After purchasing an electric car, the family had a Dacia Logan MCV “left over” for quite some time. In theory, this was a good thing, as we are currently renovating and remodeling our home—a transport vehicle could prove useful.
An initial overview:
- First owner
- EU re-import from Romania directly from the factory before this model was even available on the German market (first registration 07/2008)
- Therefore Phase I, i.e. pre-facelift (old logo)
- MCV, i.e. station wagon, type KS
- Paint color: Marine Bleu Uni – 61H (Renault color)
- 1.6-liter gasoline engine, factory-fitted with LandiRenzo LPG system
- Front-wheel drive
- Unventilated front disc brakes, rear drum brakes
- Relatively low mileage – approx. 132,000 km
- Has been unused for a long time, previously driven very little for years
- No repairs or maintenance since the first major service, except for those relevant to the TÜV (German technical inspection)
- Accident vehicle, declared a total loss by the insurance company
- TÜV valid until August 2025
My partner and I each own a car, so this would be the third, a “construction site car.” You have to weigh up carefully whether this makes sense, especially from a financial point of view, as second cars generally seem to be more expensive to insure, even with a low no-claims bonus class. In addition, such a car also incurs vehicle tax and needs to be serviced or repaired from time to time.
I would rate its technical condition as a 3-, and its visual condition as significantly lower—this Dacia has been used as a workhorse since its “birth” and has not received any maintenance, etc.
What are the advantages of this car?
- The two existing cars are a 2005 Audi A6 4F Avant turbodiesel with trailer coupling and a 2009 VW Polo 6R turbo gasoline engine, so a “Caddy-type” vehicle would be a useful addition to the fleet.
- The Dacia is powered by a robust four-cylinder Renault engine, originally developed for Renault vehicles in the 1990s.
- The LPG system is a big plus with today’s fuel prices.
- Any type of gasoline is fine, but of course it must be unleaded; Super E10 is no problem.
- Two parallel tanks, approx. 50 liters of gasoline plus approx. 42 liters of LPG (instead of a spare tire).
- The car already has numerous scratches, dents, and dings, so it won’t hurt as much if more are added, which is inevitable for a construction vehicle.
- Optional 7-seater, registered ex-factory.
- Laureate equipment variant, i.e., almost all the equipment available at the time, including air conditioning and central locking with remote control.
- The two-piece tailgate, which can be opened wider, is very convenient for loading things.
- The original radio has been replaced by one from JVC*, which does not offer hands-free calling but does have USB and AUX.
- A good set of complete summer wheels is mounted on the original steel rims.
- Of course, the purchase price is unbeatable in my case, namely $0.
What’s not so good?
- The unknown condition of many components.
- Fuel consumption is said to be quite high, especially when driving at speed.
- Possible rust—2008 was quite a few years ago, and the car was always parked outside.
- The additional financial burden (insurance, tax, MOT, repairs, etc.).
- A third parking space will be needed.
- Tow bar possible but difficult due to the LPG tank
- The driver’s seat is defective, the backrest no longer holds
- Engine performance “borderline”
- Exhaust must be leaking
- Misfires and dropouts in LPG mode
- No winter or all-season tires
- ABS available but no ESP
- Only driver and passenger airbags
Before a decision is made, the current situation should first be evaluated.