No to both questions LD, but have seen them in their thousands in France. The French appear to love the Dacia brand.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
A top gear magazine I was reading while having a puncture repaired the other day was testing one, typical top gear testing it against a LR defender but they seemed to rate its off road abilities,
I think they should have thought of a better name tho than Duster, dacia Vacuum? Dacia floor mop? Dacia Sponge? I can see it now, "just going to get the duster out the garage!"
They look ok though for what they are, I believe Renault make them so be careful with electrical faults.
------------- Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.
Intriguing aren't they! Downsides, hmmm, well, residuals might be dire and of course they are Renault underneath. I still have zero faith in Renault's reliability I am afraid.
Actually gaz the name Duster was first used back in the 70's when it was made by Plymouth. A very popular model with the American public.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
We have both owned Renaults for the last 15 years and while they are okay (just) spares, once they get a bit older, are too dammed expensive.
The Dacia, while having some Renault parts, are made in Romania.
I think it very unfair for Top Gear to compare it to the LR considering the diference in price. I have owned a LR and I would never have another. The price of parts for these are outragious.
Anyways, we are still considering the Dacia (Mop/sponge/duster/whatever)
Romania or not, Renault components = poor reliability. Just look at poor old Nissan following Renault's involvement. Way more electrical gremlins and faults due to cost cutting.
The last Renault we bought was so over-engineered that it is a complete disaster. Automatic hand brake, more gears than a truck and rear electric windows that the dogs can open while we are doing 70mph down the motorway.
The main reason that I am drawn towards the Dacia is it's basic simplicity.
After you go for a test drive Lobey, I'd be interested to hear how it went.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
The dacia duster brand has been around for 40 odd years.
To compare with a land Rover is clearly stupid but then most top gear stuff is. It's a budget renault brand.
The Renault does retain some of it's poor reliability reputation but generally undeserved now. I saw a survey last week. The scenic was declared the most reliable MPV. I have a Laguna. It was a bargain thanks to the reputation but I have been very happy with it in 2 years ownership.
I also had one of the first Scenics. Did 100k without a problem.
I think the Dacia will turn out to be a good buy. Cars are over-spec'd for many now and consequently too expensive. The Dacia addresses this.
We have had Clios, Lagunas and now have two Scenics. My Scenic is older and the spares are now costing more than the cars is worth. The wife has a newer Scenic and that is the one that is over-egineered.
The Dacia is due into our local garage shortly and I will book a test drive in that. However that garage already has advanced orders on 3 Dacia Dusters.
I will certainly report back after we have the test drive.
I always thought Dacia was pronounced with a "soft C" rather than a "hard C" (CH) so I am still getting used to that!
If you don't like the "Duster" model name blame the British, that was the name the original importer decided to call the 4x4 that Dacia made at that time.
When I worked in the motor trade I noticed that base model Renaults were a lot more reliable that kitted out versions. The top level Dacia's are not much better specced than base level Renaults so there is hope!
To my mind Dacia represents "disposable motoring" so if it is over a certain age and it goes wrong scrap it!
------------- Love a lot. Trust a few. But ALWAYS paddle your own canoe!!
Minds are like parachutes:- They only function when they are open!!!
Those who talk don't know.
Those who know don't talk.