Team-BHP - Renault Duster : Official Review

Quote:

Originally Posted by vivek_k_p (Post 5291200)

Update on 4th Apr 2022

Dealer called and informed me that the Orange Renault Duster AMT is sold to a a customer.

Now left with only 2019 September Petrol white Renault Duster RXS(O) CVT

But Renault service history shows, it was involved in an accident.:disappointed

Looks like a fair bit of repair work was done. Front bumper, right fender, wheel, suspension, driveshaft etc. Good thing is that the work has been done at ASC with all original OEM parts. If you are still interested in the car, kindly check for any misalignment on body parts and signs of repair and repaint on the other parts/side as well as the alignment and stance of the car. By the list of parts replaced and work done, I feel the car had hit a divider. As there is no mention of bonnet repair/replacement or any other body parts, the impact would have been quite low and limited to front right side only.

Quote:

Originally Posted by atluri_rkc (Post 5310558)

Help needed..

I own a 2015 made 85PS RXL (O). Recently, I changed the front suspension in a FNG. Since the change, there is mild metal grinding noise coming from front left suspension. I find that this is more evident when going over a speed breaker. The FNG guys are not able to resolve it. Any pointer would definitely help.

Hi
Was this resolved? My 2015 Duster is due for a front suspension change. Over rough roads, hard braking leads to it literally jumping off my hands.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shanmd (Post 5315694)

Hi
Was this resolved?

I am taking it to FNG this Saturday for a possible solution. The wiper-motor also has gone bad and I will get that replaced.

Are you planning to get this done in Renault workshop? If yes, just get a quote from a FNG and also lead times for parts. I opted for FNG as the parts were not available and the price too was on the higher side.

Quote:

Originally Posted by atluri_rkc (Post 5310558)

Pls ask FNG to check the front control arms.. i had to replace it with similar noise issue. Rubber beading on these arms worn out over time creating metal grinding noise.

Hi Shanmd, how much did it cost? I got my 2013 Duster RXL(O) Diesel 85 hp, got serviced in ASC yesterday, and they told me front suspension is gone; brake pads and brake discs too need replacement. My car has just done 50k kms, and for the last 2.5 yrs almost negligible running(since working from home).

I am not too sure if the suspension and brakes needs a overhaul! Also, the quote given by Renault ASC is way too high to spend on 8+ yrs old car(especially when I am thinking to upgrade in near future).

Can folks here advice on above?

Ditto, same Duster model age and issues. Run is also about 55k. When I last visited the FNG(stopped going to ASC after previous service), he told me that discs have a few wear marks, but can wait for another 5k kms. He did not mention suspensions unlike the ASC folks. Brake pads need periodic replacements, but do surely have a look at the extent of wear and should cost about 3-4 k at an ASC and somewhat lesser at a FMG.

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxtrot (Post 5377270)

Hey Foxtrot,

Along with some smaller things, I was billed 16,470/-. The suspension has by far been the biggest repairwork on my vehicle.

Brake pads were changed a couple years ago.. and I could feel the difference literally. You can easily check the width of the pads to gauge wear & tear. The same with the discs. Use a torchlight.. even if it's daytime.

As for the suspension, I remember feeling every bump and jolts on the road via the steering wheel.. along with dull "thud" sounds. A strange and worrying loss of traction if driven over rough roads in speeds above 50. (This was the norm otherwise.. driving fast over rough roads) Also, the front shocks were indeed leaking fluid. This was visible.

Have 92k on the odometer, and was indeed looking to upgrade. But now I'll wait for the EV options to mature out as I am enjoying driving the Duster all over again. Though I have the kitted out 85 (0) variant.. it is barebones if compared to any small hatchback these days. But the minute the drive is on.. I really don't care about the bells and whistles.

A very satisfied customer indeed.

Thanks a lot for your reply Shanmd, highly appreciate!

Yeah, that's another dilemma, as I am too totally in awe for my Dusty especially in ride and handling(though interiors and power are a big let-down). Having said that, I am unable to find a replacement with similar connected feeling in a mid-sized SUVs currently in market.

Am scouting for an SUV(diesel or petrol) with:
1. Very good ride and handling(both low and high speeds)
2. Premium feeling(feels minimum a level or two up from Duster)
3. Frugal/fast and fun to drive(not looking for mile munchers, won't mind though)
4. Good boot space atleast equal or preferably better than Duster
5. Last but not the least, very good after sales service

I have been using Renault Duster 110 PS for last 8+ years and driven over 100000+ kms. Recently I have purchased Kia Carens Diesel Prestige Plus manual version. Although I have not yet driven much, but, still, you can find my initial observations below.

Pros:-
1. Ride quality is quite good, much better than Seltos. Personally, I am quite satisfied with it after using Duster for long. The ride is quite sorted even in broken roads.
2. There is ample space inside. So, you can stretch your leg in both front as well as 2nd row.
3. Features wise it is miles ahead of duster. Also, fit and finish is much better. The seats are more comfortable as well as the driving position. Overall, it is better car to drive as well as to sit and relax.
4. There are multiple store compartments available. So, convenience wise also it fares better. Overall, the cabin has a premium appeal which is badly missed in Duster.
5. Roof mounter A/C vents are available in 2nd and 3rd row. Also, the overall A/C cooling is better compared to Duster.
6. Noise and vibration is very well managed which adds to riding and driving comfort.
7. The engine spec is similar to that of Duster and the power seems to be adequate for both city and well as highways drives.

Cons:-
1. Headlight appears to be a bit underpowered, especially the halogen one which is provided in my variant. However, I had the same observation in Duster too and rectified it to a large extent by replacing the lamps. Now also, I am planning to get the stock bulbs replaced with LED's in near future.
2. Ground clearance is 195 mm which was 205 mm in Duster. Also, the wheelbase is much longer. So, this will be an issue once in a while.

Please take a test drive and decide accordingly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxtrot (Post 5377270)

I am not too sure if the suspension and brakes needs a overhaul! Also, the quote given by Renault ASC is way too high to spend on 8+ yrs old car(especially when I am thinking to upgrade in near future).

Can folks here advice on above?

I'd advise you to take your car to a known reputed workshop.

The front shocks of my Duster 110PS were changed in the last service but the car has completed 60K+ kms and usually do 500+ kms per week, 40-42 of it through some bad roads. The Renault SA actually told me to wait till another 5K kms but I decided to go ahead because the tyres were new. Yokohama Geolanders.

The Duster suspension is very good as you know, but the durability of which is related to the road conditions and driving habits. Yet, I'd say 50K kms is too early for a complete suspension overhaul.

The Munroe shocks are available over the counter. Any experienced workshop can diagnose and change if needed. Then drive straight to the best available wheel alignment center. You should be doing good after that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vivek_k_p (Post 5390156)

Question to the Duster 110PS diesel owners,

What is the top speed you achieved on your Duster on the speedo?
Not asking for Vbox kind of accuracy.

Mine is a used one and I am the 2nd owner.
59k on the odo and runs on Ceat tyres.
Whenever I reach 110-120, the steering vibrates a lot and doesn't allow me to push any further.

Duster 110PS can easily do higher speeds, this seems to be an issue with the wheel alignment, balancing . Get the wheel balancing and alignment done at any reputed tyre shop, this should fix the vibration issues.