2005 Dacia Double Cab 4x4 1.9 diesel from Romania

Summary:

Very robust and practical vehicle

Faults:

Car was almost new. No problems.

General Comments:

Very robust and practical vehicle.

This was a company car, which I drove for almost 2000 kilometers in various traffic conditions.

I liked the car very much for its diesel engine, robust suspension, high ground clearance and 4x4 system.

The loading capacity was quite impressive. I once loaded a 500 kgs house heating boiler (one that used wood for combustion) and the car dealt with this load without a fuss.

The transmission in not permanent AWD. Normally the car is rear wheel drive. In order to engage front wheels traction, you have to push an electric switch on the dashboard while the car is standing still. I guess there is no central differential and the front / rear ratio is 50% / 50%.

Nevertheless the 4x4 system is there when you need it, and it is quite efficient. I was once driving my own car, and at some point everybody was stuck because the wind pushed a lot of snow on the road. Two guys came with a Dacia Double Cab 4x4. They exit the road and avoided all the blocked cars, passing through some pretty deep snow.

The fuel consumption is between 6 and 8 liters / 100 kilometers. Not impressive, but good enough for a car so rugged.

All in all, this a very good vehicle except for the limited rear seats space and for insufficient protection of the bodywork against rust.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd December, 2009

2002 Dacia Double Cab 4x4 1.9 diesel from Romania

Summary:

The perfect low-cost, diesel, high-capacity off-road car

Faults:

Little (but a lot of) things that were repaired quickly and without financial effort:

Small electrical parts.

Usable mechanical parts.

Door adjustments, etc...

General Comments:

Very good engine performance.

Quite low fuel consumption.

Very good off-road performance for its class when used with 4x4 traction.

Very poor performance in difficult road conditions when the 4x4 is off.

Needs new tires for good off-road performance (especially in winter), as the original ones are not fitted for this.

Can carry a lot of materials (>1000kg).

Very robust to use on bad roads.

A little tight on the back seats.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th January, 2004