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, so quote power hungry). Where as if I could charge via the 12V socket and connect wirelessly to Android Auto I'd have the best of both worlds.Joey Deacon said:
Out of interest what are these like for rust? Not the body as such but more the underbody components, suspension, exhaust, wheel hubs etc.
My 15 year old Renault is amazingly good underneath, still on the original exhaust and the brake pipes still have the original protection on them. I just wonder if the Dacia has the same build quality underneath?
When I've asked around for owners of early Dusters not much came back. Seems like the cills can rust but generally the body isn't bad. Underneath I think they're comparable to most other European cars, there's certainly plenty of factory seam sealer and underseal slapped on. My 15 year old Renault is amazingly good underneath, still on the original exhaust and the brake pipes still have the original protection on them. I just wonder if the Dacia has the same build quality underneath?
Joey Deacon said:
Out of interest what are these like for rust? Not the body as such but more the underbody components, suspension, exhaust, wheel hubs etc.
My 15 year old Renault is amazingly good underneath, still on the original exhaust and the brake pipes still have the original protection on them. I just wonder if the Dacia has the same build quality underneath?
The rust protection is of an excellent good modern standard. My 15 year old Renault is amazingly good underneath, still on the original exhaust and the brake pipes still have the original protection on them. I just wonder if the Dacia has the same build quality underneath?
I had a good look at all the suspension arms etc after 2 years of mixed driving and all the factory coatings were 100% intact.
The seams are fully sealed and the whole underside epoxy coated with etch, primer, and under-sealed where appropriate.
Certainly not an issue.
I regret not attacking mine with ACF 50 when I first got it. Might still do it. Some of the earliest Indian built cars definitely had some rust issues which were addressed quickly I believe. I think they moved production of RHD cars to Romania after two years. I’m seeing lots of 2013 Dusters about which look very solid.
blueST said:
OppoLocksmith said:
I had the low coolant on mine, some say it's supposed to be at that level but I topped it up and it hasn't moved since. Good to hear it's enjoying the long trips.
One thing to watch out for; I decided to take the rear number plate off over the weekend and some bright spark has drilled straight into the tailgate, there is corrosion already present so I need to pick this up with the dealer. Anyone else had this issue?
Coolant up to the max line now. £5 for a top up bottle from a main dealer doesn't seem too bad. Will keep an eye, but not expecting it to move.One thing to watch out for; I decided to take the rear number plate off over the weekend and some bright spark has drilled straight into the tailgate, there is corrosion already present so I need to pick this up with the dealer. Anyone else had this issue?
When I get back off hols I'll unscrew the rear plate and check what bodgery lies beneath.
I dare not look under my plate after the start I have had.
Though this is how it was collected...
Imagine not being able to even fit a licence plate.
Got it back from the "bodyshop" and the boot is now on straight, the bonnet still doesnt sit that well (but nor did the 22 plate extreme in the showroom) and the small dent has been filled and painted (complete with about 5 bits of dust in the clear coat).
Only little things but crap like that annoys me.
Time to just use it for now I think.
Though this is how it was collected...
Imagine not being able to even fit a licence plate.
Got it back from the "bodyshop" and the boot is now on straight, the bonnet still doesnt sit that well (but nor did the 22 plate extreme in the showroom) and the small dent has been filled and painted (complete with about 5 bits of dust in the clear coat).
Only little things but crap like that annoys me.
Time to just use it for now I think.
ChocolateFrog said:
When I've asked around for owners of early Dusters not much came back. Seems like the cills can rust but generally the body isn't bad. Underneath I think they're comparable to most other European cars, there's certainly plenty of factory seam sealer and underseal slapped on.
I've got a 64 plate. One of the first to be built in romania. Absolutely no rust at all.The pre 64 plates are of indian build and they didnt get rust protection during build so might have issues. They are some of the first in the country though, and are quite rare.
ch37 said:
Android Auto is theoretically wireless now but very few cars at this end of the market have the tech to enable it, pretty sure Dacia don't (it requires WiFi, not just Bluetooth). We have a new Suzuki and it needs to be plugged into the USB. Frustrating as the in-built USB offers just enough power to stop the phone discharging rapidly, but it still loses quite a bit of battery on a long drive (Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, so quote power hungry). Where as if I could charge via the 12V socket and connect wirelessly to Android Auto I'd have the best of both worlds.
The new prestiege is wireless & wired carplay/android auto.ChocolateFrog said:
When I've asked around for owners of early Dusters not much came back. Seems like the cills can rust but generally the body isn't bad. Underneath I think they're comparable to most other European cars, there's certainly plenty of factory seam sealer and underseal slapped on.
I've got a 64 plate. One of the first to be built in romania. Absolutely no rust at all.The pre 64 plates are of indian build and they didnt get rust protection during build so might have issues. They are some of the first in the country though, and are quite rare.
ch37 said:
Android Auto is theoretically wireless now but very few cars at this end of the market have the tech to enable it, pretty sure Dacia don't (it requires WiFi, not just Bluetooth). We have a new Suzuki and it needs to be plugged into the USB. Frustrating as the in-built USB offers just enough power to stop the phone discharging rapidly, but it still loses quite a bit of battery on a long drive (Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, so quote power hungry). Where as if I could charge via the 12V socket and connect wirelessly to Android Auto I'd have the best of both worlds.
The new prestiege is wireless & wired carplay/android auto.Check out these guys, theyve turned a cheapo 2017 plate 1.5dci into an overlanding beast. Cheaply I might add. Custom skidplates and custom roof rack binning off the old high rise roof rack that the pre-facelift models have. They are going to make it available to the public for sale too. Might get one.
They are also documenting it on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXu6Nz1ssV3F0R9u5...
Edited by Sonosp on Tuesday 10th May 15:49
Edited by Sonosp on Tuesday 10th May 15:50
Sonosp said:
The new prestiege is wireless & wired carplay/android auto.
Check out these guys, theyve turned a cheapo 2017 plate 1.5dci into an overlanding beast. Cheaply I might add. Custom skidplates and custom roof rack binning off the old high rise roof rack that the pre-facelift models have. They are going to make it available to the public for sale too. Might get one.
They are also documenting it on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXu6Nz1ssV3F0R9u5...
Is it 4x4?Check out these guys, theyve turned a cheapo 2017 plate 1.5dci into an overlanding beast. Cheaply I might add. Custom skidplates and custom roof rack binning off the old high rise roof rack that the pre-facelift models have. They are going to make it available to the public for sale too. Might get one.
They are also documenting it on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXu6Nz1ssV3F0R9u5...
Edited by Sonosp on Tuesday 10th May 15:49
Edited by Sonosp on Tuesday 10th May 15:50
Another issue has beset my 1.0 Tce LPG Duster. Over the past couple of months it has failed to jump across to LPG a few times. This has been remedied by turning it off and restarting the car. It has sometimes taken a few goes. My 30000miles since January 2021 have been predominantly on LPG. I’ve maybe till last week purchased 2 tanks of petrol.
About 10 days ago it just refused to switch over to LPG with the switch button/gauge just beeping away. I contacted Dacia as my next service is due soon. The earliest they could book the car in was 15/06/22. They intend to service the car and try and identify the issue with the LPG. My experience tells me this will result in another visit for the LPG fix. Due to my mileage this is costing me an extra £75 per week which is f
king annoying.
It’s a bit concerning as the car is now just under 2 yrs old and this is the second mechanical issue I have had so far. I’m also not really impressed with Dacia UK customer service or the dealer.
Random picture of flashing LPG switch.
About 10 days ago it just refused to switch over to LPG with the switch button/gauge just beeping away. I contacted Dacia as my next service is due soon. The earliest they could book the car in was 15/06/22. They intend to service the car and try and identify the issue with the LPG. My experience tells me this will result in another visit for the LPG fix. Due to my mileage this is costing me an extra £75 per week which is f
king annoying. It’s a bit concerning as the car is now just under 2 yrs old and this is the second mechanical issue I have had so far. I’m also not really impressed with Dacia UK customer service or the dealer.
Random picture of flashing LPG switch.
blueST said:
We'll I've just returned from 1000 miles touring round Devon and Cornwall, fully loaded up there and back with a big box on the roof. It was fine. Engine is great. On the very steep inclines on the major routes in Cornwall it was necessary to shift down out of 6th on a couple of occasions to maintain 70mph but that's is it. Without that big box on the roof it may not have been necessary at all. It's a driver's car in that you can have fun just carving along the lanes choosing the right gear and maintaining momentum. It won't lug from nothing like a big turbo diesel, but if you concentrate and enjoy the driving it's a joy.
Plus, on the way back I filled up with LPG at Gordano Services on the M5 for 63p a litre. Staggering.
Just think, what would your neighbours make of this?...
I want those wheels on our new one that we're collecting on Monday 6th June. I wonder what tricks my boss can pull off?Plus, on the way back I filled up with LPG at Gordano Services on the M5 for 63p a litre. Staggering.
Just think, what would your neighbours make of this?...
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