Expert answer

Hi Brian,

We've not heard of a widespread problem with the window washer motor on the Duster so this could be an isolated case. Not really a major worry, especially if it is being sorted before you get the car.

Expert answer

Hi Abala,

I'm afraid that the 2019 model is the same one as tested by EuroNCAP in 2017, at this link.

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Hi Christine,

Well, the new Duster is a pretty good piece of kit and, if you like your current car, then it could be the best bet all round. A Dacia dealer is likely to give you a better trade-in for your current car than would a rival brand, which will help with the finances. The updated Vitara is a very decent car, but it’s noticeably more expensive than the Duster, and that goes ditto for the C3 Aircross. 

Dacia Duster reviews

Suzuki Vitara reviews

Citroen C3 Aircross reviews

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Hi Dries,

Without seeing this happening and observing if there is also a warning light, it's very difficult to assess from afar so we would recommend bringing the car to a good mechanic to have it looked at. 

I wonder though, could it be something to do with the seatbelts not being latched correctly, or something on the other seats that moves during braking and causes the car to think there is someone there without a seatbelt on? Long shot, I know...

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Hi Martin,

I'm afraid that's a tricky one to assess from afar. Usually, any beeping is accompanied by a warning light of some description, so keep an eye out for that. If you can't work out what it is then I suggest you bring the car to a Dacia dealer to look at.

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Hi Deborah,

That sounds to us like one of the safety systems, such as lane-keeping assistance, giving a momentary warning. It probably does show something on the dashboard, but only for a very short amount of time. It's very difficult to assess such a thing from afar, so it's probably best to see if you can replicate conditions that make it happen and then report back to us, or get a good mechanic along to have a look.

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Hi Matthew,

The first thing to check is if the auxiliary drive belt is intact and turning the power steering pump pulley as it should be. Then check the fluid level of the power steering system itself. If both of those things appear fine then we'd suggest you need the services of a good mechanic to take a closer look at the pump and perhaps the steering rack too.

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Hi Oliver,

Car dealers generally work on a margin of between two to six per cent, depending on the brand, model and individual dealership. They’ll make a little more on accessories and some optional extras, but that’s about the normal margin across the board.

On the Dacia, yes, a value of €12,000 from an original purchase price of €20,000 would be about right, although it may dip a touch more than that. An automatic probably won’t make a huge difference either way — 50-60 per cent depreciation in the first three years is the norm for all cars.

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Hi Darragh,

I think it comes down to a straight choice between the Fiesta and the Mazda, with the Mazda edging it slightly on the basis of it being better-built and more reliable. The Sandero is fine if all you want is something cheap, but then the Stepway version makes no sense because it’s just a more expensive Sandero with stick-on plastic bits. The i20 is a good outside choice though — very spacious, roomy, and well-made, but you need to upgrade to the 1.0-litre turbo engine for it to be a good choice. Here are a few reviews of those cars for further reading:

Mazda2 review

Ford Fiesta review

Dacia Sandero Stepway review

Hyundai i20 review

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

It depends. If it’s the basic 1.6-litre petrol model, then your VRT will be around €3,000 (ish, depending on spec) and that model already appears on Revenue’s system. If it’s the more expensive version with the 1.2-litre petrol turbo, then it’s trickier as, you’re quite right, Revenue doesn’t have that car on its systems.

I would think they’ll hit you up for around €4-5,000 in VRT for one of those. The process isn’t too difficult, as such, but if you don’t fancy it, the new, updated Dacia Duster will be launching next year, and that should finally come with a petrol engine option here.