Dacia Duster, 999cc of Throbbing Fun
Discussion
There are a few 1.0 Comforts pre-registered on Autotrader for £12k, mainly white ones.
However, as PP said above, I'd still be drawn to the Essential spec as there is something about it that is appealing in this age of ever-increasing complexity and technology that often only creates more problems than it solves. It has everything you need and the lack of "toys" bodes well for a long-term hassle free ownership experience.
However, as PP said above, I'd still be drawn to the Essential spec as there is something about it that is appealing in this age of ever-increasing complexity and technology that often only creates more problems than it solves. It has everything you need and the lack of "toys" bodes well for a long-term hassle free ownership experience.
If only essential came with rear parking sensors! wouldn't even impact comfort as that also gets a reversing camera.
Even the wife's Renault wind has parking sensors and i could probably grab the rear spoiler if it had no rear window. A reversing camera is a job for out T4 this year to keep her happy.
Even the wife's Renault wind has parking sensors and i could probably grab the rear spoiler if it had no rear window. A reversing camera is a job for out T4 this year to keep her happy.
andburg said:
If only essential came with rear parking sensors! wouldn't even impact comfort as that also gets a reversing camera.
Even the wife's Renault wind has parking sensors and i could probably grab the rear spoiler if it had no rear window. A reversing camera is a job for out T4 this year to keep her happy.
I looked into retro fit parking sensors. Easy access and loads of space behind the bumper to work. You don't even need colour coded ones they'll fit in the lower back plastic.Even the wife's Renault wind has parking sensors and i could probably grab the rear spoiler if it had no rear window. A reversing camera is a job for out T4 this year to keep her happy.
Fortunately Mrs PR is good at parking so no need.
croyde said:
This is the company
https://www.seatcoversuk.co.uk/dacia-duster/
They seem Duster specific. Quite tough and a good fit.
It's a bit of a fiddle if you want to quickly adjust your seat but they are airbag compatible.
There are a lot of seat cover companies using a similar name so do use the link to find mine. A few colour choices too.
It was £50 or so for both fronts and postage.
Thanks, I’ll have a look. https://www.seatcoversuk.co.uk/dacia-duster/
They seem Duster specific. Quite tough and a good fit.
It's a bit of a fiddle if you want to quickly adjust your seat but they are airbag compatible.
There are a lot of seat cover companies using a similar name so do use the link to find mine. A few colour choices too.
It was £50 or so for both fronts and postage.
I've added Cruise to my Essential. Just a matter of replacing the limiter switch with a cruise switch. In my case from a Renault Kadjar.
£18 and a 5 min job. The ECU must have Cruise already.
It was the only thing I thought useful from the Comfort.
Parking sensors in London are useless as they flat-line long before you are properly close to anything.
You need to park with a couple of inches to spare or you'll be ages finding a space
£18 and a 5 min job. The ECU must have Cruise already.
It was the only thing I thought useful from the Comfort.
Parking sensors in London are useless as they flat-line long before you are properly close to anything.
You need to park with a couple of inches to spare or you'll be ages finding a space
croyde said:
Boot liner is a flexible moulded plastic thing I bought on eBay for £30 or so. I'll try to look it up. Fits perfectly even allowing access to the tie down brackets on the boot floor.
This is the one. Comes rolled up, more plastic than rubber. Just unrolled it and left it like that under the bed for a day. Apparently you can speed the process up by dowsing it in hot water.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dacia-Duster-II-2018-ON...
Thanks, I'll get one ordered This is the one. Comes rolled up, more plastic than rubber. Just unrolled it and left it like that under the bed for a day. Apparently you can speed the process up by dowsing it in hot water.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dacia-Duster-II-2018-ON...
Edited by croyde on Tuesday 16th March 21:58
I know lots of you love your essential spec cars but I spend 8/12 hours a day in and out of my car. The comfort spec gives me everything I need at this stage and as previously stated my 1.0 Tce LPG comfort was a pre reg bargain at £11200. New throbbers let’s see your cars!
If they share a drive or garage what is it with?
I’ll start 68 reg V90, 1955 XK140 and the oldest 2.0litre Vitesse that the TSSC knows of.
If they share a drive or garage what is it with?
I’ll start 68 reg V90, 1955 XK140 and the oldest 2.0litre Vitesse that the TSSC knows of.
Mikebentley said:
I know lots of you love your essential spec cars but I spend 8/12 hours a day in and out of my car. The comfort spec gives me everything I need at this stage and as previously stated my 1.0 Tce LPG comfort was a pre reg bargain at £11200. New throbbers let’s see your cars!
If they share a drive or garage what is it with?
I’ll start 68 reg V90, 1955 XK140 and the oldest 2.0litre Vitesse that the TSSC knows of.
An Elderly SL and a Hyundai i20 (looks quite small next to the Hyundai)If they share a drive or garage what is it with?
I’ll start 68 reg V90, 1955 XK140 and the oldest 2.0litre Vitesse that the TSSC knows of.
I've spent the last few days reading this thread and I'm quite liking the idea of a Duster now. Can anyone allay my fears which are that the 1.0 Tce will feel a bit gutless, the driving experience isn't/won't be as good as a normal hatchback compared to this raised SUV type vehicle, and that these Dusters are really that good value?
For reference I currently knock about in a 2008 Focus 1.8 which I find is a joy to drive. It could definitely do with a bit more low down grunt, especially if you stick it into 3rd or 4th a bit early and you find yourself a bit bogged down but the steering feel is top notch and imo this is down to the 3 level steering assistance. On the sport mode the steering is quite heavy and there's less assistance which I really enjoy. When I drive other cars the steering just seems so light and disconnected.
I must've looked at 100 other cars in my quest for a new one and I was almost sure I was going to get a mk3 Focus hatch or estate but these Dusters have grabbed my interest and I quite like the rugged non-badge snobby look of them. For the same price you can get a very well specced Vauxhall Astra of a similar vintage with a more powerful engine and generally I would imagine is a nicer place to be and I'm no fan of Vauxhalls. Someone please give me some perspective!
For reference I currently knock about in a 2008 Focus 1.8 which I find is a joy to drive. It could definitely do with a bit more low down grunt, especially if you stick it into 3rd or 4th a bit early and you find yourself a bit bogged down but the steering feel is top notch and imo this is down to the 3 level steering assistance. On the sport mode the steering is quite heavy and there's less assistance which I really enjoy. When I drive other cars the steering just seems so light and disconnected.
I must've looked at 100 other cars in my quest for a new one and I was almost sure I was going to get a mk3 Focus hatch or estate but these Dusters have grabbed my interest and I quite like the rugged non-badge snobby look of them. For the same price you can get a very well specced Vauxhall Astra of a similar vintage with a more powerful engine and generally I would imagine is a nicer place to be and I'm no fan of Vauxhalls. Someone please give me some perspective!
Shominy said:
I've spent the last few days reading this thread and I'm quite liking the idea of a Duster now. Can anyone allay my fears which are that the 1.0 Tce will feel a bit gutless, the driving experience isn't/won't be as good as a normal hatchback compared to this raised SUV type vehicle, and that these Dusters are really that good value?
For reference I currently knock about in a 2008 Focus 1.8 which I find is a joy to drive. It could definitely do with a bit more low down grunt, especially if you stick it into 3rd or 4th a bit early and you find yourself a bit bogged down but the steering feel is top notch and imo this is down to the 3 level steering assistance. On the sport mode the steering is quite heavy and there's less assistance which I really enjoy. When I drive other cars the steering just seems so light and disconnected.
I must've looked at 100 other cars in my quest for a new one and I was almost sure I was going to get a mk3 Focus hatch or estate but these Dusters have grabbed my interest and I quite like the rugged non-badge snobby look of them. For the same price you can get a very well specced Vauxhall Astra of a similar vintage with a more powerful engine and generally I would imagine is a nicer place to be and I'm no fan of Vauxhalls. Someone please give me some perspective!
I don’t find it gutless. It will potter along quite nicely and gets quite a surprising shift on when stirred along. High seating position is nice and tall tyres absorb most of what the roads throw at it. Driving feel is quite subjective. I have other cars and have owned lots of fast stuff. Some on here have 911’s etc and more mundane stuff but nobody has yet to buy one and regret it. Mines LPG, 28litres today for about £15, try doing that in anything else.For reference I currently knock about in a 2008 Focus 1.8 which I find is a joy to drive. It could definitely do with a bit more low down grunt, especially if you stick it into 3rd or 4th a bit early and you find yourself a bit bogged down but the steering feel is top notch and imo this is down to the 3 level steering assistance. On the sport mode the steering is quite heavy and there's less assistance which I really enjoy. When I drive other cars the steering just seems so light and disconnected.
I must've looked at 100 other cars in my quest for a new one and I was almost sure I was going to get a mk3 Focus hatch or estate but these Dusters have grabbed my interest and I quite like the rugged non-badge snobby look of them. For the same price you can get a very well specced Vauxhall Astra of a similar vintage with a more powerful engine and generally I would imagine is a nicer place to be and I'm no fan of Vauxhalls. Someone please give me some perspective!
There is also the New Sandero now which with the same engine must be a hoot. Also it will likely handle more like your Focus. As far as steering feel goes I have no complaints but you should be able to get a solo test drive to be sure.
I think I've mentioned earlier but my previous cars are a 987 Boxster, a Mustang GT V8 5.0, a 3 series BMW 2.5 owned for nearly a quarter century and a giant Mercury Grand Marquis yet I'm loving my Duster.
Yes the steering is electric light and you need to enjoy changing gear but when it's on song it has a bit of ooomph.
Sits fine on the motorway at 85/90, ermmm.
I really thought I'd miss the power of the BMW but this car is so light you can have fun. Plus it's really economical and practical.
I must be getting old. Where's my driving hat and gloves
Yes the steering is electric light and you need to enjoy changing gear but when it's on song it has a bit of ooomph.
Sits fine on the motorway at 85/90, ermmm.
I really thought I'd miss the power of the BMW but this car is so light you can have fun. Plus it's really economical and practical.
I must be getting old. Where's my driving hat and gloves
If you're for driving dynamics look elsewhere.
The Dusters fine, steers accurately, brakes ok, carries out duties without drama, nice view, supportive seats and comfortable ride. Don't hurry it or expect to brake hard and late before throwing it into the esses.
Engine has punchy midrange, feels faster than it actually is, you don't need to rev it hard, but requires plenty of gear changing and spins smoothly upto the redline. Towns fine (good over speed bumps) country's fine (good visibility) open roads fine (cruises at. 70-80 comfortably and quietly)
Where the Duster excels is being unexceptional (if that makes sense) without being bland or dull. Nothings going to catch you out, the whole package works delightfully. It's not shoddily made, but cleverly designed to be produced cheaply along the KISS principle.
Examples of the design ethos, the fuel fill flap doesn't need a remote release, a little cutout for a finger to open is sufficient. You don't get a separate boot release on the key, why should you? All you want need is for the locking to be open or closed, 2 buttons are enough. It doesn't have different steering modes, why would it when the one it has works well?
Polite Person summed the car up succinctly in his 1st post. 'Dacia it's not crap'
I was considering the new Sandero which is supposed to be very good, but seduced by the cheaper and bigger pre reg Duster. Love the way it looks, & drives, utilitarian with no pretension towards luxury, wife loves the colour, plus we didn't really need another hatch. I'm quite looking forward to getting my hands on it in 7-8 yrs time!
The Dusters fine, steers accurately, brakes ok, carries out duties without drama, nice view, supportive seats and comfortable ride. Don't hurry it or expect to brake hard and late before throwing it into the esses.
Engine has punchy midrange, feels faster than it actually is, you don't need to rev it hard, but requires plenty of gear changing and spins smoothly upto the redline. Towns fine (good over speed bumps) country's fine (good visibility) open roads fine (cruises at. 70-80 comfortably and quietly)
Where the Duster excels is being unexceptional (if that makes sense) without being bland or dull. Nothings going to catch you out, the whole package works delightfully. It's not shoddily made, but cleverly designed to be produced cheaply along the KISS principle.
Examples of the design ethos, the fuel fill flap doesn't need a remote release, a little cutout for a finger to open is sufficient. You don't get a separate boot release on the key, why should you? All you want need is for the locking to be open or closed, 2 buttons are enough. It doesn't have different steering modes, why would it when the one it has works well?
Polite Person summed the car up succinctly in his 1st post. 'Dacia it's not crap'
I was considering the new Sandero which is supposed to be very good, but seduced by the cheaper and bigger pre reg Duster. Love the way it looks, & drives, utilitarian with no pretension towards luxury, wife loves the colour, plus we didn't really need another hatch. I'm quite looking forward to getting my hands on it in 7-8 yrs time!
Edited by Clifford Chambers on Friday 19th March 10:29
Clifford Chambers said:
If you're for driving dynamics look elsewhere.
The Dusters fine, steers accurately, brakes ok, carries out duties without drama, nice view, supportive seats and comfortable ride. Don't hurry it or expect to brake hard and late before throwing it into the esses.
Engine has punchy midrange, feels faster than it actually is, you don't need to rev it hard, but requires plenty of gear changing and spins smoothly upto the redline. Towns fine (good over speed bumps) country's fine (good visibility) open roads fine (cruises at. 70-80 comfortably and quietly)
Where the Duster excels is being unexceptional (if that makes sense) without being bland or dull. Nothings going to catch you out, the whole package works delightfully. It's not shoddily made, but cleverly designed to be produced cheaply along the KISS principle.
Examples of the design ethos, the fuel fill flap doesn't need a remote release, a little cutout for a finger to open is sufficient. You don't get a separate boot release on the key, why should you? All you want need is for the locking to be open or closed, 2 buttons are enough. It doesn't have different steering modes, why would it when the one it has works well?
Polite Person summed the car up succinctly in his 1st post. 'Dacia it's not crap'
I was considering the new Sandero which is supposed to be very good, but seduced by the cheaper and bigger pre reg Duster. Love the way it looks, & drives, utilitarian with no pretension towards luxury, wife loves the colour, plus we didn't really need another hatch. I'm quite looking forward to getting my hands on it in 7-8 yrs time!
Everyone in this thread has made it sound like a very worthy and astute purchase but it does sound like you need to go in at the lower end of the spec sheet. I don't need anything fancy, cruise control looks like it can be retrofitted with just a switch on Essential models and parking sensors can be fitted reasonably cheaply. I would still probably want a Comfort spec in 1.3 Tce guise if I were to go for one and I guess it's at about that point where you start to miss the point of the Duster in the first place.The Dusters fine, steers accurately, brakes ok, carries out duties without drama, nice view, supportive seats and comfortable ride. Don't hurry it or expect to brake hard and late before throwing it into the esses.
Engine has punchy midrange, feels faster than it actually is, you don't need to rev it hard, but requires plenty of gear changing and spins smoothly upto the redline. Towns fine (good over speed bumps) country's fine (good visibility) open roads fine (cruises at. 70-80 comfortably and quietly)
Where the Duster excels is being unexceptional (if that makes sense) without being bland or dull. Nothings going to catch you out, the whole package works delightfully. It's not shoddily made, but cleverly designed to be produced cheaply along the KISS principle.
Examples of the design ethos, the fuel fill flap doesn't need a remote release, a little cutout for a finger to open is sufficient. You don't get a separate boot release on the key, why should you? All you want need is for the locking to be open or closed, 2 buttons are enough. It doesn't have different steering modes, why would it when the one it has works well?
Polite Person summed the car up succinctly in his 1st post. 'Dacia it's not crap'
I was considering the new Sandero which is supposed to be very good, but seduced by the cheaper and bigger pre reg Duster. Love the way it looks, & drives, utilitarian with no pretension towards luxury, wife loves the colour, plus we didn't really need another hatch. I'm quite looking forward to getting my hands on it in 7-8 yrs time!
As others have said it is nice to have a car on the drive knowing the most it owes you is £11k and you've had it since day 1. You could realistically pay it off in 4 years at the same price it would cost you to lease something a little bit nicer and you'd have a car probably still worth maybe £5-6k at the end of it.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff