[Pickaxe]

Yay had mine nearly a week now and mainly I love it. The ride was quite joggly but settled down when I put the correct air in the tyres (came out the showroom with 40 PSI at each corner).

Sadly after four days the yellow spanner warning appeared during a long drive so it has to go in and get mended but you get niggles with new cars.

Mine also came out of the showroom with very high tyre pressures. Probably like it from the manufacturer and they don't correct it during PDI

 

[Kaspian]

Just bought a 2019 prestige 150hp 4x2 with 13000 miles on it and thoroughly impressed so far. Engine very quiet but surprisingly powerful and a good slug of torque available. Perhaps slightly more powerful than the handling can cope with but it is no hot hatch and should be treated with respect. Ie Plenty of grip but perhaps some body roll ... Very relaxed at national speed limit. Just fitted spare wheel and cradle from fellow forum member . Too early to quote fuel consumption but seems good. Interior perfectly respectable but boot carpet shows where cost cutting occurred, its just some easily marked felt material. Only downside so far seems to be a transmission whine detectable when cruising and disappears when lifting off the throttle but I see others have reported this issue. It really does make the competition look well overpriced . Yes it lacks autonomous braking, Lane assist , parking assist , adaptive cruise but then again if you pass a driving test you should be capable of driving and controlling a car . Interesting to see all the media car reviewers who only a couple of years ago were extolling the virtues of all this new tech now as a first step look if these items can be switched off !

 

[stuartadair]

Duster Prestige Bi-Fuel. Absolutely love it so much I even made a video that fills a gap in the YouTube market. Simple, to the point, in English and most importantly of all...No stupid background music.

 

[Cbid]

Hi, had my 1.0 duster essential for two years now. Although my mileage is low it has behaved immaculately so far.
Just had its second service so decided that since the dealers had had the undertray off thought it might be a good idea to whip off the bolts and put a smear of copper grease on them (my future self has already thanked me).
I was surprised to see the engine undertray is a solid chunk of metal. Every previous car I've had (including a premium German manufacturer) the undertray has been plastic. Impressive for a car built down to a price I think
Also took notice of the lower control arms for the first time. Of all the cars I've had this is the first to have both bolts aligned correctly for the direction of movement. All other cars I've had have at least one (or both) bolts orientated vertically. These, to me, are unexpected plus points
One other question - does anyone else put it in ECO mode and do you find it makes any difference? Went on a sixty mile motorway journey and put it in ECO mode there then reset the mpg and put it in normal mode on the way back. Made no difference at all to mpg. I'm presuming that in ECO mode you end up pressing throttle more to maintain a speed cancelling out any savings.
Anyone else experienced this?

 

[Roger]

Hi, had my 1.0 duster essential for two years now. Although my mileage is low it has behaved immaculately so far.
Just had its second service so decided that since the dealers had had the undertray off thought it might be a good idea to whip off the bolts and put a smear of copper grease on them (my future self has already thanked me).
I was surprised to see the engine undertray is a solid chunk of metal. Every previous car I've had (including a premium German manufacturer) the undertray has been plastic. Impressive for a car built down to a price I think
Also took notice of the lower control arms for the first time. Of all the cars I've had this is the first to have both bolts aligned correctly for the direction of movement. All other cars I've had have at least one (or both) bolts orientated vertically. These, to me, are unexpected plus points
One other question - does anyone else put it in ECO mode and do you find it makes any difference? Went on a sixty mile motorway journey and put it in ECO mode there then reset the mpg and put it in normal mode on the way back. Made no difference at all to mpg. I'm presuming that in ECO mode you end up pressing throttle more to maintain a speed cancelling out any savings.
Anyone else experienced this?

I have a dCi Sandero Stepway and agree with you about the ECO mode !

 

[filster]

updated in july 2021 from a 64 plate 1.6 to a 2021,

6 gear metallic grey, bi fuel 0.9 litre, the difference is astronomical in comfort and ride, handling, gear change etc, i went from a access to comfort level, so yes i'm mighty impressed for the money paid,(my very first car with air con) ok the 0.9 is not as aggressive in 1st and 2nd gear as the 1.6, but i soon learnt how to live with it.....but the LPG option is amazing, better torque and quieter engine noise( the petrol isn't noisy either), and the cost 68p a litre with the garage just a mile away, im a very happy customer.

 

[Rozzy]

2022 4x4 in gorgeous ginger (Dacia calls it Desert orange I think 🤣🤣). I countered the excessive reflection of the dash by covering it in black felt, with the appropriate holes fro vents etc. my only HUGE complaint is the stupid loud noise of the fuel pump.

 

[Yorick]

Love our Duster. We take it into the lava fields and huge sand dunes where the Land Rover guided tours won't go

Not had it stuck yet

 

[Simon techroad]

Nice review @lightening_fingers - it's refreshing to see an honest review as there are many Daciaphiles on here who won't hear anything said against Dacia and key turn of phrases by way of excusing poor quality are the phrases "you get what you pay for" and "Dacia is a budget brand." I agree with them to a point but Dacia should be employing a continuous improvement model like most other manufacturers.

Your Mk 2 MediaNav is similar to my Phase 2 MediaNav which I think is poor and there improvements in my car which could have been made for literally pennies and the cost absorbed by Dacia or passed on to the customer. Overall I like my car, in fact I encouraged my 17 year old to by a new Sandero after his test and it looks like my non Dacia lease car may well be replaced by another Duster in September.

I take it yours is the 4x2 model? My 4x4 dCi is averaging a true 42mpg (calculated, not by the computer) over a 40 mile daily round trip on slow A & B roads.

I think Dacia is very much improving as time goes on and you would expect cost cutting if you are getting a cheap car in return. My only concern is that the go the same ways as skoda and Kia and end up costing a small fortune. The whole point in Dacia at the moment is that it is a budget brand and I don't understand why people go on about cheap plastics or lack of refinement, what do you expect and if it's not for you then there's the option of spending more, it's very simple really.

 

[widu13]

I think Dacia is very much improving as time goes on and you would expect cost cutting if you are getting a cheap car in return. My only concern is that the go the same ways as skoda and Kia and end up costing a small fortune. The whole point in Dacia at the moment is that it is a budget brand and I don't understand why people go on about cheap plastics or lack of refinement, what do you expect and if it's not for you then there's the option of spending more, it's very simple really.

Yep, I don't care about the plastics and my wife calls ours "the tractor", but having said that the 1.5dCi is now the most common diesel engine used in various forms by numerous manufacturers inc Mercedes and Ford and is known for (overall) reliability. Mine is now over 7 years old and hasn't missed a beat, but we are low mileage at only 64k miles.

The worst manufacturers sin on my car...only having the hands free on one speaker- just bonkers!

 

[ianrob]

Update Nov 2023. I have had my DACIA DUSTER COMFORT TCE 130 for 2 years now. 2 years of minor faults which necessitated returning the vehicle to the main dealer. Each time I had to wait 3-4 weeks for workshop time to be available. On the last visit a common fault was diagnosed but the vehicle had to be booked in and once again . . . a 3 week wait for workshop time. 1 hour return trip to nearest dealership. Dacia customer services wouldn't comment on the minor faults or delays in getting them rectified.

 

[BRM_Storm]

One month and 1k into 2022 Prestige dci 4x4 ownership…

I didn’t intend buying a Duster until just over two months ago. To put things in perspective, I’m coming from a 2021 RS4 and a long, long line of VAG products….

I’ve ordered an EV for my commute and needed a car to fill the long gap until it arrives. I also face the prospect of replacing our long standing ‘dog & farm’ car.

The want list had to be something that was economical, 4x4, room for two large dogs, relatively well equipped in several key areas and come with most if not all of a manufacturer’s warranty!

I’m an ex garage owner of 30 years and know the Dacia brand well, along with its reputation/capabilities/limitations etc etc
Having recently been following Steve Cropley’s long term Autocar test, his praise and love for the car was good enough for me to start looking for one.

Being honest, and a car snob, I expected to phone a dealer and test drive one, probably even be able to buy one there and then and collect it in days. Geez, was I wrong? 😂

Locally there were extreme editions available to drive and order, somewhat surprised at the wait times (well documented) but those specific models aren’t to my taste. It soon became clear I wasn’t going to easily, or quickly, get my hands on what I was after. Through this forum, and a bit of calling around I found one in a showroom 270 miles from home. Made a call, did the deal and then had to wait nearly a month to collect due to one thing and another.

Just over a month ago now was the collection day. I’ve never driven one further than 30feet before that. Drove it 270 miles home. And it was great. It felt nice, drove well, cruised ok for that journey and did nigh on 60mpg on the way home. Not bad at all. It is what it is (silly statement but you accept it as the budget brand it is)

I’ve used it for my commute now for a few weeks and here’s what I think…. (if you’re still with me lol)

I like the kit. Auto unlock/lock on approach. Cruise. Auto A/C that works. Wireless Apple CarPlay. Cameras. Even the LED dipped beam is decent. And I’m happy with the car. Content with the purchase and that it’ll (eventually) be a great dog & farm car in 6 months or so.

In the meantime it has to get me to work and back. Shift work with a 64 mile round trip commute, majority motorway, 4 out of 7 days a week. And here’s the niggles for me:
The centre console is a right PITA - it’s far too wide and presses against my leg, no comfortable place to put my left leg, especially noticeable on the big journey home after collection.
The information on the dash always reverts to mileage counter. That seems so silly 🤷🏻‍♂️
It’s only doing 50mpg (53mpg according to my refill calcs today) on these journeys. I’m hoping it’s gonna free up and improve with time - not exceeding speed limits and have kept revs low to run in.
The radio/entertainment system doesn’t seem to be auto dimming at night, maybe my fault as still fiddling with the set up.
The radio/CarPlay doesn’t always resume where I left it at the end of the journey.
The seatbelt mount height on the B pillar is too high for me. Miss the adjustability.
No auto wipers? I assumed it had them, read it had them but maybe not. Again, not a problem, I have eyes and hands but it’s a Renault standard thing for 20 years now…
Final, petty thing. Main beam halogens. So poor in colour against the LEDs, and almost no better than dip lol

What a moaning so and so eh? Just felt I wanted to share my wee issues. Would it put me off if I’d known? Probably not as there is no viable alternative for anywhere close to the money. It’s a damn site better than the 10 year old Corsa I ran when the RS went until the Duster arrived.

Takes cover

 

[widu13]

[QUOTE="BRM_Storm, post: 454481, member: 50993"
It’s a damn site better than the 10 year old Corsa I ran when the RS went until the Duster arrived.

Takes cover
[/QUOTE]

Glad to see that there's someone else who realises that these are great value for money, but isn't a Daciaphile. They have their limitations but my 2014 is going strong with almost nothing except routine maintenance...oh BTW my (then) top of the range Laureate is like poverty spec compared to yours! I occasionally run it down the meridians when shooting and it copes admirably with A/Ts on.

 

[Simon techroad]

One month and 1k into 2022 Prestige dci 4x4 ownership…

I didn’t intend buying a Duster until just over two months ago. To put things in perspective, I’m coming from a 2021 RS4 and a long, long line of VAG products….

I’ve ordered an EV for my commute and needed a car to fill the long gap until it arrives. I also face the prospect of replacing our long standing ‘dog & farm’ car.

The want list had to be something that was economical, 4x4, room for two large dogs, relatively well equipped in several key areas and come with most if not all of a manufacturer’s warranty!

I’m an ex garage owner of 30 years and know the Dacia brand well, along with its reputation/capabilities/limitations etc etc
Having recently been following Steve Cropley’s long term Autocar test, his praise and love for the car was good enough for me to start looking for one.

Being honest, and a car snob, I expected to phone a dealer and test drive one, probably even be able to buy one there and then and collect it in days. Geez, was I wrong? 😂

Locally there were extreme editions available to drive and order, somewhat surprised at the wait times (well documented) but those specific models aren’t to my taste. It soon became clear I wasn’t going to easily, or quickly, get my hands on what I was after. Through this forum, and a bit of calling around I found one in a showroom 270 miles from home. Made a call, did the deal and then had to wait nearly a month to collect due to one thing and another.

Just over a month ago now was the collection day. I’ve never driven one further than 30feet before that. Drove it 270 miles home. And it was great. It felt nice, drove well, cruised ok for that journey and did nigh on 60mpg on the way home. Not bad at all. It is what it is (silly statement but you accept it as the budget brand it is)

I’ve used it for my commute now for a few weeks and here’s what I think…. (if you’re still with me lol)

I like the kit. Auto unlock/lock on approach. Cruise. Auto A/C that works. Wireless Apple CarPlay. Cameras. Even the LED dipped beam is decent. And I’m happy with the car. Content with the purchase and that it’ll (eventually) be a great dog & farm car in 6 months or so.

In the meantime it has to get me to work and back. Shift work with a 64 mile round trip commute, majority motorway, 4 out of 7 days a week. And here’s the niggles for me:
The centre console is a right PITA - it’s far too wide and presses against my leg, no comfortable place to put my left leg, especially noticeable on the big journey home after collection.
The information on the dash always reverts to mileage counter. That seems so silly 🤷🏻‍♂️
It’s only doing 50mpg (53mpg according to my refill calcs today) on these journeys. I’m hoping it’s gonna free up and improve with time - not exceeding speed limits and have kept revs low to run in.
The radio/entertainment system doesn’t seem to be auto dimming at night, maybe my fault as still fiddling with the set up.
The radio/CarPlay doesn’t always resume where I left it at the end of the journey.
The seatbelt mount height on the B pillar is too high for me. Miss the adjustability.
No auto wipers? I assumed it had them, read it had them but maybe not. Again, not a problem, I have eyes and hands but it’s a Renault standard thing for 20 years now…
Final, petty thing. Main beam halogens. So poor in colour against the LEDs, and almost no better than dip lol

What a moaning so and so eh? Just felt I wanted to share my wee issues. Would it put me off if I’d known? Probably not as there is no viable alternative for anywhere close to the money. It’s a damn site better than the 10 year old Corsa I ran when the RS went until the Duster arrived.

Takes cover

I went from a BMW M240 to my brand new Duster Techroad 2 years ago and I'm still in love with it. The longest I've kept a car in 25 years of driving is 2.5 years but I think this is going to break that record.

Your MPG will improve over time, usually after the first oil change and your screen definitely dims when your lights come on. Might be somewhere in the settings but mine is a special edition version of a prestige and it's 2 years older than yours and it dims so yours definitely will.

I was thinking of going electric but recently found out that the average electric car would have to do about 90k before it's offset its carbon footprint and with the rise in electricity I'm going to stick with an old fashioned engine for a few more years.

 

[Epictetus]

I collected my 10 month old 1.0 Comfort today (Orange) with 1,600 miles on the clock. Traded in my 6 year old 1.0 Audi Q2 as I couldn't afford a new one and I only had to contribute about £1k which suited me. I used Cazoo and the process was painless. I'm going to miss the £30 road tax and the 50mpg but I'm happy to be sitting higher again. For me, that makes all the difference.

First impressions after a couple of hours driving are good. The engine is quick enough for an old guy like me, the driving position is great, the car looks fantastic, both inside and out and my wired Android Auto was up and running immediately. I like the seats, the LED lights, the boot space, the steering and the visibility.

I did think that it was quite noisy on the motorway and 6th gear felt a bit laboured below 2,000 rpm but I'll get used to the gearing in due course. I would have preferred the last gen armrest as the new one is a bit low, but acceptable. Seat fabric is nice and the scratchy plastics which every reviewer goes on about doesn't bother me in the slightest - I never touch them and I like the black finish. The media screen resolution could be better, but fine. Found all three pedals comfortable to use and don't mind the lack of "clutch space" - I've had worse.

There's no denying that this is a budget car, but a very good one and I'm really very pleased overall. It's a good value package.

I did make a couple of mistakes by spending £60 on floor mats and a space saver wheel before the car arrived only to discover that it already had them. I'm also having a few minor issues with my dashcam. I use a switched OBD2 power cable and sometimes the car doesn't recognise it. I'll sort that later.

So, a great looking car that's fun to drive. Not many of those around at this price level!

 

[Epictetus]

And a nice surprise today - this car is so easy to wash! The 16 spoke alloys on the Audi were a nightmare to clean but these Comfort spec alloys are a breeze. You've no idea what a difference that makes to someone like me who likes to keep things spotless. The raised ride height also makes it easy to hose under the wheel arches etc.

Funny, but I don't think that I've ever seen a car review which mentioned this particular aspect of car ownership but I wish they would. So, another win for the Dacia.

 

[Epictetus]

Further observations - the 1.0 engine is really quite good and no way does it feel like it's underpowered. Also has a nice slick gear change. Fair bit of body roll in the twisties but holds a line well. The car is easy to reverse park in standard bays and has a decent turning circle. Headlights are ok but nothing special. Had to adjust my dashcam to counter the excessive reflections from the top of the dashboard. Discovered a second instrument stalk below the wiper stalk but never bothered to see what it does - certainly haven't missed it yet. Wiper blades feel tiny but seem to do the job. The car is pretty much rattle free, apart from going over rough surfaces, but no real complaints. The info screen between the speedometer and rev counter is hard to read but I hardly use it anyway. I don't know why, but my head keeps hitting the sun visor.

Basically, all good and I'm having fun!

 

[Epictetus]

Having just gone back and read some of the previous posts on this thread I was reminded of my biggest gripe so far - I just cannot insert the key without looking at the barrel, which is hopeless in the dark! Of course, I will eventually find the knack of doing it but it really does puzzle me. I will not be beaten

 

[Roger]

Having just gone back and read some of the previous posts on this thread I was reminded of my biggest gripe so far - I just cannot insert the key without looking at the barrel, which is hopeless in the dark! Of course, I will eventually find the knack of doing it but it really does puzzle me. I will not be beaten

Heard this one before. Never had any trouble with mine, just hold the key in my right hand and move towards the ignition switch and insert, can do it blindfolded every time! Keep practicing, you will get there.

 

[Epictetus]

And talking of keys.........................

Being an ex mobility vehicle, I only got one key with the car (missed that in the Cazoo small print!) and that means several hundred pounds for a spare (yet to get an exact price).

I spoke to an auto locksmith who says that the latest Renault coding requires a specialist cable which seems to be hard to get at the moment so it will have to be a main Dealer or wait until the supply chain eases off. In the meantime I will have to rely upon a Bluetooth key finder as a halfway house solution. Still, I got the colour I wanted, and the spec that I wanted plus a couple of extras with no waiting. Maybe £15k for a 10 month old Duster with 1600 miles is not that bad in today's market, but certainly not as sweet as I originally thought. (Love the car though).

Edit: Spare key was £248.