Dacia Duster, 999cc of Throbbing Fun

[Mikebentley]

I’m 6ft and 14.5 stone. No trouble with my knees but do get the right elbow thing. The ECO button or as I call it “ The button of misery” completely numbs the car and kills the little engine. Not sure what benefits it gives with regard to economy but whatever it is it’s not worth it! The engine revs and performs better on LPG also in my experience.

[croyde]

Eco button just takes it easy, too easy, even if you mash the accelerator.

Soul destroying.

[TeamBigfoot]

It certainly gives you time to think when accelerating. I'm just being cautious when running the engine in as its the first new car i've ever owned.

With it off, the engine feels peppy, although i haven't been above 3.5k rpm yet. I've also noticed that with the adapter on, it doesn't feel like it can hold the weight of the pump - the panel with the euro input next to the petrol filling cap starts to bend so i'm just holding it up. Anyone noticed how slow LPG pumps?

[Mikebentley]

Yes it’s not the quickest but the guys I regularly use say it pumps quicker than the taxis they fill. Not sure if that’s because the taxis have much bigger tanks.

[Mikebentley]

Question for everyone.
I did a 350 mile journey today and noticed the auto stop start button was illuminated. It then dawned on me I hadn’t noticed the feature working lately. When I pressed the button the light stayed on but won’t go off?
Am I going mad as I thought it could be turned off previously?
Did they do an update when it was serviced last month, I wonder.

[jamesson]

Curious. I turn mine off every time I get in the car and the car tells me it's turned off in the binnacle. I'd say yours might have a fault based on what you've said.

[ChocolateFrog]

jamesson said:

Curious. I turn mine off every time I get in the car and the car tells me it's turned off in the binnacle. I'd say yours might have a fault based on what you've said.

I agree, sounds faulty. I don't usually bother turning it off because I sit at lights with my foot on the clutch so it doesn't kick in anyway.

I'd imagine it turns itself off if it detects a weak battery to protect it.

[Mikebentley]

I’ll pop into the dealer on Monday as it’s not right then. I’ve done 34k miles in 18 months and literally 100’s of stop/start situations daily so I’ve probably killed something. A timely reminder to those with rotary switches for your fan speed, try to use 2 or faster as if you leave it on 1 it generates too much heat in the switch and will burn itself out. Common old Renault fault which is still an issue as the Duster uses the same part. Ask me how I know.

[croyde]

A year and a half, 11,500 miles and I'm so loving this little car.

Didn't think I would, plus it's worth more than when I bought it NEW.

[ChocolateFrog]

I thought I'd be able to pick up a set of steel wheels for next to nothing to use as a winter set.

There's virtually nothing for sale, definitely nothing local. Looks like I might have to go new if I want something soon.

[blueST]

MyTyres do 2 different styles of steel for the Duster.

[Temo_Wil]

Just bought this as the family work horse. Really happy with it so far….

[croyde]

Pic of mine yesterday in surf dude mode



This is such a useful car. I know, I know, I keep saying it

[Mikebentley]

My work colleague who does the same job as me (both self employed) has purchased a 21 plate Comfort LPG. It’s in the same colour as mine too. 11000 miles, no adapter for the LPG….£15.5k!

Yesterday I was asked to go to north of Barnsley. 330 mile round trip. The Duster performed perfectly. Checked myLPGEU app and filled up at my destination. 69.9ppl cost me about £25 for the round trip. This car saves me over £125 per week.

[politeperson]

That Duster looks excellent with the board on the roof. I kept on falling off when I tried.

Maybe one day I will be as cool as you.

Mike, you made the best choice with that 999cc lpg Duster, Your mileage amazes me and the fuel economy is exceptional on LPG, with no penalty whatsoever.

[PositronicRay]

politeperson said:

That Duster looks excellent with the board on the roof. I kept on falling off when I tried.
.

Perhaps if you gripped the crossbars?

[ChocolateFrog]

blueST said:

MyTyres do 2 different styles of steel for the Duster.

Probably what I'll end up doing.

I had visions of picking up a slightly ropey original set for a tenner each and getting them refurbed but it's mostly breakers asking what I consider silly money.

[Mikebentley]

politeperson said:

That Duster looks excellent with the board on the roof. I kept on falling off when I tried.

Maybe one day I will be as cool as you.

Mike, you made the best choice with that 999cc lpg Duster, Your mileage amazes me and the fuel economy is exceptional on LPG, with no penalty whatsoever.

Just over 34k miles now in 18 months. I’ve actually reduced my mileage a bit lately. I was out with the wife today in the new Defender and got discussing the Duster. The wife thinks it was the best work car decision I ever made and I tend to agree. I have no intention of getting rid. I would like a bigger LPG tank as I suffer what EV drivers must when I think I might have to use petrol. The difference is though my “range anxiety” won’t leave me stranded.

I couldn’t justify £16k at the moment when my car at £11.5k just works so well.

[blueST]

Mikebentley said:

politeperson said:

That Duster looks excellent with the board on the roof. I kept on falling off when I tried.

Maybe one day I will be as cool as you.

Mike, you made the best choice with that 999cc lpg Duster, Your mileage amazes me and the fuel economy is exceptional on LPG, with no penalty whatsoever.

Just over 34k miles now in 18 months. I’ve actually reduced my mileage a bit lately. I was out with the wife today in the new Defender and got discussing the Duster. The wife thinks it was the best work car decision I ever made and I tend to agree. I have no intention of getting rid. I would like a bigger LPG tank as I suffer what EV drivers must when I think I might have to use petrol. The difference is though my “range anxiety” won’t leave me stranded.

I couldn’t justify £16k at the moment when my car at £11.5k just works so well.

It probably would not be very expensive to get the bigger tank from the facelift model fitted by an independent LPG installer. The gas system is made by a company called Landi Renzo which seems to be a common brand. Tanks themselves are around the £100 to £150 mark. The only thing I can think of that might need figuring out is if the larger tank is a straight swap or if you need different infill pieces to get the boot floor to the right height.

[Mikebentley]

BlueST that’s a really interesting proposition and one I may explore.