Faults:

- Brake pedal mechanism developed a strange squeak when releasing the pedal, but this only happened when the car was moving.

- Rubber seals on the front doors starting coming loose and falling off.

- Rattles from the A-pillar and headlining trim.

- Erratic infotainment system.

General Comments:

I bought this car knowing it was at the budget conscious end of the market, but I believed the cost saving was in using old technology, less soundproofing, hard plastics and less equipment.

I was very impressed with how practical it was for such a small car. Everything I put in the boot it swallowed. Also, the turning circle is very tight making maneuvering around tight spaces surprisingly easy.

It is also comfortable, the automatic gearbox is smooth and it is reasonably quick off the mark. From an engine, transmission and electrical point of view I have had no problems.

However, in the 21st century, even with budget cars I expected everything to be screwed together properly, and unfortunately this is not the case with the Duster. The build quality is the biggest let down and what has led me to terminate my PCP early.

The infotainment system would switch on by itself, but this was easily fixed by the dealer which was fine. The issues started when the rubber door seals started coming loose and fell off. These are the kind of comments found when describing a 20 year old car, not a 2 year old car, and when I took it to the dealer they said it was wear and tear, which I find absolutely outrageous as the clips do not wear out in 2 years as they are not consumable parts like tyres and brakes. This then questioned the longevity of the car.

About a month ago the brake pedal started making a strange squeaking noise - not even my 17 year old Saab has ever done this, and after the experience with the rubber seals I decided the car had to go before I start paying hundreds of pounds in repair bills due to premature wear and tear, which is better described as faulty workmanship.

Unless Dacia improve on their quality, I won't be returning to this brand again.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

The car is good, like a mountain goat, can go anywhere, anytime, and it's reliable.

Although the squeaks and rattles can be a little annoying, but the price you pay makes it worth it.

Loved the car.

Faults:

1. Door lock and window open switches went bad.

2. Engine cover got partly dis-attached. Probably due to incompetent garage maintenance.

3. Rear amortization got broken after well over 70 km/km.

General Comments:

Well… there is a bit to talk about after making over 70k in 3.5 years, but to be short:

Good things:

Reliability due to simplicity. A simple “old school”, everyday car that gives a lot of satisfaction.

Great snow or gravel road experience from 4WD. It really gives a lot of fun and covers all the bad things. Driving around in a budget car that many dislike due to its badge, and having absolutely no problem with green light starting when the streets are covered by fresh snow and leaving all “normal” cars behind – priceless…

Good in delicate off-road. Cabin and interior plastic squeak, but I am alright with that.

Bad things:

Primitive plastic dash board, starts to squeak already after, say… 10k?

Significant outside noise level getting inside, that increases even more after getting over 100 km/h. It's not a motorway car definitely…

The car is relatively light in weight, but still it is a bit underpowered. Lucky dynamic gear lever management saves the overall result ;)

Very short gears, need to change very often, especially when starting - must use gears 2-4 fast. Usually I start from 2nd, as 1st gear is absolutely too short (it’s just for the slow off-road, or parking maneuvers). 3 years have passed and I am still unable to get used to the gears there. Getting confused about applying the right gear when turning, almost at all the time ;)

Not a very economical engine or aerodynamic cabin. The engine works well with LPG.

Faults:

Nothing apart from the usual rattles and shakes from the car. Nothing has gone wrong.

General Comments:

The car is not swift, but it's strong like it's a goat, and it will never make you feel as if the car will go or not. It does move like a mule on any type of road.

Holding the road is not very good after 160km/h, but hey for the price, I don't expect it to fly.

So if the expectations are minimum and you want a car to drive anywhere, a Duster is the right partner.

Faults:

Showroom car. Too early for issues.

General Comments:

I went to the local Dacia dealer and took a look at the new Dacia Duster.

The car looks well put together, although there are some places were the economy is visible. The folded backseats do not create a plain surface for cargo for example, and the boot finish is very basic.

The attack and departure angles are very good for a car of this size.

The noise level of the engine is very low for a diesel, and the 6 gear gearbox is very helpful.

The interior is a little bit harsh with tough plastics, but it suits well the general rugged look of the car.

I didn't have the chance to test the vehicle in some serious off road conditions, but the 4x4 system (Nissan origin) looks pretty capable.

The vehicle seems perfect for people who live in a region with bad roads, and need a cheap 4x4 with low maintenance.