Dacia Duster, 999cc of Throbbing Fun
Discussion
OK, I bought a Duster, but please dont leave! Hear what I have to say!
A car with an engine so is so small and light it could fit in a suitcase, and still be able to propel it with 5 passengers all day ay 90mph+.
A car that has over 20 cm of wheel articulation, in which you sit as high as a Range Rover driver.
Have things moved on this far? Could this be possible. Am I the only person who is impressed?
It must be very slow to get there?
The thought kept nagging away at me, perking my curiosity.
As a confirmed petrol head (I left University to do a 2 year full time automotive City and Guilds 30 years ago), I wanted to know the answer.
Was it any good?
Then, I found out that brand new, the Dacia Duster Essential 2wd 100 TCE costs £12k all in, with a 60,000 mile warranty. Could one survive me and my three teenage children, all looking to learn how to drive?
It should be OK with the Warranty? Surely this would be be insurable for a provisional driver with a piddly little engine.
I would be able to put a little trailer on the back for lugging my Jaguar XK engines and gearboxes around ( I run 1 racing E Type and have 2 modified E types, both fuel injected and am always up to my elbows in grease and MIG welders)
I would prefer to see the teenagers driving all over the place in this than some 12 year old Fiat Panda or £1,500 Corsa etc.
My boys are now over 6ft tall, so tiny cars are out. They all play golf, football and rugby too with friends, so a large car is good, Covid permitting.
So I ordered one and watched a few Youtube videos in the week it took to turn up. All the reviewers seem to have missed the point. They didnt seem very excited. I was quite excited about this. Had I found the modern version of a lovely Series Land Rover? No - it is much better as a road car.
So now I have one, I didn't test drive one, I just thought "how bad can this be?" and what a revelation it is.
The first thing is that it is quite a large comfortable car. 5 good size seats and clubs in the boot, no problem. Loads of head room and leg room and luggage space. The second thing I noticed is that Dacia provided quality Continental Tyres.
Next I noticed I had bought free servicing for 3 years. Excellent, not expensive at what is £120 a year.
On hand-over, no explanation of the controls because of Covid, I was just given the keys and wished good luck. Fine. Luckily all the controls were easy to figure out.
Pulling out of the dealership, I noticed the car pick up speed in a perky way, in fact the whole thing accelerates nicely, not feeling under-powered at all.
The 3 cylinder turbo-charged, fuel injected, petrol, twin cam is a little jewel. Really torquey at low revs, eager and revvy. The 5 speed gearbox is great too.
Quick pull over and I had the bluetooth connected to my phone and 6music on the excellent DAB radio. That would have taken me 15 minutes in my wifes E350.
I didn't realise I would get any of these luxuries I also got automatic headlights, a speed limiter, what might be cruise control, usb's, air conditioning and probably some other stuff including all the things we take for granted like phlip fob, PAS/EW etc. Happy days.
On the 50 mile drive back, the lack of mass up front was immediately apparent with an ease in which she wanted to turn direction, the steering being quite sensitive. The car is also quiet, the engine smooth and not too revy at speed, with 70 mph coming in at around 3,000 rpm. No wind noise.
She goes, stops and handles like just about any good modern car. OK maybe not quite like my 992, but certainly more comfortable and really a very nice all round driving experience. And 48 mpg (so far, I only have a few hundred miles). I look forward to getting in, everytime.
So what is the hidden catch?
Well I think the brand image has a way to go. I think the aspirational bunch wont give it a second look- (probably because they will be broken down by the side of the road in their blown up Discoverys- joke). However, I just dont care about that and I think the product does all the talking. It really is excellent.
So, I am happy to have joined the exclusive Dacia Club.
I should do Dacias marketing, my slogan would be
"Dacia- They are not Crap".
A car with an engine so is so small and light it could fit in a suitcase, and still be able to propel it with 5 passengers all day ay 90mph+.
A car that has over 20 cm of wheel articulation, in which you sit as high as a Range Rover driver.
Have things moved on this far? Could this be possible. Am I the only person who is impressed?
It must be very slow to get there?
The thought kept nagging away at me, perking my curiosity.
As a confirmed petrol head (I left University to do a 2 year full time automotive City and Guilds 30 years ago), I wanted to know the answer.
Was it any good?
Then, I found out that brand new, the Dacia Duster Essential 2wd 100 TCE costs £12k all in, with a 60,000 mile warranty. Could one survive me and my three teenage children, all looking to learn how to drive?
It should be OK with the Warranty? Surely this would be be insurable for a provisional driver with a piddly little engine.
I would be able to put a little trailer on the back for lugging my Jaguar XK engines and gearboxes around ( I run 1 racing E Type and have 2 modified E types, both fuel injected and am always up to my elbows in grease and MIG welders)
I would prefer to see the teenagers driving all over the place in this than some 12 year old Fiat Panda or £1,500 Corsa etc.
My boys are now over 6ft tall, so tiny cars are out. They all play golf, football and rugby too with friends, so a large car is good, Covid permitting.
So I ordered one and watched a few Youtube videos in the week it took to turn up. All the reviewers seem to have missed the point. They didnt seem very excited. I was quite excited about this. Had I found the modern version of a lovely Series Land Rover? No - it is much better as a road car.
So now I have one, I didn't test drive one, I just thought "how bad can this be?" and what a revelation it is.
The first thing is that it is quite a large comfortable car. 5 good size seats and clubs in the boot, no problem. Loads of head room and leg room and luggage space. The second thing I noticed is that Dacia provided quality Continental Tyres.
Next I noticed I had bought free servicing for 3 years. Excellent, not expensive at what is £120 a year.
On hand-over, no explanation of the controls because of Covid, I was just given the keys and wished good luck. Fine. Luckily all the controls were easy to figure out.
Pulling out of the dealership, I noticed the car pick up speed in a perky way, in fact the whole thing accelerates nicely, not feeling under-powered at all.
The 3 cylinder turbo-charged, fuel injected, petrol, twin cam is a little jewel. Really torquey at low revs, eager and revvy. The 5 speed gearbox is great too.
Quick pull over and I had the bluetooth connected to my phone and 6music on the excellent DAB radio. That would have taken me 15 minutes in my wifes E350.
I didn't realise I would get any of these luxuries I also got automatic headlights, a speed limiter, what might be cruise control, usb's, air conditioning and probably some other stuff including all the things we take for granted like phlip fob, PAS/EW etc. Happy days.
On the 50 mile drive back, the lack of mass up front was immediately apparent with an ease in which she wanted to turn direction, the steering being quite sensitive. The car is also quiet, the engine smooth and not too revy at speed, with 70 mph coming in at around 3,000 rpm. No wind noise.
She goes, stops and handles like just about any good modern car. OK maybe not quite like my 992, but certainly more comfortable and really a very nice all round driving experience. And 48 mpg (so far, I only have a few hundred miles). I look forward to getting in, everytime.
So what is the hidden catch?
Well I think the brand image has a way to go. I think the aspirational bunch wont give it a second look- (probably because they will be broken down by the side of the road in their blown up Discoverys- joke). However, I just dont care about that and I think the product does all the talking. It really is excellent.
So, I am happy to have joined the exclusive Dacia Club.
I should do Dacias marketing, my slogan would be
"Dacia- They are not Crap".
Edited by politeperson on Friday 13th November 18:42
Edited by politeperson on Friday 13th November 19:23
Edited by politeperson on Friday 13th November 19:26
The Rotrex Kid said:
Great choice, the essential is a cracking car for the money.
Did you get the LPG version? Only a few hundred quid more.
I didn't get the LPG.Did you get the LPG version? Only a few hundred quid more.
The problem is I use the Channel Tunnel and they dont allow LPG. The fuel cost is pretty minimal, so not worth it for me.
As a "large car" with "small" engine, I thought it might just be for local journeys. No- it is definitely not, it has motorway legs.
Having driven it, it would be absolutely fine doing 800 miles a day on the motorway, so it is definitely a candidate for taking abroad, esp with A/C so glad I didnt tick the LPG box, as I would have to go on the boat (nasty).
I would think it will do 8-10,000 miles a year with various family drivers.
France is definitely an issue for UK drivers at the moment (or was in the summer). They seem to hate cars.
I received 3 speeding fines and one parking ticket over one week in the 911 in July. Got sent to my UK home address from France. 45 euros a go with no points. I wasn't even going that fast. Thanks Macron. Farenheit 451 - cameras everywhere.
May as well have a Renault 4.
Edited by politeperson on Friday 13th November 20:30
V6todayEVmanana said:
Nice review, do keep us updated.
It’s nice you mentioned wind noise as road and wind noise bother me in cars. I was expecting Dacia would cut costs in terms of sound proofing to achieve the sticker price. Something other manufacturers do for either costs or weight reductions.
Is it much different to the others car you owned in terms of comfort and noise.
I had that engine in a Renault Captur as a rental car for nearly 2 weeks and really liked it. Was fun and hard to believe it’s size.
Yes, the road noise I find very good. That is even in comparison to our expensive new E350 Estate. Overall, it is a refined car with a comfortable ride.It’s nice you mentioned wind noise as road and wind noise bother me in cars. I was expecting Dacia would cut costs in terms of sound proofing to achieve the sticker price. Something other manufacturers do for either costs or weight reductions.
Is it much different to the others car you owned in terms of comfort and noise.
I had that engine in a Renault Captur as a rental car for nearly 2 weeks and really liked it. Was fun and hard to believe it’s size.
And I have type pressure monitoring too.
Well it has been a great Duster weekend.
The low fuel light came on after a bit so I topped it up to find the reserve was 7 liters.
She drives so nicely! A Mighty Dacia, as Hubnut would say.
I used it to move loads of Jag stuff about. It fits in a treat . One of the e types fell off the road recently and is being thoroughly disassembled and reassembled as we speak. I thought the braked trailer capacity was 1,500 kg on the 999cc model. I do want a tow-bar, as I move heavy bits about the place, this seems ideal for a little trailer.
I think a microcaravan would be fun. You could even sleep in the back of the Duster quite easily as it is pretty huge in the back.
I bought 2m of 1.2m wide 1mm ribbed rubber from out local agricultural hose suppliers, to line the rear and stop it getting grotty.
Then slung two bikes in the back for a ride - because I could!
Looking forward to piling on the miles over winter.
As far as safety goes, well I do ride a CB1000,. No seat belts or air bags on that one. Any car is better.
It seems pretty substantial to me, although there are better ones out there on NCAP. When your numbers up, your numbers up!
The low fuel light came on after a bit so I topped it up to find the reserve was 7 liters.
She drives so nicely! A Mighty Dacia, as Hubnut would say.
I used it to move loads of Jag stuff about. It fits in a treat . One of the e types fell off the road recently and is being thoroughly disassembled and reassembled as we speak. I thought the braked trailer capacity was 1,500 kg on the 999cc model. I do want a tow-bar, as I move heavy bits about the place, this seems ideal for a little trailer.
I think a microcaravan would be fun. You could even sleep in the back of the Duster quite easily as it is pretty huge in the back.
I bought 2m of 1.2m wide 1mm ribbed rubber from out local agricultural hose suppliers, to line the rear and stop it getting grotty.
Then slung two bikes in the back for a ride - because I could!
Looking forward to piling on the miles over winter.
As far as safety goes, well I do ride a CB1000,. No seat belts or air bags on that one. Any car is better.
It seems pretty substantial to me, although there are better ones out there on NCAP. When your numbers up, your numbers up!
Edited by politeperson on Sunday 15th November 16:52
I took it on a trip today, a round journey of 150 miles, motorway and back roads.
Still impressed with how perky it feels, quite relaxed at speeds over 80mph.
Very dirty when I got back so gave her a clean.
Average fuel economy on the computer is showing 44.8mpg with my spirited right foot.
Loads of room in the back for 6ft2 grumpy teenagers.
Still impressed with how perky it feels, quite relaxed at speeds over 80mph.
Very dirty when I got back so gave her a clean.
Average fuel economy on the computer is showing 44.8mpg with my spirited right foot.
Loads of room in the back for 6ft2 grumpy teenagers.
I downloaded a dB app for the phone to measure noise levels.
I haven't a clue how accurate it is. It measured 72dB at 80 mph near the handbrake. What does this mean?
Didn't seem too noisy to me. Lot quieter that the 911 thats for sure.
I think the main appeal of this car (apart from the fact I like it), is that when driving it, I dont feel like I am trying to show off, if you know what I mean.
I haven't a clue how accurate it is. It measured 72dB at 80 mph near the handbrake. What does this mean?
Didn't seem too noisy to me. Lot quieter that the 911 thats for sure.
I think the main appeal of this car (apart from the fact I like it), is that when driving it, I dont feel like I am trying to show off, if you know what I mean.
One thing I have noticed is the engine heats up really quickly.
I suppose it is because the engine block has so little mass and is alloy. On Wednesday the outside temp was -1 degrees and heat was coming through the vents in about a mile or so.
It changes direction really easily giving it an almost sporty feel in the bends. It doesn't roll much but at the same time the suspension deals with rough roads very well I suppose the front wheel driveline is light, the polar moment of inertia must be low, especially for such a tall car.
Just to be clear, all this ability has come as a bit of a shock to me as a first time owner.
When thinking about what to buy for the teenagers to learn, I wasn't comparing this to a Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson, Capture or whatever. I really have little interest in that whole scene.
The alternatives were a Citroen C1, Toyota Aygo, Polo, Fiat Panda/500 or something like that. I just though the kids might have a bit more fun with something with a bit of utility for golf clubs, camping and surf boards etc.
Must say I do feel I have come up trumps. I wasn't expecting it to be able to go places as well. Especially at 999cc. Well, it can.
Problem is, they aint getting it. Its mine-mine...MINE!!! They can catch the bus.
I suppose it is because the engine block has so little mass and is alloy. On Wednesday the outside temp was -1 degrees and heat was coming through the vents in about a mile or so.
It changes direction really easily giving it an almost sporty feel in the bends. It doesn't roll much but at the same time the suspension deals with rough roads very well I suppose the front wheel driveline is light, the polar moment of inertia must be low, especially for such a tall car.
Just to be clear, all this ability has come as a bit of a shock to me as a first time owner.
When thinking about what to buy for the teenagers to learn, I wasn't comparing this to a Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson, Capture or whatever. I really have little interest in that whole scene.
The alternatives were a Citroen C1, Toyota Aygo, Polo, Fiat Panda/500 or something like that. I just though the kids might have a bit more fun with something with a bit of utility for golf clubs, camping and surf boards etc.
Must say I do feel I have come up trumps. I wasn't expecting it to be able to go places as well. Especially at 999cc. Well, it can.
Problem is, they aint getting it. Its mine-mine...MINE!!! They can catch the bus.
Well I am now up to 1,000 miles in the mighty Duster and it is just getting better.
I have been all over the country in my job as a Surveyor, no lock down for us. My daily up to now has been the 911. Its asleep at the moment.
I even got 2x 9ft Christmas trees in in one go.
|https://thumbsnap.com/udw91j6K[/url]
One unexpected pleasure is the comfort I experience in the Duster on UK pot-holed and undulating roads.
I have put up with 20 years of over firm ride quality with German cars now. The Duster is a revelation. Its only when you do some miles your realise you have been forced into handling over ride quality.
The Duster eats up rough roads, the ride and comfort remind me of one of my old Citroen CXs. One of the most comfortable cars I have ever owned, even to this day. I bomb along the roughest of tracks like one of our farm based modern Navaras (they are huge vehicles though and well jiucy. They also chuck up a few problems I can tell you, one is on its third 2.2 diesel engine).
It all becomes clear why when you look at the superb Continental tyres that come fitted as standard as 235/65/16s on the steels.
This gives a luxurious 120mm of pure air between the Duster wheel and the road surface. I measured it.
Coupled with the excellent suspension travel and very low overall corner weights of the vehicle, you get very little roll but plenty of wheel articulation. Quite amazing how the engineers have done it.
On my wife's expensive E class, they have had to add air-bags to replace the air they have nicked from the sidewall. The number of airbags I have replaced on 5 series Estates and E classes over the year is staggering. Not to mention the number of bent and cracked wheels and punctures caused by rough roads.
As for the Porsche, well, what do you expect? My fault for buying it I know. Dont worry Porsche, I still love my 911.
Just look at the lovely Dacia wheel though compared with the other two rim splitters.
My purchase seems to have raised a few eyebrows among those that use the company car park. We now have another x 2 70 plate Dusters, one replacing a Qashqai, the other a 5 series. My friend John from Bourne also bagged an 1.0L LPG Essential like mine on Friday, replacing his £35k Audi. I think I have started a trend.
We have beaten the system!
I also purchased a little tow bar for a little trailer, being limited to 1,500 kg braked.
That was enough for me to move one of my sick e types to the painters. He has now got it into black primer and it should be ready before Christmas.
I think the Duster proves that modern car design has produced many other vehicles that are too heavy, too complicated. too firm and too expensive.[url]
I have been all over the country in my job as a Surveyor, no lock down for us. My daily up to now has been the 911. Its asleep at the moment.
I even got 2x 9ft Christmas trees in in one go.
|https://thumbsnap.com/udw91j6K[/url]One unexpected pleasure is the comfort I experience in the Duster on UK pot-holed and undulating roads.
I have put up with 20 years of over firm ride quality with German cars now. The Duster is a revelation. Its only when you do some miles your realise you have been forced into handling over ride quality.
The Duster eats up rough roads, the ride and comfort remind me of one of my old Citroen CXs. One of the most comfortable cars I have ever owned, even to this day. I bomb along the roughest of tracks like one of our farm based modern Navaras (they are huge vehicles though and well jiucy. They also chuck up a few problems I can tell you, one is on its third 2.2 diesel engine).
It all becomes clear why when you look at the superb Continental tyres that come fitted as standard as 235/65/16s on the steels.
This gives a luxurious 120mm of pure air between the Duster wheel and the road surface. I measured it.
Coupled with the excellent suspension travel and very low overall corner weights of the vehicle, you get very little roll but plenty of wheel articulation. Quite amazing how the engineers have done it.
On my wife's expensive E class, they have had to add air-bags to replace the air they have nicked from the sidewall. The number of airbags I have replaced on 5 series Estates and E classes over the year is staggering. Not to mention the number of bent and cracked wheels and punctures caused by rough roads.
As for the Porsche, well, what do you expect? My fault for buying it I know. Dont worry Porsche, I still love my 911.
Just look at the lovely Dacia wheel though compared with the other two rim splitters.
My purchase seems to have raised a few eyebrows among those that use the company car park. We now have another x 2 70 plate Dusters, one replacing a Qashqai, the other a 5 series. My friend John from Bourne also bagged an 1.0L LPG Essential like mine on Friday, replacing his £35k Audi. I think I have started a trend.
We have beaten the system!
I also purchased a little tow bar for a little trailer, being limited to 1,500 kg braked.
That was enough for me to move one of my sick e types to the painters. He has now got it into black primer and it should be ready before Christmas.
I think the Duster proves that modern car design has produced many other vehicles that are too heavy, too complicated. too firm and too expensive.[url]
Edited by politeperson on Saturday 5th December 21:05
Oh, and another point on beating the system,
Look at my £50 eBay Galaxy Tab!
Full Satellite Google maps, instant traffic updates with Spotify premium-blutoothed to the Dacia Radio (which is actually quite good).
Got it to turn on and off with the ignition. Just like my old Tesla Model S!
£50!
Look at my £50 eBay Galaxy Tab!
Full Satellite Google maps, instant traffic updates with Spotify premium-blutoothed to the Dacia Radio (which is actually quite good).
Got it to turn on and off with the ignition. Just like my old Tesla Model S!
£50!
Blackpuddin,
I do like the romance of four wheel drive, but for most people it is unnecessary. Added weight, complexity, cost , reduced MPG and reduced reliability. Some would say it even makes the car drive worse.
If you have a sporting interest in 4WD I understand.
Worth giving them a ring if you really need it, they are quite rare models in the UK. I would be interested to find out the cheapest 4wd option.
I do like the romance of four wheel drive, but for most people it is unnecessary. Added weight, complexity, cost , reduced MPG and reduced reliability. Some would say it even makes the car drive worse.
If you have a sporting interest in 4WD I understand.
Worth giving them a ring if you really need it, they are quite rare models in the UK. I would be interested to find out the cheapest 4wd option.
I had to go into West London earlier, so I took the Duster, a round trip of 300 miles.
Dropped off to see Phil Hallewell, who had built some competition wheels for me and repaired some others that I had bent.
Very attractive competition wheel in the foreground on Dunlop 6.50 L 15 CR65 Racing tyres (owned by a famous E type racer).
|https://thumbsnap.com/jsZbv73S[/url]
The Duster swallowed at all up (7 who wheels in total). Quite a volume and quite a weight in total.
The roads were clear, the journey quiet, comfortable and unstressful.
I would not have done it any quicker in the 911.
Speed control is now everywhere on that route. 80 mph + was no problem, and the little 999cc engine does not run out of puff either at the higher speeds.
I used just over half a tank, showing 44 mpg on the computer, giving a predicted range of 460 miles.[url]
Dropped off to see Phil Hallewell, who had built some competition wheels for me and repaired some others that I had bent.
Very attractive competition wheel in the foreground on Dunlop 6.50 L 15 CR65 Racing tyres (owned by a famous E type racer).
|https://thumbsnap.com/jsZbv73S[/url]The Duster swallowed at all up (7 who wheels in total). Quite a volume and quite a weight in total.
The roads were clear, the journey quiet, comfortable and unstressful.
I would not have done it any quicker in the 911.
Speed control is now everywhere on that route. 80 mph + was no problem, and the little 999cc engine does not run out of puff either at the higher speeds.
I used just over half a tank, showing 44 mpg on the computer, giving a predicted range of 460 miles.[url]
Coincidentally, I changed from a 19 plate 318d estate SE to to get the Duster. Dacia gave me a fair price for it a few weeks ago, making the deal very quick and easy.
I have had a few BMWs over the years 118d,120d,123d, 320i, 330d E90, 335d E90 and we have another in the company, a 435d X drive. Sold a Dolphin Grey 520d Estate last year that had 120,000 miles and I had owned it from new in 2015.
I find the new design tack really embarrassing, especially the new grill. It looks like lipstick on a pig. What are they thinking.
My most favorite of the lot was my pov spec manual 1987 325i that I owned when I was a nipper. It was one of the first of thAt model on a C plate, dark solid blue with cloth seats, wind down windows and no air. Excellent engine. Made my previous car feel boring, that was a Porsche 944 S1. That had a pretty dull engine.
Hoovies garage has certainly had major issues with the newer ones when they get to over 10 years old. He has has to scrap one or two because of never ending faults.
Nothing wrong with any of them in my ownership, just a bit boring and made me feel like a spoon-salesman.
The Duster feels much more alive with a kerb weight of 1150kgs. I actually want to get into it in the morning.
I have had a few BMWs over the years 118d,120d,123d, 320i, 330d E90, 335d E90 and we have another in the company, a 435d X drive. Sold a Dolphin Grey 520d Estate last year that had 120,000 miles and I had owned it from new in 2015.
I find the new design tack really embarrassing, especially the new grill. It looks like lipstick on a pig. What are they thinking.
My most favorite of the lot was my pov spec manual 1987 325i that I owned when I was a nipper. It was one of the first of thAt model on a C plate, dark solid blue with cloth seats, wind down windows and no air. Excellent engine. Made my previous car feel boring, that was a Porsche 944 S1. That had a pretty dull engine.
Hoovies garage has certainly had major issues with the newer ones when they get to over 10 years old. He has has to scrap one or two because of never ending faults.
Nothing wrong with any of them in my ownership, just a bit boring and made me feel like a spoon-salesman.
The Duster feels much more alive with a kerb weight of 1150kgs. I actually want to get into it in the morning.
The 999cc is Euro 6 compliant, if that helps.
I dont really find the small engine is a penalty on the motorway. It is absolutely fine. It is nothing like and Aygo, Polo, C1 etc.
On ebay a few Dacia Dealers have new essential models listed brand new at £11,900. My friend bought one from Nottingham last week.
I dont really find the small engine is a penalty on the motorway. It is absolutely fine. It is nothing like and Aygo, Polo, C1 etc.
On ebay a few Dacia Dealers have new essential models listed brand new at £11,900. My friend bought one from Nottingham last week.
Well, just to keep those who are interested on Dacia progress, though I would add a bit more.
I am now up to 1,800 miles and the car is still superb.
MPG is now 44 mpg on mixed runs.
Still very much enjoying running around in an 1100kg car with a superb little twin cam turbo, fantastic gearbox and excellent driving position.
My 992 threw light, went into limp home and has now been parked up, waiting for some little solenoid, since mid December at the dealers (warranty repair).
Even my spaniel likes the Duster, went to the beach the other day and he had a nice sleep in the back coming home. I saw a 70 plate Velar on the way. I just thought - you sucker, my 999cc Duster is better!.
I really think it is all the car you need. I see South Central Ambulances agree with that, having just bought 40 of them
https://scas.charity/new-dacia-duster-fleet-our-co...
However for the joy of care free driving, the Dacia wins over the other stressy cars in my collection. Talking of which,
I have been putting together the Sherwood S1 this week, the Dacia has been ferrying bits around.
It is a superb hobby car with loads of carrying capacity.
So in summary, I am still amazed by the the whole Dacia thing.
I am now up to 1,800 miles and the car is still superb.
MPG is now 44 mpg on mixed runs.
Still very much enjoying running around in an 1100kg car with a superb little twin cam turbo, fantastic gearbox and excellent driving position.
My 992 threw light, went into limp home and has now been parked up, waiting for some little solenoid, since mid December at the dealers (warranty repair).
Even my spaniel likes the Duster, went to the beach the other day and he had a nice sleep in the back coming home. I saw a 70 plate Velar on the way. I just thought - you sucker, my 999cc Duster is better!.
I really think it is all the car you need. I see South Central Ambulances agree with that, having just bought 40 of them
https://scas.charity/new-dacia-duster-fleet-our-co...
However for the joy of care free driving, the Dacia wins over the other stressy cars in my collection. Talking of which,
I have been putting together the Sherwood S1 this week, the Dacia has been ferrying bits around.
It is a superb hobby car with loads of carrying capacity.
So in summary, I am still amazed by the the whole Dacia thing.
I dont know about snow, haven't seen any!
I have spent quite alot of time in the Alps.
All the locals have 2 wheel drive hatchbacks and they go anywhere on Snow-Tyres.
Even 4 wheel drive makes little difference in snow on the wrong tyres.
I am sure it would be good on snow, but I just dont see any anymore here!
I would love to find out.
I was cold this morning though!
Happy New Year Pistonheaders!
I have spent quite alot of time in the Alps.
All the locals have 2 wheel drive hatchbacks and they go anywhere on Snow-Tyres.
Even 4 wheel drive makes little difference in snow on the wrong tyres.
I am sure it would be good on snow, but I just dont see any anymore here!
I would love to find out.
I was cold this morning though!
Happy New Year Pistonheaders!
Edited by politeperson on Thursday 31st December 18:03
Morning,
I know what you mean.
I think the headlights are the old school H7 £4 bulbs, they seem to work well with a bit of an old school glow.
I have had some shocking bills in other posh cars when lights go out. Think £500 a side for a complete unit including the igniter and over complicated leveling system.
Another retrograde step in car design in my book. Keep life simple.
I know what you mean.
I think the headlights are the old school H7 £4 bulbs, they seem to work well with a bit of an old school glow.
I have had some shocking bills in other posh cars when lights go out. Think £500 a side for a complete unit including the igniter and over complicated leveling system.
Another retrograde step in car design in my book. Keep life simple.
Mikebentley said:
I have been back and forth of late looking for a replacement for my leased Transit Connect Limited which is due for return in March and costs £276pm. Due to uncertainty about mileage which could be between 15k and 25k I was finding it hard to commit. I have a pre order deposit for the New Sandero down which is refundable but was struggling with the thought of a very basic spec (cheap) or a £12k car of the spec I would like.
I spent the last few weeks looking at and nearly buying a 2013/14 Fiat 4x4 but again struggled with spending £5500 to £7000 on a 6/7 year old Fiat for work.
Anyway this afternoon I have placed a deposit on a 2020 Dacia Duster Comfort model 100tce and Bi fuel which is the perfect spec for me. Sat Nav, reversing camera, rear tints and metallic paint. Sensible sized alloys with tall tyres. Lots of LPG by me at between £0.45pl and £0.65pl. It is a pre reg demo 2500miles. It was the cheapest on E bay at £12200.00 and the staff at Bristol Street Nottingham have really done me a deal. Off the list they have contributed £500.00 towards it, 2 years free servicing and a set of mats. Can’t wait to join politeperson, never thought I would be a throbber too but concerns over mpg put to rest by this thread. PS we also share a Jaguar link as I have an XK140 FHC.
Dealer pics
Wow, that looks very nice indeed.I spent the last few weeks looking at and nearly buying a 2013/14 Fiat 4x4 but again struggled with spending £5500 to £7000 on a 6/7 year old Fiat for work.
Anyway this afternoon I have placed a deposit on a 2020 Dacia Duster Comfort model 100tce and Bi fuel which is the perfect spec for me. Sat Nav, reversing camera, rear tints and metallic paint. Sensible sized alloys with tall tyres. Lots of LPG by me at between £0.45pl and £0.65pl. It is a pre reg demo 2500miles. It was the cheapest on E bay at £12200.00 and the staff at Bristol Street Nottingham have really done me a deal. Off the list they have contributed £500.00 towards it, 2 years free servicing and a set of mats. Can’t wait to join politeperson, never thought I would be a throbber too but concerns over mpg put to rest by this thread. PS we also share a Jaguar link as I have an XK140 FHC.
Dealer pics
My friend John bought a Bi-fuel 999cc Duster from Nottingham last month, he is very pleased. He even lives close to an LPG filling station.
XK140? very nice.
This is my current Jag progress. Had a busy week. Flamin cold in the shed though.
Greg_D said:
It looks a really fun, sensible knock around to me.
Getting back to the Range Rover ride/seat height comparison for a second. I know the comment was made in an illustrative way as opposed to a literal comparison. However, a direct comparison would be interesting. I’ve just gone outside and measured our range... I know seat height is adjustable, but on my normal setting, seat height is 850mm and 815 depending if you are in ‘off road’ or ‘normal’ suspension height (measured at the lowest part, where your bum goes). Ground clearance at the lowest point of the chassis is 260/225mm.
How does the duster compare
Greg,Getting back to the Range Rover ride/seat height comparison for a second. I know the comment was made in an illustrative way as opposed to a literal comparison. However, a direct comparison would be interesting. I’ve just gone outside and measured our range... I know seat height is adjustable, but on my normal setting, seat height is 850mm and 815 depending if you are in ‘off road’ or ‘normal’ suspension height (measured at the lowest part, where your bum goes). Ground clearance at the lowest point of the chassis is 260/225mm.
How does the duster compare
Edited by Greg_D on Thursday 7th January 11:22
You are higher than a Duster in a Range Rover.
From the floor to the seat base top of a Duster is 730mm. Bit of height adjustment left in the seat.
From the floor to the bottom of the bumper 350mm, botton of the rear bumper 380mm, middle of the wheel 320mmm and bottom of the sill 350mm.
Edited by politeperson on Thursday 7th January 15:34
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