Unlock the secrets behind the Dacia Duster's global success. Ever wondered why this quirky Romanian vehicle, backed by Renault, has captured hearts from Europe to South America and beyond? Join Marv and Claudia as they unveil the Duster's unique charm, exploring everything from its impressive ground clearance to its rugged build, perfect for both city streets and light off-roading adventures. Discover why this budget-friendly car punches above its weight with features typically reserved for pricier models, making it a smart choice for those seeking adventure without breaking the bank.
We'll take you on a journey through the Duster's history, from its 2010 debut to the refined second generation in 2017. Alongside Marv and Claudia, learn how its adaptability to various terrains and climates has cemented its popularity in diverse markets. Plus, get the lowdown on the UK used car market, including how pricing varies based on model year and condition. Whether you're a seasoned gearhead or just in search of your next set of wheels, this episode equips you with the insights needed to determine if the Dacia Duster is the right ride for you.
Episode Transcript
Welcome to the Mega Car Review Podcast from
Confounderit, your go-to showfor everything cars Whether
you're a gearhead or justshopping for your next set of
wheels.
Every week, your hosts, Marvand Claudia, dive into the
latest automotive trends, givehands-on reviews and share the
insights you need to make thesmart decisions in the world of
cars From the hottest models tomarket secrets.
(00:30):
Marv and Claudia have youcovered.
Get ready for expert opinions,live debates and all the details
you won't hear anywhere else.
Now let's join Marv and Claudiafor another episode of the Mega
Car Review Podcast, for anotherepisode of the Mega Car Review.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Podcast.
Okay, so you're thinking aboutsnagging a used Daishii duster?
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Smart move.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
I've got to say that's a pretty interesting
choice.
Speaker 3 (00:55):
Yeah, it's a kind of quirky car, but it's got a lot
going for it.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
For sure, and that's exactly why we're doing this
deep dive today.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
We're going to break down everything you need to know
about the duster.
From its weird history tocommon problems and how it
compares to like the big namesout there.
So you can make a smart choice,exactly Whether this is
actually the right car for youor not.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
First things first.
Speaker 3 (01:16):
Where did this thing even come from?
Speaker 2 (01:18):
Like what is a Dacia.
Speaker 3 (01:20):
Right.
So Dacia is a Romanian carmanufacturer.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
Oh, okay.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
And they actually joined forces with Renault way
back when.
Speaker 2 (01:28):
Oh, so it was like a Renault underneath.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
Kind of sort of yeah, that makes sense.
The first generation Duster hitthe scene in 2010.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
Okay.
Speaker 3 (01:36):
And it was a hit, honestly.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
It was straightforward, budget-friendly
.
I like that.
Speaker 3 (01:40):
And it just worked, yeah.
Then, in 2017, they rolled outthe second generation, even more
refined.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
So like evolutionary, not revolutionary.
Speaker 3 (01:49):
Exactly.
But here's the thing that Ithink is super interesting the
Duster isn't just some Europeanniche car.
This thing is sold globally.
You can find it in SouthAmerica, india, really All over
the place.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
That's wild.
I did not realize that.
Yeah, it's pretty impressive.
Speaker 3 (02:13):
So what do you think makes it?
So successful in, like Allthese different places.
Yeah Well, I think it'sadaptable.
They offer it in both four byfour and four by two versions.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
Oh, that makes a lot of sense.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
So it can handle different terrains and
conditions.
That's huge in countries withlike different landscapes.
Exactly Like you said.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
And climates.
Speaker 3 (02:30):
Yeah definitely.
That's really smart.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
And then there's the price.
Speaker 3 (02:33):
Yeah, got to be affordable.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
Right.
The Duster has always beenabout value for money.
You get features andcapabilities that you'd normally
find in more expensive cars.
Speaker 3 (02:43):
So it's like punching above its weight.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
Exactly.
Speaker 3 (02:45):
I like it In markets where affordability is key.
Makes a ton of sense, that's abig selling point.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Totally so.
It's tough, versatile and easyon the wallet, yep, but let's
get into the nitty gritty.
What do you want to know whatare some of the standout
features of the Duster?
Speaker 3 (03:00):
Well, like we said, practicality and ruggedness.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
This isn't just a city car.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
No, this thing is built for adventure.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Okay, let's talk numbers.
Speaker 3 (03:08):
We're talking a ground clearance of 210
millimeters.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
Whoa, that's higher than a lot of SUVs.
Speaker 3 (03:14):
Right.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
So you can actually take it off-road.
Speaker 3 (03:16):
Yeah, light off-roading for sure.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
That's pretty cool.
Speaker 3 (03:19):
And you can even get four-wheel drive if you want
Nice Inside.
It's all about function anddurability.
Speaker 2 (03:24):
So you don't have to baby it.
Exactly Awesome, and I'mguessing the newer models have.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
All the modern tech and infotainment stuff.
Speaker 2 (03:31):
Okay, that makes sense.
Speaker 3 (03:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
Since we are talking about used dusters though.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Right.
Speaker 2 (03:35):
Let's talk about price.
Sure, what kind of price rangeare we looking at in the UK?
Speaker 3 (03:39):
Well MarketCheck UK tracks used car prices and,
based on their data, you'll finda range depending on the model,
year and condition.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
As always, of course, give me the good stuff.
Speaker 3 (03:49):
Okay, so older first-generation dusters.
You can find those for reallyattractive prices.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Like how attractive.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
Starting from around 4,000 pounds.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
Whoa, that's a steal.
Speaker 3 (04:00):
It can be.
Yeah, wow, as you move towardsnewer models.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Especially the second generation.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
Yeah, prices go up.
Okay, you might see someexamples for like 15,000 pounds
or more.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
Makes sense.
Speaker 3 (04:12):
But things like mileage condition.
Speaker 2 (04:14):
And added features all play a role.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
Exactly.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
Right, all right, let's get down to the real cost
of ownership now.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
The stuff nobody likes to talk about.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
Right.
What about insurance?
Fuel efficiency, all that jazz.
Speaker 3 (04:26):
So insurance wise, the Duster is actually pretty
affordable.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
That's good.
Speaker 3 (04:29):
Yeah, it's not a budget buster.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
Nice.
Speaker 3 (04:31):
It varies a bit depending on the engine size and
trim level, sure, but overallit's not bad.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
Great.
And what about fuel economy?
Speaker 3 (04:38):
The diesel engines are really efficient.
You can get over 50 miles pergallon.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (04:44):
The petrol variants are a bit thirstier though.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Okay.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
Averaging around 40 mpg Still not terrible.
No, not at all.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
That's good to know.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
And service and costs are generally reasonable.
Speaker 2 (04:55):
Okay.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
Especially compared to some of its competitors.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
All right, and what about road tax?
Speaker 3 (05:00):
That depends on the CO2 emissions.
Speaker 2 (05:02):
As always.
Speaker 3 (05:03):
But it's not usually excessive.
Speaker 2 (05:06):
Good to know.
All right, let's be real.
No car is perfect, yep.
So what are some potentialissues?
Speaker 3 (05:12):
Our listeners should be aware of.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
When they're checking out a used duster.
Speaker 3 (05:15):
Right.
So with older dusters,especially ones with higher
mileage, you'll want to payclose attention to the
suspension components.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
They take a beating.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
Yeah, especially if it's been off-roading.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
Makes sense.
Speaker 3 (05:27):
Some owners have reported electrical problems too
.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
Oh really.
Speaker 3 (05:29):
So check things like warning lights, the infotainment
system.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
Right, make sure everything works.
Speaker 3 (05:35):
Exactly and, of course, like with any used car a
thorough engine and gearboxinspection is a must.
Absolutely cannot skip that.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
All right, that's super helpful.
Good Now for the fun part.
Speaker 3 (05:46):
Let's do it.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
How does the Duster stack up against its rivals?
Okay, let's start with theNissan Qashqai.
Speaker 3 (05:53):
Big competitor yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
It's like the default choice in this segment.
Speaker 3 (05:56):
Right.
So the Qashqai.
It tends to be a bit pricierthan the Duster, both new and
used.
Makes sense it's a bit morerefined to drive.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
Okay.
Speaker 3 (06:06):
And it often comes with more premium features.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
So you're paying for a little bit more luxury.
Speaker 3 (06:10):
Yeah, but the Duster fights back with its ruggedness,
right Versatility and thatvalue for money.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
So it really depends on what you're looking for.
Speaker 3 (06:19):
Exactly.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
Okay, what about the Kia Sportage?
Speaker 3 (06:21):
That's another popular one.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Yeah, everyone loves that warranty.
Right, it's got the style thewarranty and a comfy interior.
Speaker 3 (06:28):
It can be more loaded than the Duster feature-wise.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
Okay.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
But you pay for it.
In terms of practicality andoff-road ability, the Duster
holds its own.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
But the Sportage is probably a little nicer on the
pavement.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
Probably yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
Okay, last one.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
Hit me.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
Hyundai Tucson.
Speaker 3 (06:45):
Ah, the Tucson.
How does it compare?
It's kind of similar to theSportage in a lot of ways.
It's well-rounded, uh-huh,comfortable.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
Lots of tech.
Speaker 3 (06:53):
Stylish.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
And, again, probably a bit nicer to drive than the
Duster on a daily basis.
Speaker 3 (06:58):
Yeah, probably a bit more refined.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
But the Duster has that affordability and toughness
.
You got it, so it all comesdown to your priorities.
Speaker 3 (07:07):
Like we said at the beginning, Exactly.
What do you value in a car?
Speaker 2 (07:11):
Okay, so we've covered a lot of ground here.
Speaker 3 (07:12):
We have.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
The Duster's history features how it stacks up
against the competition.
All the good stuff Exactly.
Now it's up to you to decide.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
The big question.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Does the Dacia Duster fit your lifestyle and your
budget?
Speaker 3 (07:25):
We can't answer that for you.
But hopefully this deep divehas given you the information
you need to make that decision.
Exactly.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Don't forget to get a thorough inspection.
Yes, please, and don't beafraid to ask questions.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
Lots of questions.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
Happy car hunting.
Speaker 3 (07:39):
Good luck out there.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
We'll catch you in the next deep dive.
Speaker 3 (07:42):
See ya Bye in the next Deep Dive.
See ya Bye.
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