Dacia Duster, 999cc of Throbbing Fun
Discussion
ChocolateFrog said:
I've done my own servicing from new although I'm still not quite at the official first service so haven't had issues with the dealer. That said I've practically given up on them and would just fix any minor issues myself.
The Continental's only come with 6mm to start with so you might get more mileage from a tyre with 8mm but 30k+ is pretty good anyway in my book.
6mm?! Do they really? I didn't measure the tread depth when I got the car, but that's a bit on the stingy side.The Continental's only come with 6mm to start with so you might get more mileage from a tyre with 8mm but 30k+ is pretty good anyway in my book.
Like you say, 30k+ is pretty good going, but now I'm wondering if something which comes with 8mm would be even better as you say.
Depends on how they wear, obviously.Not quite at replacement time yet though, so I'll keep on eye on it.
Mikebentley said:
I think they all do that sir! I took mine in again three weeks ago and they wanted to run it and see the LPG consumption. The issue was though they wanted it delivered empty of LPG which they would fill and measure the consumption as they used it.
I asked how this would work and basically anybody at the dealership would use my car for errands for 14 days and they would calculate the mpg on LPG. I asked where they would get the LPG from as the only public place was 30 miles plus away. They couldn’t answer. I then asked how they would monitor the recording of this mpg because if the car failed to switch to LPG (as it’s broken) then they would run on petrol and they share the same mileage display thus giving a falsely higher mpg. They couldn’t answer this either.
I was basically being called a liar. I had to explain to their techs how I calculated the LPG MPG. Simple really, brim LPG tank, zero trip meter, use on LPG only, re brim at end of day and calculate LPG per mile. Not rocket science and v simple. He couldn’t understand this.
So I told them I didn’t appreciate being called a liar and left the dealership. I then went out and bought an MG4 EV. Dacia are incompetent. At £11000 that’s sort of understandable but at £22k not so much.
My car has been okay (damaged seal the only issue). However, I have all the distinct feeling the dealers are useless having been into Orpington and now Tunbridge Wells. When asked about this minor issue their first instinct was to get rid of me to their Ford and Mazda bodyshop without even looking at the car (WTF). This annoyed me so emails to anyone vaguely important and they’ll now look at it first! They haven’t called me a liar (yet) but like you being called a liar really annoys me (well unless I was). JLR did it to me and I used Money Claim (Small Claims) to pursue them. I won as they perhaps hadn’t bargained on the undamaged car images with a time and date stamp on the day of drop off, which contradicted their version of events that I dropped off a damaged car. Only half decent dealer has been Mazda and even then only Vs the shockingly low main dealer standards. I asked how this would work and basically anybody at the dealership would use my car for errands for 14 days and they would calculate the mpg on LPG. I asked where they would get the LPG from as the only public place was 30 miles plus away. They couldn’t answer. I then asked how they would monitor the recording of this mpg because if the car failed to switch to LPG (as it’s broken) then they would run on petrol and they share the same mileage display thus giving a falsely higher mpg. They couldn’t answer this either.
I was basically being called a liar. I had to explain to their techs how I calculated the LPG MPG. Simple really, brim LPG tank, zero trip meter, use on LPG only, re brim at end of day and calculate LPG per mile. Not rocket science and v simple. He couldn’t understand this.
So I told them I didn’t appreciate being called a liar and left the dealership. I then went out and bought an MG4 EV. Dacia are incompetent. At £11000 that’s sort of understandable but at £22k not so much.
My dealer experience has been poor also, my local (Hendy Dacia in Horley wasn't great) Henry in Croydon wasnt much better.
I was laughed at by the service advisor, requesting my car to be looked at (UNDER WARRANTY, I would have to cough up £159 inspection fee) as it feels like it's misfiring, I've had this on going issue ever since I got the car, all dealers basically tell me it's in my head.
I love the car, but I have been considering selling up. Shame really.
I'd really be interested to hear how PolitePerson's experience has been?
I was laughed at by the service advisor, requesting my car to be looked at (UNDER WARRANTY, I would have to cough up £159 inspection fee) as it feels like it's misfiring, I've had this on going issue ever since I got the car, all dealers basically tell me it's in my head.
I love the car, but I have been considering selling up. Shame really.
I'd really be interested to hear how PolitePerson's experience has been?
Edited by DaHell on Thursday 13th July 23:34
Morning Gents,
My experience with the dealer and the car was fine. I had no technical issues, the car exceeded everyone's expectations.
It has now gone to pastures new, however the whole experience was positive.
I paid about £11k for the car, kept it for 3 years and sold it for about £11k with 20,000 miles on the clock.
It had 2 oil changes and one set of tyres.
Nothing went wrong.
The ride was comparable to an expensive luxury car, the engine was strong. The performance was really good.
It was good at carrying things, interior space was good and the basic radio was excellent, linking with my phone every time for streaming with good DAB also.
Body and interior wise in did not deteriorate at all, it was as good as new when she went.
Criticisms were very first world.
The A/C struggled on really hot days. That is about it.
Ultimately, I needed something that could pull a 1 tonne trailer with a 2 tonne car on it and spend most of its time under a car port waiting for weekends to come round. I discovered Christian and Wilma on the LR Time Youtube Channel. He makes the machines that builds German cars and loves Discos.
They convinced me that the Disco 3 (not the 4) could be made to work in the same reliable way! I purchased a "cheap road tax" solid one for £1,400, added new take off Defender steel wheels from a 2023 model and then spent £3k on preventative servicing. It has been an absolutely superb non depreciating asset to add to the fleet.
As far as the Duster went, I would still have another, in my opinion, it is miles ahead still even with the price increases. I find its unpretentiousness even more appealing now than I did 3 years ago.
My experience with the dealer and the car was fine. I had no technical issues, the car exceeded everyone's expectations.
It has now gone to pastures new, however the whole experience was positive.
I paid about £11k for the car, kept it for 3 years and sold it for about £11k with 20,000 miles on the clock.
It had 2 oil changes and one set of tyres.
Nothing went wrong.
The ride was comparable to an expensive luxury car, the engine was strong. The performance was really good.
It was good at carrying things, interior space was good and the basic radio was excellent, linking with my phone every time for streaming with good DAB also.
Body and interior wise in did not deteriorate at all, it was as good as new when she went.
Criticisms were very first world.
The A/C struggled on really hot days. That is about it.
Ultimately, I needed something that could pull a 1 tonne trailer with a 2 tonne car on it and spend most of its time under a car port waiting for weekends to come round. I discovered Christian and Wilma on the LR Time Youtube Channel. He makes the machines that builds German cars and loves Discos.
They convinced me that the Disco 3 (not the 4) could be made to work in the same reliable way! I purchased a "cheap road tax" solid one for £1,400, added new take off Defender steel wheels from a 2023 model and then spent £3k on preventative servicing. It has been an absolutely superb non depreciating asset to add to the fleet.
As far as the Duster went, I would still have another, in my opinion, it is miles ahead still even with the price increases. I find its unpretentiousness even more appealing now than I did 3 years ago.
PositronicRay said:
My Dealer experience has also been poor.
Once Dacia move on from a being a budget parts bin special, then that changes things for me.
That probably sums up my thoughts and experience as well.Once Dacia move on from a being a budget parts bin special, then that changes things for me.
I didn't see too many around when I bought mine new just under 3 years ago and almost felt like I'd struck lucky in the value for money stakes. Not sure if I'd be looking at the same car at the new price point now although it is great to see so many of them on the road. I still think they are quite a smart looking car.
My Dealer experience hasn't been great. They've done everything needed but sometimes only with some prompting and badgering. Things were better initially when the Dealer was a local franchise but it was soon taken over by a larger group who also do McLaren, Lotus, Jaguar, Bentley and a host of others so I get the feeling sometimes that some of the staff are looking to upgrade onto bigger and better things. Maybe that's unfair.
At 24k miles my tyres have also lasted well but I do need to sort out new fronts now and may change all four for something more all-season in nature. So far, still happy with Dusty.
bungz said:
Mike you are aware you can extend the Dacia warranty for not alot to 5 years?
Might be worth doing for a bit of leverage on the issue.
Or just take it to a specialist and then you have a contact further down the line.
Its days are numbered. Apart from the niggling issue of the LPG it was a good tool for the job. It’s on 55k now and I’ve enjoyed using it and it’s served a purpose. I’ve already got its replacement made from the finest Chineseium and the tears of the oppressed worker. I will lose about £1500 from what I paid for it but I estimate it saved me £25k + so all good. Similar spec cars are over £12.5 at the stealers so there could be a bargain for someone out there once my charge point is fitted. Might be worth doing for a bit of leverage on the issue.
Or just take it to a specialist and then you have a contact further down the line.
politeperson said:
My experience with the dealer and the car was fine. I had no technical issues, the car exceeded everyone's expectations.
It has now gone to pastures new, however the whole experience was positive.
I paid about £11k for the car, kept it for 3 years and sold it for about £11k with 20,000 miles on the clock.
It had 2 oil changes and one set of tyres.
Nothing went wrong.
The ride was comparable to an expensive luxury car, the engine was strong. The performance was really good.
It was good at carrying things, interior space was good and the basic radio was excellent, linking with my phone every time for streaming with good DAB also.
Body and interior wise in did not deteriorate at all, it was as good as new when she went.
Criticisms were very first world.
The A/C struggled on really hot days. That is about it.
Ultimately, I needed something that could pull a 1 tonne trailer with a 2 tonne car on it...
As far as the Duster went, I would still have another, in my opinion, it is miles ahead still even with the price increases. I find its unpretentiousness even more appealing now than I did 3 years ago.
A nice, concise & polite summary of exactly why I like our Duster so very much, too. And of its limitations, though I only use/visit the dealers for ordering parts from, at which my nearest has been helpful & excellent. (Tell me any brand with universally-wonderful dealers, countrywide!). It has now gone to pastures new, however the whole experience was positive.
I paid about £11k for the car, kept it for 3 years and sold it for about £11k with 20,000 miles on the clock.
It had 2 oil changes and one set of tyres.
Nothing went wrong.
The ride was comparable to an expensive luxury car, the engine was strong. The performance was really good.
It was good at carrying things, interior space was good and the basic radio was excellent, linking with my phone every time for streaming with good DAB also.
Body and interior wise in did not deteriorate at all, it was as good as new when she went.
Criticisms were very first world.
The A/C struggled on really hot days. That is about it.
Ultimately, I needed something that could pull a 1 tonne trailer with a 2 tonne car on it...
As far as the Duster went, I would still have another, in my opinion, it is miles ahead still even with the price increases. I find its unpretentiousness even more appealing now than I did 3 years ago.
No flags, no fanfares then, just unpretentious satisfaction with a nicely anonymous car you can safely park on the street..
But having put a towbar on our Duster, am well aware of the weight limitations (only fly in the ointment) and with a Stratos replica to move around - just like Renmure - can see the practical appeal of an LR Disco'. Except that the Duster's predecessor was another LR - a Freelander - which was great at towing & a nice design overall, but typically unreliable & basically badly-built.
Whilst the Volvo XC70 we had before that simply gobbled service parts...
Why the Duster stays our beloved utility - and I occasionally hire a Ford Ranger, whenever a tow car's needed.
bungz said:
Thats a pragmatic view and prob the best, I wont keep mine forever but its a great tool for the 300-400 a week I have started doing.
Saw one of those hi viz MG things the other day, the paint really is somthing else
I love the Mg so far as does the wife but I do have form re the colourSaw one of those hi viz MG things the other day, the paint really is somthing else
PositronicRay said:
Mike, probably worth starting an MG EV thread, I'd be interested.
I’ve considered it but can’t be doing with all the Chinese/ EV bad ( delete as appropriate) b
ks that PH attracts now. Might still start one just to give an honest view. It’s a great bit of kit though and genuinely fun to drive with over 200 bhp and RWD. Been getting a genuine 265 miles range too with AC at 1.
36,000 mile service in my Duster a few days ago. I did it myself to save money. Oil looked nice and clean with no shiny bits in it. I had a good look around and everything looks fine. No leaks, nothing cracked or loose. A lot of surface corrosion on the exhaust but otherwise nothing to report.
I'll do an interim oil and filter change at 45,000 miles as every 18,000 miles is just too long in my view. Fingers crossed the trouble free motoring continues!
I'll do an interim oil and filter change at 45,000 miles as every 18,000 miles is just too long in my view. Fingers crossed the trouble free motoring continues!
jamesson said:
36,000 mile service in my Duster a few days ago. I did it myself to save money. Oil looked nice and clean with no shiny bits in it. I had a good look around and everything looks fine. No leaks, nothing cracked or loose. A lot of surface corrosion on the exhaust but otherwise nothing to report.
I'll do an interim oil and filter change at 45,000 miles as every 18,000 miles is just too long in my view. Fingers crossed the trouble free motoring continues!
Glad see other self-servicers. I currently do an interim oil/filter change with the scheduled ones still at the garage for warranty purposes. I’ll do them all once warranty is out.I'll do an interim oil and filter change at 45,000 miles as every 18,000 miles is just too long in my view. Fingers crossed the trouble free motoring continues!
Keep an eye on that exhaust if you plan to keep, I’ve read they are eye wateringly expensive to replace (£1k-ish).
Has anyone with an LPG model DIYed a gas/liquid filter change? There’s should be 2 filters and be DIYable, but I can’t find any info on line.
It’s a nice colour Chocolate Frog. Gave mine a proper clean last week, detailed even thoroughly under the bonnet. It’s now got just under 55k miles and FSH. Took it to WBAC literally 50 metres from me and the 15 yr old with the iPad offered me £8200 for it. I said “Not a chance” and was back home on the drive literally 3 minutes after leaving.
I thought I would give Motorway a chance. It’s a very slick site with easy to follow prompts. The initial data suggested £9800 as a starting bid. I had declared a badly scuffed alloy two chips on the screen and a couple of scratches. The phone operator suggested just under £9700 as a starting price. They listed it last Saturday and it’s 08:00 till 15:00 on that day. Apparently 5000 dealers can then bid. It got 1 bid and sold. Due to the previous weeks train strikes it has been a pain for the dealer to collect it. He eventually contacted Motorway who have now got their contractors to collect it this coming Monday. They will inspect it and then the dealer settles the finance and pays me the difference.
Very impressed with Motorway in all aspects. With hindsight I think I should have listed it on a Monday after people had been in the dealers over the weekend and they needed to replace sold stock. Their software allowed the dealer to screenshot/grab one of my pictures and list on his site with a different background.
So the numbers…. I paid £11200 after incentives with 2000 miles as an ex dealer demo. I put £5k down and it was £56 per month ( financed to get £500 contribution and 2 services). From my original deposit I’m getting £3.8k back so £1200 lost over 31 months is £38.70pm loss. Add this to the £56 finance is £94.70 per month to own. I’ve done 53000 miles and used maybe only 5/6 tanks of petrol. This has been mainly down to the issues I experienced with LPG system which is functioning at the moment. As stated earlier in the thread I have saved in excess of £25k over the running costs of the leased Transit Connect it replaced.
Overall it has been a pleasant experience with the car proving a robust and loyal servant only marred by the dealers inability to fix. The interior is like it was the first day I got it. FYI basic functional materials are easy to keep looking like new. The car has carried tons of building, garden and general household rubbish and looks like a new car.
As the OP once said or alluded to the advertising strap line should read
“ DACIA DUSTER IT’S NOT CRAP”. or “CAR SNOBS NEED NOT APPLY”.
I thought I would give Motorway a chance. It’s a very slick site with easy to follow prompts. The initial data suggested £9800 as a starting bid. I had declared a badly scuffed alloy two chips on the screen and a couple of scratches. The phone operator suggested just under £9700 as a starting price. They listed it last Saturday and it’s 08:00 till 15:00 on that day. Apparently 5000 dealers can then bid. It got 1 bid and sold. Due to the previous weeks train strikes it has been a pain for the dealer to collect it. He eventually contacted Motorway who have now got their contractors to collect it this coming Monday. They will inspect it and then the dealer settles the finance and pays me the difference.
Very impressed with Motorway in all aspects. With hindsight I think I should have listed it on a Monday after people had been in the dealers over the weekend and they needed to replace sold stock. Their software allowed the dealer to screenshot/grab one of my pictures and list on his site with a different background.
So the numbers…. I paid £11200 after incentives with 2000 miles as an ex dealer demo. I put £5k down and it was £56 per month ( financed to get £500 contribution and 2 services). From my original deposit I’m getting £3.8k back so £1200 lost over 31 months is £38.70pm loss. Add this to the £56 finance is £94.70 per month to own. I’ve done 53000 miles and used maybe only 5/6 tanks of petrol. This has been mainly down to the issues I experienced with LPG system which is functioning at the moment. As stated earlier in the thread I have saved in excess of £25k over the running costs of the leased Transit Connect it replaced.
Overall it has been a pleasant experience with the car proving a robust and loyal servant only marred by the dealers inability to fix. The interior is like it was the first day I got it. FYI basic functional materials are easy to keep looking like new. The car has carried tons of building, garden and general household rubbish and looks like a new car.
As the OP once said or alluded to the advertising strap line should read
“ DACIA DUSTER IT’S NOT CRAP”. or “CAR SNOBS NEED NOT APPLY”.
croyde said:
Currently in Thassos. Seen my first Jogger, Romanian reg, very nice and a few Logan Saloons. Must be a new model and they look great.
Decent proportions and good to see a saloon.
What you doing in Thassos? I thought you were going through a period of financial prudence. I am joking of course.Decent proportions and good to see a saloon.
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