- Reliability Index score out of 100
- 79
- Average repair cost
- £685
- Most regular repair request
- Electrical
- Average age at repair
- 8 years
- Average mileage at repair
- 68,500 miles
Dacia Duster: A Spotlight on Customer Satisfaction, Reliability and Affordability
The Dacia Duster has gained popularity in recent years as a budget-friendly SUV (Sport’s Utility Vehicle) that offers a lot of value for the money. Did you know the Dacia Duster is a family of automobiles produced and marketed jointly by the French manufacturer Renault and its Romanian subsidiary Dacia? Making the model a hybrid of French automotive intelligence Romanian affordability and no-frills design.
The Duster remains Dacia’s most popular model in the UK, representing almost two in five (38%) of all Dacias sold in the country. Over the course of more than a decade, the Duster has accrued over 100,000 registrations in the UK alone [1].
The Duster’s popularity is largely attributed to its value-for-money proposition. It consistently offers one of the most affordable options in the / segment, which has contributed to its appeal in the UK market [2].
In the 2024 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, the Dacia Duster topped the rankings as the most satisfying new car to own in the UK, beating out competitors from more established brands [2].
So it might be a firm favourite amongst UK drivers in terms of customer satisfaction, but exactly how does it hold up in terms of reliability and running costs? We’ll explore key reliability metrics and repair data to help give you the full picture.
Dacia Duster’s overall score: 79
With an overall score of 79, the Dacia Duster sits comfortably in third place in the list of most reliable SUVs. This score reflects the overall performance of the vehicle across factors like repair frequency, repair costs, and the typical age or mileage at which issues emerge. The Duster’s overall score is notably lower than the Honda CR-V, but high enough to offer a respectable reliability score.
Most regular repair requests
For the Dacia Duster, the most regular repair requests involve the electrical system. The main players in your car’s electrical system include the battery, alternator, starter, wiring, fuses, and ignition switch. When one of these components falters, it can throw the whole system off balance [3].
While some issues like blown fuses can be DIY fixes, many electrical problems require professional diagnosis due to the complexity of modern vehicle systems. Regular maintenance and inspections are key to catching and preventing electrical issues early [4]. An extended warranty can help protect from any expensive repairs related to the car’s electrical system – the cherry on top for all of the happy Dacia Duster owners (subject to your plan terms and conditions).
Most expensive repair: Turbocharger failure
The most expensive repair request recorded for the Dacia Duster involves a turbocharger replacement, costing £4,325.26. Turbocharger faults can occur at various points in a vehicle’s lifecycle, but they often become more prevalent as the vehicle ages and accumulates higher mileage. While there’s no specific threshold, issues tend to arise more frequently after 100,000 miles or 10 years of use [5].
However, problems can develop earlier due to several factors. Poor maintenance, such as infrequent oil changes or neglected air filter replacements, can accelerate wear and lead to premature failures [6]. Driving habits also play a role, with frequent short trips that don’t allow the engine to fully warm up being particularly hard on turbos.
Early warning signs of turbo issues include gradual loss of engine power, difficulty accelerating, unusual noises (like whistling or whining) when the turbo engages, and excessive exhaust smoke. It’s important to note that while some turbo faults develop gradually, sudden failures can occur due. An extended warranty can help protect against repair bills from the premature failure of a turbocharger (subject to your plan terms and conditions) – helping you drive your Dacia Duster with peace of mind.
Average repair costs: Affordable and manageable
The average repair request for the Dacia Duster is £685.63, which is quite affordable compared to many other SUVs. For example, the Mitsubishi Outlander has an average repair cost of £1,527.79, more than double that of the Duster. This makes the Duster a compelling option for those who prioritise lower running costs and want to avoid hefty repair bills.
Age and mileage insights
On average, repair requests for the Dacia Duster occur when the vehicle is 7.7 years old and has covered around 68,557 miles.
According to the latest data from the Department for Transport, analysed by NimbleFins, the average age of cars in Great Britain and the UK in 2022 was 8.8 years old [7].This represents a significant increase from previous years, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reporting that the average age reached a record high of 8.4 years in 2021[8]. The trend has continued, with more recent SMMT data indicating that the average UK car is now 9 years old as of 2024[9].
For Dacia Duster owners, the data indicates that repair requests commonly arise when the vehicle is around 7.7 years old and has covered approximately 68,557 miles. This is slightly earlier than the current average age of cars in the UK, which is now 9 years as of 2024. As the average age of vehicles on the road continues to rise, Dacia Duster owners should be mindful that their vehicles may require attention and repairs sooner than other cars.
However, with proper maintenance and possibly an extended warranty, Duster owners can keep their vehicles running reliably even as they approach and exceed the average age of cars in the UK.
Running costs: Value for money
The Dacia Duster is renowned for offering great value, and this extends to its running costs. With a lower-than-average repair cost and fewer high-cost repairs, the Duster is one of the more budget-friendly options for used buyers. This makes it an attractive choice, especially when compared to more expensive rivals like the Kia Sportage or the Ford Ecosport, which have higher average repair costs for example, the Kia Sportage averaged £1,199.31 and the EcoSport averaged £1,130.24.
Market pricing for used Dacia Dusters
The Dacia Duster has established itself as an affordable option in the UK’s used SUV market, with prices varying based on age, mileage, and trim level. As of 2024, you can expect to find used Dusters ranging from around £3,000 for older, high-mileage models from 2013 to approximately £18,000 for newer, low-mileage examples [10]. Given the Duster’s solid reliability and low running costs, this price range offers excellent value for a capable SUV that can handle both urban commutes and rural adventures.
For a good 2018 1.6 SCe Comfort version, prices start at about £10,000, while 2019 or 2020 models typically fall between £10,000 and £12,000. More recent models from 2021 command prices between £12,000 and £15,000, with 2022 cars ranging from £15,000 to £18,000 [11]. It’s worth noting that the Duster experiences a significant depreciation around the three-year mark, making this an optimal time for buyers to find good value [12].
Final thoughts
So does the reliability data match up to the driver opinion in the 2024 Driver Power Survey? We conclude yes! The Dacia Duster is a reliable and economical choice for used car buyers. Its overall score of 79, combined with low average repair costs and a generally dependable track record, makes it a strong contender in the budget SUV category. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it more than makes up for it with its straightforward reliability and low running costs.
For those looking to get the most out of their purchase, opting for an extended warranty could be a smart move, especially if you’re investing in a slightly older model with higher mileage. Overall, the Dacia Duster offers great value without compromising too much on reliability, making it an ideal choice for cost-conscious buyers. Start your extended warranty purchase online.
Sources
[3] https://www.wyattautoservices.co.uk/news/the-most-common-signs-that-your-car-electrics-are-failing/
[9] https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/362910/average-uk-car-now-9-years-old-drivers-delay-replacements
Disclaimer: Warrantywise Reliability Index Scoring and Data: Rank is measured by repair request frequency, average vehicle age at the time of fault, average mileage, and average labour time, from 1 August 2021 and 1 August 2024, and includes vehicles between three and ten years old where there are a minimum of 250 cars on cover. Average repair costs collated over a period between 1 August 2021 and 1 August 2024. Since the sample was selected, Warrantywise has seen a significant rise in the price of labour and parts, which will impact future repair costs. All data used is from Warrantywise’s proprietary internal research. Warrantywise believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader.
Warranty FAQ’s.
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A car warranty, or an extended car warranty as you may also see it called, can help to pay for the cost of fixing your car if something goes wrong with it, like a mechanical or electrical problem.
New cars usually come with a warranty that lasts for 3 years. This means the manufacturer will fix any problems during that time. After this period any repairs or problems will need to be fixed by the vehicle owner.
For peace of mind, after your manufacturer’s warranty expires to help you seek to manage repair costs effectively, you can purchase an extended warranty.
Warranties do not include all defects. Most warranties will never pay for accidental damage or premature failure of a part.
You must read the plan terms and conditions of any warranty before you take it out.
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Our warranties are discretionary. This discretion allows for flexibility, as in each case we exercise our discretion to decide whether and how to resolve repair claims.
We have appointed an independent arbiter, Edd China, to ensure that any disputes with customers are resolved in a fair and un-biased manner. In the event of a dispute between us, Edd China has the final ‘discretion’.
This is what makes Warrantywise unique.
With access to our network of approved repair centres, you can rely on professional and reliable repairs.
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An extended car warranty from Warrantywise provides protection for your vehicle beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, shielding you from unexpected repair costs that can arise due to mechanical or electrical failures. With additional benefits including recovery, car hire and onward travel, to name but a few, our warranty gives you peace of mind, eliminating the stress and hassle associated with unforeseen repairs and expenses. With access to our network of approved repair centres, you can rely on professional and reliable repairs. By choosing Warrantywise, you can budget more effectively and avoid unexpected costs with cover you can be confident in.
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Our warranties are designed to provide the widest potential scope of repairs for the age and mileage of your vehicle. We automatically select the most appropriate level of plan for your vehicle, which you can then tailor to meet your specific needs during the online quote process or by speaking with one of our team of warranty experts on 0800 001 4990, who will help you through the process.
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At Warrantywise, we aim to make the repair process hassle-free for everyone. When If you choose one of our Authorised Repairers to carry out an approved repair, we will handle the settlement of the repair cost directly with them, eliminating the need for you to make any payments.
We always recommend using one of our Approved Repairers. Their repair facilities undergo careful monitoring to guarantee the best workmanship and service quality.
However, we understand that you may have a preferred garage in mind. If that’s the case, please ensure they are VAT registered and follow our provided ‘Repairs Procedure’ outlined in the plan booklet. It’s also crucial to verify that their labour rate aligns with your warranty schedule.
If you decide to use your preferred garage, you may be required to pay the bill in full. However, rest assured, once the repair work has been agreed by us, we will promptly reimburse you directly for the agreed expenses. Our aim is to provide convenience and financial peace of mind throughout the repair journey.
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As long as your car has an up to date service history you don’t necessarily need to service the car before we issue a warranty. However, if the vehicle doesn’t have evidence that the last service was performed at the correct time, you will need to arrange to have the car serviced to the manufacturer’s recommendations before your warranty cover is effective. Please refer to Section G – Servicing your vehicle for full details.
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It is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to maintain their vehicle. Following the manufacturer’s service schedule ensures that vehicles are properly maintained.
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It is important to thoroughly check the service history of a second-hand vehicle before purchasing. Where the previous owner has missed a service, we’ll still provide a warranty if the service history is brought up to date according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (including any recommended remedial work). This must be brought up to date immediately and proof of the service provided.
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No, you don’t have to have a car inspected before it can go on cover.
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Our warranties are available in lengths to suit your needs. From monthly warranties to 12, 24 or 36 month warranties.
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You can choose to pay for your warranty in full, over 4 month or PAYG (monthly pay as you go).
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All Warrantywise plans come with a no question 14 day money back guarantee. You can cancel the plan at any time within the first 14 days and providing you have not requested that we meet the cost of any repairs, we will cancel the plan and refund your payment without deduction.
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We always recommend using one of our Approved Repairers. These repair facilities undergo careful monitoring to guarantee the best workmanship and service quality. However, we understand that you may have a preferred garage in mind. If that’s the case, please ensure they are VAT registered and follow our provided ‘Repairs Procedure’ outlined in the plan booklet. It’s also crucial to verify that their labor rate aligns with your warranty schedule.
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Our repairs office hours are 8.30am-5.00pm Monday – Friday (except bank holidays). If you breakdown out of hours, please phone our 24/7 breakdown service on 0800 054 2174. For full details on what to do with regards to repairs out of hours, please refer to your plan book.
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It is important to stop driving the vehicle immediately, and call our repairs team on 01254 355102. The lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm. In the case of an emergency breakdown out of hours, please call 0800 054 2174. If you continue to drive after you suspect a fault, it could affect your warranty. Rest assured, we are here to assist you throughout the process.
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The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘Electrical’ as: (1) concerned with, operating by, or producing electricity. This means it has to be powered by, use, or produce electricity in order to function. NB: There are some items listed under our Additions that we will never pay for under the warranty.
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The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘Mechanical’ as: (1) relating to or operated by a machine or machinery. (2) relating to physical forces or motion. This basically means it has to be a part that moves, is moved and/or is acted upon by something else that makes it do that motion. NB: There are some items listed under our Additions that we will never pay for under the warranty.
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If, during a journey, your Vehicle suffers a Breakdown within Great Britain you can telephone 0844 693 1910 (24h service) and we will arrange for an engineer to attend. If your Vehicle suffers a breakdown whilst in the European Union, you will need to make your own recovery arrangements and submit a claim under the warranty.
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If your repair is approved and you need a hire car, because your vehicle is off the road, we may reimburse you for up 10 days for car hire, please refer to the terms of your warranty for details.
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If you purchased your warranty directly, then yes. If you sell your car, you can transfer the remainder of your warranty to your new vehicle. Depending on the make, age and mileage of your new car additional charges may apply. Call our admin team on 0800 001 4990 for full details.
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We take complaints very seriously and all complaints are thoroughly investigated by our Customer Relations Team. Our commitment to customer satisfaction means that if you are dissatisfied with the initial response, we have an escalation process in place to address your concerns further. We value your feedback and strive to continuously improve our services, ensuring that your experience with Warrantywise is of the highest standard. For more information on the escalation process, please refer to our complaints page, and if we cannot resolve your complaint between us, you can refer it to Edd China for consideration in his role as Final Arbiter.
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All calls are answered directly from our UK offices by our knowledgeable and experienced customer advice teams. We take pride in providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that your enquiries and concerns are addressed promptly and efficiently. Our dedicated teams are here to assist you with any questions you may have, offering expert guidance and support.
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Edd China fulfils the role of independent arbiter, this means he has the final say over any dispute that we cannot resolve between us, subject of course to your statutory rights.
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Quentin Willson was instrumental in working with Warrantywise from 2007 to 2023 to develop our extended warranty plans to ensure they are clear, transparent and comprehensive. In July 2023, he passed over the responsibility of final arbiter to Edd China who will use his ‘discretion’ to ensure a fair and equitable resolution on a case-by-case basis.