Dacia Duster, 999cc of Throbbing Fun
Discussion
We have a dilemma in the Ray household.
Mrs R has a billy basic 2020 throbber 100TCE essential, purchased when loads of cheap preregistration cars available. She likes it but fancies an auto, I'm quite fond of her old one so will press that into dog and work daily.
Do we.
A) Buy last of the old (Journey in Khaki)? Available now, likes the model, surprised its twice the price of her old car but haven't enquired re deals yet. (I suspect just a token offering)
B) Hang on for the new model? New platform, hybrids, but don't know prices/equipment/trims/colours (this last ones important) and unsure re new safety systems with bing and bong silliness.
What would you do?
Mrs R has a billy basic 2020 throbber 100TCE essential, purchased when loads of cheap preregistration cars available. She likes it but fancies an auto, I'm quite fond of her old one so will press that into dog and work daily.
Do we.
A) Buy last of the old (Journey in Khaki)? Available now, likes the model, surprised its twice the price of her old car but haven't enquired re deals yet. (I suspect just a token offering)
B) Hang on for the new model? New platform, hybrids, but don't know prices/equipment/trims/colours (this last ones important) and unsure re new safety systems with bing and bong silliness.
What would you do?
PositronicRay said:
We have a dilemma in the Ray household.
Mrs R has a billy basic 2020 throbber 100TCE essential, purchased when loads of cheap preregistration cars available. She likes it but fancies an auto, I'm quite fond of her old one so will press that into dog and work daily.
Do we.
A) Buy last of the old (Journey in Khaki)? Available now, likes the model, surprised its twice the price of her old car but haven't enquired re deals yet. (I suspect just a token offering)
B) Hang on for the new model? New platform, hybrids, but don't know prices/equipment/trims/colours (this last ones important) and unsure re new safety systems with bing and bong silliness.
What would you do?
I'd wait for the new model, personally. I could see the old/current model taking a hit in value - much like my dads MG3 did. Mrs R has a billy basic 2020 throbber 100TCE essential, purchased when loads of cheap preregistration cars available. She likes it but fancies an auto, I'm quite fond of her old one so will press that into dog and work daily.
Do we.
A) Buy last of the old (Journey in Khaki)? Available now, likes the model, surprised its twice the price of her old car but haven't enquired re deals yet. (I suspect just a token offering)
B) Hang on for the new model? New platform, hybrids, but don't know prices/equipment/trims/colours (this last ones important) and unsure re new safety systems with bing and bong silliness.
What would you do?
politeperson said:
Our local wheel refurb place would charge £50 a rim to do these and the result would last forever, as it your be shot blasted, etch primed painted the color of your choice then clear 2 pack lacquer to finish it off.
This is where all the local main dealers send their fancy alloy wheels to, they do not do them in house.
I would get them done, pay the bill and send the receipt to Dacia for goodwill. Doubt you would get anything out of them though.
Where's this? Useful to know This is where all the local main dealers send their fancy alloy wheels to, they do not do them in house.
I would get them done, pay the bill and send the receipt to Dacia for goodwill. Doubt you would get anything out of them though.

BenS94 said:
PositronicRay said:
We have a dilemma in the Ray household.
Mrs R has a billy basic 2020 throbber 100TCE essential, purchased when loads of cheap preregistration cars available. She likes it but fancies an auto, I'm quite fond of her old one so will press that into dog and work daily.
Do we.
A) Buy last of the old (Journey in Khaki)? Available now, likes the model, surprised its twice the price of her old car but haven't enquired re deals yet. (I suspect just a token offering)
B) Hang on for the new model? New platform, hybrids, but don't know prices/equipment/trims/colours (this last ones important) and unsure re new safety systems with bing and bong silliness.
What would you do?
I'd wait for the new model, personally. I could see the old/current model taking a hit in value - much like my dads MG3 did. Mrs R has a billy basic 2020 throbber 100TCE essential, purchased when loads of cheap preregistration cars available. She likes it but fancies an auto, I'm quite fond of her old one so will press that into dog and work daily.
Do we.
A) Buy last of the old (Journey in Khaki)? Available now, likes the model, surprised its twice the price of her old car but haven't enquired re deals yet. (I suspect just a token offering)
B) Hang on for the new model? New platform, hybrids, but don't know prices/equipment/trims/colours (this last ones important) and unsure re new safety systems with bing and bong silliness.
What would you do?
ETA carlow are indicating £500 discount so that's no help swaying the decision.
Edited by PositronicRay on Wednesday 10th July 09:34
I'm looking at a Duster for my other half, I don't know wether to go for a cheap shed or up the budget for a second gen, petrol or diesel is acceptable for the driving they'll need to do. There's a few nicely priced 1.6 petrol second gens around, are these worthwhile or is it worth waiting for a turbo to become available?
PositronicRay said:
We have a dilemma in the Ray household.
Mrs R has a billy basic 2020 throbber 100TCE essential, purchased when loads of cheap preregistration cars available. She likes it but fancies an auto, I'm quite fond of her old one so will press that into dog and work daily.
Do we.
A) Buy last of the old (Journey in Khaki)? Available now, likes the model, surprised its twice the price of her old car but haven't enquired re deals yet. (I suspect just a token offering)
B) Hang on for the new model? New platform, hybrids, but don't know prices/equipment/trims/colours (this last ones important) and unsure re new safety systems with bing and bong silliness.
What would you do?
Once you take away the changed looks I'm not convinced the new one will be worth the uplift of the old one. Mrs R has a billy basic 2020 throbber 100TCE essential, purchased when loads of cheap preregistration cars available. She likes it but fancies an auto, I'm quite fond of her old one so will press that into dog and work daily.
Do we.
A) Buy last of the old (Journey in Khaki)? Available now, likes the model, surprised its twice the price of her old car but haven't enquired re deals yet. (I suspect just a token offering)
B) Hang on for the new model? New platform, hybrids, but don't know prices/equipment/trims/colours (this last ones important) and unsure re new safety systems with bing and bong silliness.
What would you do?
It'll definitely drive better but I like the fact mine is light for a modern car. Wouldn't be surprised if the new one is 300+kg heavier.
Youreterriblemuriel said:
I'm looking at a Duster for my other half, I don't know wether to go for a cheap shed or up the budget for a second gen, petrol or diesel is acceptable for the driving they'll need to do. There's a few nicely priced 1.6 petrol second gens around, are these worthwhile or is it worth waiting for a turbo to become available?
The 1.6 isn't a good engine. Thirsty and slow. Stretch to the 1.0 atleast.
Youreterriblemuriel said:
I'm looking at a Duster for my other half, I don't know wether to go for a cheap shed or up the budget for a second gen, petrol or diesel is acceptable for the driving they'll need to do. There's a few nicely priced 1.6 petrol second gens around, are these worthwhile or is it worth waiting for a turbo to become available?
Just bought a 2019 118K 1.6SCe 4WD Comfort and agree they are sluggish, but what use do you intend using if for. Early days but average is just over 40mpg. My yearly mileage is greatly reduced and local so I am not really concerned over economy or speed, only thing to watch out for could be road tax which on mine is £190 where some of the older 2WD 1.5 diesels may be only £35 although in the scheme of car running costs this is minimal. Maybe test drive a 1.6Youreterriblemuriel said:
I'm looking at a Duster for my other half, I don't know wether to go for a cheap shed or up the budget for a second gen, petrol or diesel is acceptable for the driving they'll need to do. There's a few nicely priced 1.6 petrol second gens around, are these worthwhile or is it worth waiting for a turbo to become available?
Just picked up a 1.3 SE Twenty, looks to have more than enough power for what it is while being easier on petrol than our Mini. Very floaty in comparison, they go a bit surprised on roundabouts by it but it seems comfy and more than enough space for the dog, I hope they'll be happy with it. Worth driving a diesel - currently have a hired one on a month long tour of Morocco and I've been very impressed with it in some really quite demanding conditions.
Haven't kept an accurate fuel log but a tank of diesel seems to last forever and it's really quite effortless to drive for what it is even climbing passes high up into the Atlas Mountains. The dual clutch autobox is pretty crap though - pretty indecisive on light throttle and really quite unpredictable at very low speed. Much like all the DCT boxes I've tried.
Haven't kept an accurate fuel log but a tank of diesel seems to last forever and it's really quite effortless to drive for what it is even climbing passes high up into the Atlas Mountains. The dual clutch autobox is pretty crap though - pretty indecisive on light throttle and really quite unpredictable at very low speed. Much like all the DCT boxes I've tried.
I had forgotten this was still going.
I still have good memories of my Duster. Since it has gone I have been forced to purchase 2 second hand Volkswagens for my 2 two brand aware teenagers who seem to need to follow the young crowd.
Both these VWs have chucked up all sorts of codes and issues over the last year or 2, (timing chain, coil packs, air con etc.). Neither are as nice or comfortable to drive as the Duster, and neither of them have the utility. I absolutely knew this was going to happen because my friends in the trade told me and they were right. They are also very very boring cars.
If I was an 18 year old with a newish Duster, I would be off on adventures in a jiffy, camping in Morrocco, South of France, Cornwall, you name it, as it really is the car that is great on motorways and has good off road abilities when you get there, even in 2 wheel drive like mine..
I still say it is one of the most comfortable cars I have owned.
The ride on springs was brilliant. Even compared to my old Discovery on airbags, or my softly sprung Citroen Ami and hydropneumatic SM and DS. These cars have a reputation for excellent ride and I would say the Duster is getting up there with them.
That little 3 cylinder engine was absolutely great from the perspective of someone who likes driving. It is the engine I would chose again. I had no rust issues or another issues. Great design.
Happy days.

I still have good memories of my Duster. Since it has gone I have been forced to purchase 2 second hand Volkswagens for my 2 two brand aware teenagers who seem to need to follow the young crowd.
Both these VWs have chucked up all sorts of codes and issues over the last year or 2, (timing chain, coil packs, air con etc.). Neither are as nice or comfortable to drive as the Duster, and neither of them have the utility. I absolutely knew this was going to happen because my friends in the trade told me and they were right. They are also very very boring cars.
If I was an 18 year old with a newish Duster, I would be off on adventures in a jiffy, camping in Morrocco, South of France, Cornwall, you name it, as it really is the car that is great on motorways and has good off road abilities when you get there, even in 2 wheel drive like mine..
I still say it is one of the most comfortable cars I have owned.
The ride on springs was brilliant. Even compared to my old Discovery on airbags, or my softly sprung Citroen Ami and hydropneumatic SM and DS. These cars have a reputation for excellent ride and I would say the Duster is getting up there with them.
That little 3 cylinder engine was absolutely great from the perspective of someone who likes driving. It is the engine I would chose again. I had no rust issues or another issues. Great design.
Happy days.
Huzzah said:
I've just realised why I struggle reversing Mrs H's Duster at night. The reversing light is a poxy thing mounted under the bumper with about 1 candle power (est)
Halfords provided better accessory lights in the 70s than this!
(Whing over)
Not just dustersHalfords provided better accessory lights in the 70s than this!
(Whing over)
A massively upgraded reverse light bulb or bulbs is an essential for me, fitted to ever car I’ve had over the last few years.
Find a much brighter canbus led and fit in seconds, beats having to cover the brakes while reversing to see in the dark
[quote=politeperson]I had forgotten this was still going.
I still have good memories of my Duster. Since it has gone I have been forced to purchase 2 second hand Volkswagens for my 2 two brand aware teenagers who seem to need to follow the young crowd.
Both these VWs have chucked up all sorts of codes and issues over the last year or 2, (timing chain, coil packs, air con etc.). Neither are as nice or comfortable to drive as the Duster, and neither of them have the utility. I absolutely knew this was going to happen because my friends in the trade told me and they were right. They are also very very boring cars.
If I was an 18 year old with a newish Duster, I would be off on adventures in a jiffy, camping in Morrocco, South of France, Cornwall, you name it, as it really is the car that is great on motorways and has good off road abilities when you get there, even in 2 wheel drive like mine..
I still say it is one of the most comfortable cars I have owned.
The ride on springs was brilliant. Even compared to my old Discovery on airbags, or my softly sprung Citroen Ami and hydropneumatic SM and DS. These cars have a reputation for excellent ride and I would say the Duster is getting up there with them.
That little 3 cylinder engine was absolutely great from the perspective of someone who likes driving. It is the engine I would chose again. I had no rust issues or another issues. Great design.
Happy days.
[/quote
Good to hear from you PP. I think you, Croyde and myself hit the sweet spot for buying these, abusing them and then getting out almost completely financially intact up to 3 years later. Despite its ongoing issues mine was a good servant over 55k miles in 30 months during the whole Covid uncertainty. It nailed the brief and saved me big money whilst the world wobbled.]
I still have good memories of my Duster. Since it has gone I have been forced to purchase 2 second hand Volkswagens for my 2 two brand aware teenagers who seem to need to follow the young crowd.
Both these VWs have chucked up all sorts of codes and issues over the last year or 2, (timing chain, coil packs, air con etc.). Neither are as nice or comfortable to drive as the Duster, and neither of them have the utility. I absolutely knew this was going to happen because my friends in the trade told me and they were right. They are also very very boring cars.
If I was an 18 year old with a newish Duster, I would be off on adventures in a jiffy, camping in Morrocco, South of France, Cornwall, you name it, as it really is the car that is great on motorways and has good off road abilities when you get there, even in 2 wheel drive like mine..
I still say it is one of the most comfortable cars I have owned.
The ride on springs was brilliant. Even compared to my old Discovery on airbags, or my softly sprung Citroen Ami and hydropneumatic SM and DS. These cars have a reputation for excellent ride and I would say the Duster is getting up there with them.
That little 3 cylinder engine was absolutely great from the perspective of someone who likes driving. It is the engine I would chose again. I had no rust issues or another issues. Great design.
Happy days.
Good to hear from you PP. I think you, Croyde and myself hit the sweet spot for buying these, abusing them and then getting out almost completely financially intact up to 3 years later. Despite its ongoing issues mine was a good servant over 55k miles in 30 months during the whole Covid uncertainty. It nailed the brief and saved me big money whilst the world wobbled.]
Similar thoughts here. All good memoies. We had ours for just over 3 years and however much I might have thought the interior was a wee bit too plasticy I was aware that the whole car as a package was punching well above its weight in terms of value for money. Yes, I got hacked off at the heater fan resistor breaking 4 times but Dacia fixed it promptly each time then extended my warranty for free by 2 years incase it happened again. I've replaced the trusty Duster with a new Defender 110 that probably cost 5 times what I paid originally and has probably depreciated in 3 months by more than the Duster did in 3 years. Cars eh!
Someone say my name 
Absolutely loved mine and am regretting selling it despite getting almost what I had paid for it 3 years prior.
I have a very impractical yet fun Alpine now and I should have kept the Duster as it was the most useful car I had ever owned. Plus they both use Renault switchgear that harks back to my Mégane Coupe that I had in 1996

Absolutely loved mine and am regretting selling it despite getting almost what I had paid for it 3 years prior.
I have a very impractical yet fun Alpine now and I should have kept the Duster as it was the most useful car I had ever owned. Plus they both use Renault switchgear that harks back to my Mégane Coupe that I had in 1996

andburg said:
Not just dusters
A massively upgraded reverse light bulb or bulbs is an essential for me, fitted to ever car I’ve had over the last few years.
Find a much brighter canbus led and fit in seconds, beats having to cover the brakes while reversing to see in the dark
Thank you, top tip. A massively upgraded reverse light bulb or bulbs is an essential for me, fitted to ever car I’ve had over the last few years.
Find a much brighter canbus led and fit in seconds, beats having to cover the brakes while reversing to see in the dark

You don't have a link to a suitable bulb, do you?
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