Planning To Buy A Used Renault Duster (2012-2019): 5 Things To Know

The Renault Duster was the original compact SUV to grace the Indian market. First showcased in 2012, the model kick-started a new era of sorts turning the segment into a behemoth with every major player aiming to get a share of this segment. The Renault Duster was butch, rugged, and capable - both on and off-road. It also got a likeable diesel engine while the naturally aspirated petrol was quite capable. However, Renault India decided to go petrol-only in 2020, which saw the end of the Duster diesel. But it's still this version that still remains popular with the masses. If you are in the market for a pre-owned Renault Duster, here are five things you should know.

1. The Renault Duster enjoys a reasonably high brand value, especially with the 1.5-litre k9K diesel engine. That's why, this version holds a stronger resale value as well. The workhorse nature of the SUV is particularly impressive for most buyers, while the compact dimensions make it more manageable in the city.

2. The butch design of the Renault Duster has aged well and received an update in 2016 with a revised grille and subtle changes. The interior though remained largely the same barring a few changes over the years including the addition of a newer infotainment system.

3. The Renault Duster was offered with a host of engine and transmission options. This included the 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel. The 1.6 petrol was later replaced by the newer and more fuel efficient 1.5-litre petrol engine, which received a CVT automatic gearbox too. The 6-speed gearbox was quite likeable on the petrol and diesel versions, while the oil burner also received an AMT gearbox in 2016. The Duster also had an AWD version on sale, which is a rare find even in the used car segment.

4. Quality levels leave a lot to be desired on the Renault Duster, especially compared to newer rivals. Used examples also struggle with rattling issues as well as rusting. Another common issue with the Duster diesel has been a faulty high pressure pump that delivers diesel from the fuel tank to the engine. This particular component is known to fail after a couple of years and requires a replacement.

5. Prices for pre-owned Renault Duster from 2013 start as low as Rs. 6 lakh with about 80,000 km on the odometer. You'll also find plenty of petrol automatic versions on sale in the used car space starting from Rs. 7.5-8 lakh, albeit with high mileage on the odometer. The Duster diesel automatic version commands a premium and is priced around Rs. 8.5 lakh for a model as recent as 2019.