In-depth reviews
Dacia Duster review – a great-value SUV that owners love (2018-2024): owner reviews
"The great-value Dacia Duster will have you asking why other SUV models are so pricey"
Carbuyer Rating
3.2 out of 5
Owners Rating
4.4 out of 5
Price
£18,295 - £26,745
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Reviews
Owner Reviews
- 5 out of 5
- 4 out of 5
- 3 out of 5
- 2 out of 5
- 1 out of 5
75%of people would recommend this car to a friendCommon Problems
- Other (1 case)
- Brakes, Electrics, Engine (1 case)
Review 1 of 8
3 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.5 Dci blue Prestige 4x2
Year
2019
Avg annual mileage
15,000 – 19,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Tell us what you think about your car?
The car has a better design than the early version with a few technology updates, but overall is the same quality, as good as expected in a low cost vehicle. I didn't find other comparable SUV for the price. The prestige version is very nice, with the leather seats, the parking camera, auto AC and other extras that I normally don't use as cruise control, speed limiter,etc.
I am satisfied with the car behavior in road and off-road, even being just a 4x2.
Main disappointments have to do with noise and sound insulation. The problem is not the engine noise. That part has a satisfactory noise insulation in the 2018 version, but not the rest of the car. While the car is not very aerodynamic, the wind noise is too noticeable. The noise of the tires is louder than the engine when driving fast in the motorway. Nevertheless the low cost of the car compensates this. What is really a deal breaker is the constant whining noise of the fuel pump that is present all the time and drives me nuts. Early versions didn't have this problem, but according to the dealer is characteristic of the new 1.5 dci blue Dacias (I have heard it also in a Logan). As I like the car, but can´t live with this, I will try to find a solution (official or not). Although is a problem known by Dacia, they won't solve it. This is being discussed in many foruns by users. I have uploaded a very short video in youtube to show the problem (ear the noise): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ja9fgR1Y90
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
No 
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
Tce150 Techroad 4x4
Year
2019
Avg annual mileage
10,000 – 14,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
41
Tell us what you think about your car?
I've looked at the Duster for some time now, but once the new styling arrived it became much more interesting, since it also included a much needed interior refresh too. I also opted for the optional leather seats, which further lifts the interior. The 1.3l turbo engine is very willing, has 150bhp and regularly turns in over 40 mpg. Whilst the car clearly has had shortcuts to hit the price point, it is well made and represents fantastic value for money. Mine has all the toys you'd expect from a more expensive car, is comfortable, economical and easy to drive and park. The equivalent Renault is £10k more. Why be out of pocket when you can get a decent car such as this.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.5 dci
Year
2018
Avg annual mileage
10,000 – 14,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
New
Tell us what you think about your car?
I was a big Ford man before, but got trouble from my last car so I was browsing the web for my next car and the Dacia Duster popped up. I was in two minds about buying it but all I can say is it's a lovely car to drive power is a 100% brake's 100% handling 90 % comfort 100% and all the mods you can do is amazing you can make it look like a one of a kind SUV. If you are someone that likes sport car and 0 to 100 in 60 seconds it's not for you. If like a car that drives lovely and power for when you needed and you don't mind what the interior looks like, then I would highly recommend it. All of mods and accessories you can do interior and exterior to personalise your Duster is amazing - so I highly recommend this car!
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.6 SCE Essential
Year
2019
Avg annual mileage
10,000 – 14,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
39
Tell us what you think about your car?
The 1.6 SCe Engine is made by Nissan and is smooth on the motorway and driving around town. If you read the press reviews, they tell you it's a bit gutless compared to the DCi diesel (more low end torque) or be as quick as the 1.3 turbo? My point is that the 1.6 SCe is fine, if you want to pay an extra £1k for the diesel or 1.3 TCe then fine. Ask yourself how fast do you want go, we're all 'road users' not 'race car drivers'.
Inside it's all very quiet and refined, the finish is great, practical and comfortable, Im 6'1" and fit fine - driven it 400 miles without an ache. Sound system is great - dual cone speakers and tweeters in the dash, the essential spec doesn't have sat nav or reversing cameras but why pay an extra £1K for them. The only extra you need to buy is a rubber type fitted boot tray £50 ebay - and haggle the dealer for free mats and the spare wheel to close the deal when you buy new.
The essential doesn't come with the easy to scuff 17" 'diamond cut alloys' - but the standard Fiji Steel wheels look great - what they don't tell you about the 17" wheels is that your ride comfort will be more bumpy and if you go over the curb you will probably scratch them, the standard 16" steals drive over almost anything - when Dacia sponsored some army crew to go on a rally in north Africa they swapped over the alloys to the standard 16" wheels - they're just better for purpose.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
Prestige 1.5 Diesel
Year
2017
Avg annual mileage
10,000 – 14,999
Owned
1 - 2 years
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
55
Tell us what you think about your car?
This is my second Duster and I have just ordered my third. The car is faultless and no other car comes near for value. Some say basic but it has everything you want and more. 30,000 trouble-free miles in two years, need I say more.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.3 TCE Prestige
Year
2019
Avg annual mileage
0 – 4,999
Owned
1 - 2 years
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
38
Tell us what you think about your car?
Second Duster I have owned, no problems in 18 months, superb value, good performance, roomy, comfortable, well equipped top of range model. Appearance very modern despite some dated parts (or so the reviews say, not that obvious and hard to see where), all looks very nice. Very little to criticise. Will most certainly buy another when time to change is reached.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
Laureate 5 door diesel
Year
2013
Avg annual mileage
10,000 – 14,999
Owned
More than 5 years
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
50
Tell us what you think about your car?
After nearly 90,000 miles and having only spent £25 on repairs and that was an exhaust bracket after driving often over a very rough road. We think this car is amazing value. We still had the original tyres on the rear at 85,000 miles. We have regularly serviced it and generally looked after it but it still drives like new,
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
2 out of 5
Car Details
Model
1.6 comfort
Year
2018
Avg annual mileage
10,000 – 14,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
38
Tell us what you think about your car?
This COULD be such a good car but falls short in so many places it really shouldn't. I actually really like this car and if they out a little more attention into it then it would be a fantastic all round car rather than a source of endless stress.
The good points:)
>Great turning circle, easy to park and with my comfort model the added camera and sensors make it a doddle even for my horrendous parking skills. Also the lightweight steering allows quick turning with no effort.
>very plush comfortable ride, soaks up pot holes, bumps etc which is great. Most comfortable car I've ridden in for this scenarios.
>nice simple layout inside, easy to find buttons and it has been well thought out.
>well spec'd for not a lot of money
>good loading area for work, dog, mother in law etc
>sat nav works brilliantly.
The bad points :(
> engine is VERY troublesome, I have been back to the dealer 4 times (and 5th booked to look again) about problems with the engine. Had engine failure warnings, revs hanging making bad gear changes and erratic handling at low speeds. Ignition management failure in first 200 miles on cruise control. Warnings popping up about engine failure. Engine revs will climb on their own when at junctions. Lumpy when cold, tries to stall. Terrible in low gears around car parks.
>blower fan is already sound like it's broken
> rattles, everywhere! Especially from the boot/spare wheel area. Can't seem to get that to go away.
> brakes clonk and move when reversing
> passenger door difficult to close, I have to really slam it as there's too much rubber in door frames it seems.
> entrainment unit freezes every now and then, also forgets where it was playing and reverts to the same song (The Bangles!). When going back in menu it always goes back to Beginning of alphabet which is a pain when using USB device.
>accessories are of poor quality, already putting a hole through my foot mats. Whilst not terribly expensive I managed to do 75k miles on some £5 specials in previous car. Expected these to wear a bit better than just under a year.
Overall If it worked as expected then it would be fantastic.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
No
