Dacia

CFC

ACG - the Duster is not massively uncomfortable. It's fine.

My 2p - if I want a big new or nearly new car, it comes down to what I can get for under 10.5k, cos that's all I can afford, so that's the Zafira or the Duster. (if anyone knows of one I've missed, please let me know!)

If I could afford better, I would buy better, I honestly would. Nissan, Kia and Hyundai are good manufacturers, but I can't go to 15k minimum. My choices are therefore limited.

So it comes down IMO to how much you want to spend. It's not a bad car for the price on the face of it. But it's not what I would buy if I had more cash! If you have more cash, buy something else!

OddballJamie

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.

If you are only planning on keeping the car for 2-3 years then consider the depreciation as a major cost. Buying a more expensive and desirable car to begin with may not cost as much overall when you come to sell as a cheapy one.

Although I have no real idea on resale values of the Dacia range, I did read the other day they predict 40% residual after three years on the Sandero.

GolfBravo

CFC wrote: »

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?

Wikipedia:

TÜVs (German pronunciation: [ˈtʏf]; short for German: Technischer Überwachungs-Verein, English: Technical Inspection Association) are German organizations that work to validate the safety of products of all kinds to protect humans and the environment against hazards. As independent consultants, they examine plants, motor vehicles, energy installations, amusement rides, devices and products (e.g. consumer goods) which require monitoring.

...

No German-registered road vehicle can be operated on public roads without a certificate from the TÜVs or one of their competitors. ... In most cases the certificate has to be renewed every two years. A pass in the mandatory roadworthiness and smog test is indicated by tamper-proof decals on the license plate.

...

The TÜV and DEKRA are also responsible for administering the theoretical and practical driver's license tests.

...

The German safety guidelines are among the strictest in the world, and getting a road permit for custom-built vehicles is said to border on the impossible.

They also test this.

GolfBravo

alastairq wrote: »

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

HJ is well known for pulling information from their backside.

RHD Dacia Duster is made in India - it is their biggest RHD market, they sell it there as Renault Duster.

alastairq

RHD Dacia Duster is made in India - it is their biggest RHD market, they sell it there as Renault Duster.

that is entirely true and accepted...but it is the Dacia Duster only, which is made in India.

The Sandero, & derivatives, are made in Romania.....and don't have quality issues.

It is the assertion that RHD Sanderos were made in India that I have disputed.

Kite2010

What are the crash test scores like?

IIRC the earlier Dacia NCAP scores were rather poor compared to other vehicles

Herzlos

The Duster doesn't rate well in NCAP, because it doesn't have many safety aids, and the pedestrian rating is terrible. Occupant rating is actually pretty decent, pretty much on par with the Skoda Yeti (which I was comparing it against).

CFC

Herzlos wrote: »

The Duster doesn't rate well in NCAP, because it doesn't have many safety aids, and the pedestrian rating is terrible. Occupant rating is actually pretty decent, pretty much on par with the Skoda Yeti (which I was comparing it against).

It's not on a par with the Yeti. There's a huge difference IMO between Duster 74% adult occupant protection mostly marginal or adequate protection, and Yeti 92% adult protection, all good or adequate. It's just not awful.

The Duster is a cheap car with some negative points about it, such as rust appearing already for some owners according to the forum, some cars with steering geometry issues etc. If there was anything comparable, it would be a 'no thanks' but it's currently in a price band of its own.

ACG

So basically if the price was more in line with similar cars - i get the impression nobody would touch it for a variety of reasons? I dont really believe in buying something on price alone... except maybe a washing basket :-P

I think i will look more at ssangyong or kia and go from there.

I appreciate all the replies by people.