Does the Dacia Duster offer good value for money?

The Dacia Duster base model, priced at £8995, seems to be very good value for money. Given all the positives including Renault technology, low insurance, good fuel economy, chain cam 1.6-litre engine and reasonably priced extendable warranties, would you say that depreciation should be low and trade-in values/residuals high?

Asked on 8 August 2012 by FS, Glasgow

Answered by Honest John
Note that you don't get a radio or air conditioning. I think the Dacia Sandero, coming early next year, will be better value and a more sensible buy. A fully kitted out Duster 1.5DCI 110 4WD with radio, a/c, split folding rear seat, etc, is £15,000, but still cheaper than anything else in the class. Customer satisfaction and residual values of Romanian-built Dacias are very high in mainland Europe. It remains to be seen what the RHD Indian build quality will be like. But we already get i10s, Pixos, Altos, etc from India, and soon maybe Freelander IIs.
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