Dacia

in_my_bumble_opinion

I've spent a lot of time driving in Eastern Europe, including Romania where a high percentage of the cars on the road are Dacias. They are cheap for a reason.

Dusters have a poor ride and have a reputation for disintegrating gearboxes among other things.

I have many Romanian friends in the UK who are bemused that British people are literally queuing up to buy these things.

Just my 2p.

jase1

GolfBravo wrote: »

Sandero


Technischer Überwachungs-Verein - German Technical Inspection Association, car manufacturer quarterly extended report (subscription required) for 2010 Sandero.

No Dacia Duster reports available at this stage (not enough sample data, TÜV need at least 500 samples for their quarterly report).

Yes -- the TUV reports for the Dacia Logan are horrendous -- pretty much rock-bottom for each year they've reported on them. The Sandero seems to be a little better, but not by much:

http://www.anusedcar.com/index.php/tuv-model/dacia-sandero
http://www.anusedcar.com/index.php/tuv-model/dacia-logan

Given that *all* RHD Dacias are made in India and NOT Romania, expect our cars to be worse than the above, if that's possible.

These cars will need to prove themselves on the market before I'll be interested. I'd expect the basic mechanicals to be strong enough (they don't give that much trouble in the Renaults and Nissans they've been installed in over the years) but build quality looks to be suspect to say the least.

For now, Kia/Hyundai look to be a far safer bet than Dacia, the latter I consider to be closer to the old CityRover or previous model Suzuki Alto in terms of quality. That's not to say that I wouldn't consider one second-hand in a few years, but they'd have to be very cheap.

ACG

Thanks, ive also just come across this:
http://www.ssangyonggb.co.uk/Korando-Overview?

I have never even heard of it before... any thoughts ?

jase1

Ssangyongs are mechanically very solid (Mercedes Benz mechanicals).

Problem with them is that the parts can be very expensive. I'd still have one over a Dacia though.

ACG

jase1 wrote: »

Ssangyongs are mechanically very solid (Mercedes Benz mechanicals).

Problem with them is that the parts can be very expensive. I'd still have one over a Dacia though.

But it comes with a 5 year warranty?
I cant imagine i would have it for 5 years and if i did i dont think i would begrudge spending if something did go wrong.

jase1

ACG wrote: »

But it comes with a 5 year warranty?
I cant imagine i would have it for 5 years and if i did i dont think i would begrudge spending if something did go wrong.

In which case there isn't a problem. Just pointing out the chief objection to buying one of these (or any other of the more obscure manufacturers).

These cars are well made in Korea using Mercedes drivetrains -- a much better bet than something thrown together on the cheap in India (worse than the Romanian-built Dacias).

TBH, if you like the way they drive, and they have the right level of practicality, looks etc, there is no obvious reason not to buy one. The resale values aren't even that bad as demand outstrips the (low) supply), although it might take a while to sell.

The engines are also a bit old-school and clattery; this in many ways is a good thing though as the old-school Mercedes diesels were completely bombproof.

ACG

Thanks for that, i thought i would just query the warranty to make sure i wasnt missing anything.

Comfort wise, i dont do massive amounts of long trips, more like 10-30 miles one way, but i do occasionally do 100-150 mile trips... am i going to be walking like an old man with arthritis after a trip or comfort wise is it going to be ok?

I know i will ultimately come down to having a test drive in one but im just thinking a 10-20 mile test drive isnt going to be a great indication.

alastairq

Trim level

Engine

CO2emissions

MPG (combined)

On-the-road price

Ambiance

0.9 TCe 90

125

52.3

£7,995



1.5 dCi 90

105

70.6

£8.995

Laur!ate

0.9 TCe 90

125

52.3

£9,795



1.5 dCi 90

105

70.6

£10,795

UK versions of Dacia’s latest addition will be produced at the Pitesti plant in Romania, the same as Sandero.

above from

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/dacia/sandero-stepway-2013/?section=good

RHD SAnderos & Stepways built in Romania...as above from Honest John

jase1

ACG wrote: »

Comfort wise, i dont do massive amounts of long trips, more like 10-30 miles one way, but i do occasionally do 100-150 mile trips... am i going to be walking like an old man with arthritis after a trip or comfort wise is it going to be ok?

Impossible to say -- what is comfortable for one person is uncomfortable for the next. I for example have real problems with offset brake pedals due to my large frame; the seat can be the best on the market but bad pedals will set off sciatica and I'll be miserable.

YMMV.

CFC

GolfBravo wrote: »

Sandero


Technischer Überwachungs-Verein - German Technical Inspection Association, car manufacturer quarterly extended report (subscription required) for 2010 Sandero.

No Dacia Duster reports available at this stage (not enough sample data, TÜV need at least 500 samples for their quarterly report).

I'm no wiser now you've told me, what does German Technical Inspection Association mean in English, is that like an MOT, and when will a Duster one be out that you can share?