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Original poster

To Dacia or not to Dacia?

24 replies

EMGEMG · 18/07/2023 20:42

I'm thinking of buying a used Dacia Stepway Sandero. I've heard they're very economical, low on emissions, comfortable and they certainly are more affordable than my usual car - VW Polo. Does anyone here own a Dacia? How reliable are they? Thanks!

OP posts:
GeorgeSpeaks · 18/07/2023 20:46

I had a little sandero for a few years. It was great. Had it for 3 years and didn't break down.

Anapana · 18/07/2023 20:47

I’ve got one, it’s great. Only annoying thing is the boot doesn’t click open, you have to use the key in the lock. But apart from that I’d totally recommend

Sunshineandrainbow · 18/07/2023 20:48

I have heard the safety rating is not very good. But have never properly looked into it as unsure where to look.

Certainly cheaper than other cars when I was looking a few years ago.

Quite a few people have them at work.

Are they Renault engines?

WinniFinniHadog · 18/07/2023 20:49

I have a Dacia sandero, and I really like it. It's a nice size, reliable and a good runaround.

They are Renault engines and chassis . Just Dacia bodywork.

notnowdennis · 18/07/2023 20:51

Loved mine! The stereo and speakers were very low quality, boot lock (as per PP) a pain but bloody brilliant budget car.

Jaguarana · 18/07/2023 20:51

We have a Duster. We love it, you get a lot for your money and so far it's been very reliable.

PrancerandDancer · 18/07/2023 20:55

We have a sandero. We love it. As for safety, we have a much more expensive car go in the back of us. We fared much better.

toomuchfaster · 18/07/2023 20:55

I test drove one and it just felt cheap. Went with a Ford as it was also a better deal.

saraclara · 18/07/2023 20:56

I've been put off by their safety ratings. Otherwise I'd have seriously looked at the Duster.

Bluevelvetsofa · 18/07/2023 21:14

DH isn’t impressed by the safety rating either, so that would be an issue.

Ginflinger · 18/07/2023 21:16

The safety rating was also an issue for us. Two people recommended them to me recently though.

SoAndSoSaidSo · 18/07/2023 21:25

I've had mine for over 9y from new. It's diesel and only £20 tax a year. Extremely economical on fuel.

I'm driving it till it dies, I wouldn't buy a new one as you can't buy diesel anymore.

I would however buy the same year 2nd hand. To get diesel and mileage again.

purplediscolove · 18/07/2023 21:29

I bought one within 2 days it was parked back up for sale and sold. It was a mini van to me my partner said everytime he got in he felt he was going to work. The gears just everything was a big no
for
me

Chipsahoy · 18/07/2023 21:35

Look at which, worth buying a subscription then cancelling it. The safety rating for the darcia was really bad. I wouldn’t touch one.

saraclara · 18/07/2023 21:46

Chipsahoy · 18/07/2023 21:35

Look at which, worth buying a subscription then cancelling it. The safety rating for the darcia was really bad. I wouldn’t touch one.

Yep. One star if I recall correctly.

saraclara · 18/07/2023 21:53

It's the Dacia Jogger that only got one star.

When virtually every other car gets five, that's bad.

GetYourHandsOffMyCake · 18/07/2023 21:56

I bought one last September, a 2019 reg. I love it. It's nippy, economical, and the seat is fairly high, which I like.

GetYourHandsOffMyCake · 18/07/2023 21:57

THIS is in that report - .....The Sandero did achieve four stars for the protection it offers adult and child occupants in an impact, along with a three-star rating for pedestrian impact protection

EweCee · 18/07/2023 22:00

We have a Dacia Duster 2019 model (which had good safety rating) and we absolutely love it. Amazing value for money and reliable.

saraclara · 18/07/2023 22:52

EweCee · 18/07/2023 22:00

We have a Dacia Duster 2019 model (which had good safety rating) and we absolutely love it. Amazing value for money and reliable.

The best-performing car in the current Dacia range when it comes to safety is the Dacia Duster small SUV, which has a three-star safety rating – although that comes with the caveat that the testing was done back in 2017. Euro NCAP standards have become tougher since then and the Duster, like the other models in the Dacia range, does not have the standard safety equipment required to earn a three-star rating if it was reppraised today.

Dacia Duster (2018 - present) – Expert Rating

Dacia Duster (2018 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert

The Dacia Duster has received a broad range of scores and reviews from the UK media, ranging from outstanding to outright recommendations not to buy one.

https://www.thecarexpert.co.uk/dacia-duster-2017/

allthelittleangelsriseupriseup · 19/07/2023 01:18

We have had a Dacia sandero stepway '67 plate from new - top of the range, all bells and whistles, cost 11,400. Has needed a new battery and a set of tyres in that time.
When we replace it, it will be with another, larger Dacia.

Feduppluckingmychinhairs · 19/07/2023 08:05

I had a Dacia Duster for three years, never gave me a minutes bother. Easy to run, good and spacious, reliable, nice to drive. Only changed because exDH wanted something younger. Would buy one again anytime

Original poster
EMGEMG · 19/07/2023 16:21

Wow, thanks everyone 😊

I'll check out the safety ratings on which, as the thing I like about Polos is the fact that they're robust and feel safe when you're driving.

But as times are tough and the used car market is so expensive, a Dacia might be the way forward.

Didn't know about the Renault engine and chassis...interrelated. I guess its similar to VW vs Skoda.

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