A real report, anonymised
Used 2017 Renault Duster diesel inspection report
2017 Renault Duster RxZ 1.5 dCi diesel, 1,33,093 km, 1 owner, inspected September 2026, Bengaluru, 264 checkpoints
Verdict
Think twice before buying
60
overall score / 100
A hard-working diesel at 1.33 lakh km with an active glow-plug fault, a check-engine light that keeps coming back, engine noise, low oil, a repainted right side and heavy steering free play. The service book shows a car kept running, with many recommended repairs declined.
Scored 60 of 100. At this age and distance the score matters less than the specific faults below, several of which are expensive.
1.33 lakh
km on the clock
P0380
active fault: glow-plug circuit
4
panels repainted, right side
30+
dealer visits since 2017
What we found
In the order that matters.
An active glow-plug fault and a check-engine light that keeps returning
The engine scan shows an active P0380 (glow plug / heater circuit A). On a diesel that means hard cold starts and rough running until it is fixed. The service book records the check-engine light glowing in April and July 2024 and again in November 2025, when the car would not start. The inspector also recorded engine noise and minor vibration at idle, and the oil was low on the dipstick.
The right side has been repainted, and the right pillars repaired
The right fender (276 µm), right front door (240 µm), right rear door (234 µm) and right quarter (239 µm) read well above the 104 to 141 µm of the untouched panels. The inspector recorded the right-side pillars as repaired and filler on the left fender. The service book does not record a matching body repair, so ask where and why this work was done, and for the invoices.
Steering free play is excessive
Free play at rest was excessive. The dealer noted slight play in the steering rack and vibration at 110 km/h in 2024, and a later note mentions tight steering in reverse. Steering and suspension joints on a 1.3 lakh km SUV should be checked properly before you buy.
A service book of declined repairs
The car has been to the dealer more than thirty times, which is to its credit. But visit after visit records items left undone at the owner’s request: shock absorbers, brake discs, clutch, wiper and AC parts, and at the latest service in August 2026 a vacuum-pump leak and a weak clutch. A major clutch, flywheel and gearbox overhaul was done in December 2023. The timing belt and drive belt were replaced in August 2026, which is genuinely good news on this engine.
Smaller items
Brake pads are low. The AC is lukewarm at the centre vents. The windscreen was replaced under an insurance claim in 2022. The inspector noted the tailgate not working properly. There are two paid challans for pollution and noise standards.
What is genuinely good
Clean underbody with no rust, nearly new tyres from 2023, a one-owner car with every service at a dealer, and a fresh timing belt.
Area ratings
| Area | What we saw | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Active P0380 glow-plug circuit fault, intermittent check-engine light, noise and minor vibration at idle, oil low. | 2/5 |
| Paint & body | Right fender, both right doors and right quarter repainted (234 to 276 µm); right pillars repaired; filler on the left fender. | 2.5/5 |
| Steering | Excessive free play; the dealer recorded steering-rack play and vibration at 110 km/h in 2024. | 2.5/5 |
| Brakes | Pads low; the front caliper has needed repeated servicing. | 3/5 |
| AC | Lukewarm at the centre vents (above 14°C). | 3/5 |
| Glass | Windscreen replaced (2022 insurance claim). | 4.5/5 |
| Tyres | Four Continental Conticross, 2023 manufacture, 5.9 to 6.8 mm, even wear. | 5/5 |
| Underbody | No leaks, rust or corrosion. | 5/5 |
| Interior | Upholstery, trim and seats in good condition. | 5/5 |
| Gear & transmission | Smooth on the road test; clutch overhauled in 2023. | 4/5 |
| Paperwork | One owner. Insurance to 2027, pollution certificate to November 2026. Under an open loan. Two paid challans. | 3.5/5 |
Paint assessment
Untouched panels read 104 to 141 µm. The right fender, both right doors and the right quarter read 234 to 276 µm.
| Panel | Film thickness | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Fender right | 276 µm | Repainted |
| Door front right | 240 µm | Repainted |
| Quarter right | 239 µm | Repainted |
| Door rear right | 234 µm | Repainted |
| Fender left | 141 µm | Factory (filler recorded) |
| Tailgate | 133 µm | Factory |
| Quarter left | 128 µm | Factory |
| Door front left | 127 µm | Factory |
| Bonnet | 118 µm | Factory |
| Roof | 108 µm | Factory |
| Door rear left | 104 µm | Factory |
A whole side reading high, with repaired pillars, is more than a scratch repair. Ask for the body-shop invoices.
Tyres
Four Continental Conticross all-season tyres made in 2023, 5.9 to 6.8 mm with even wear and no damage. No spend needed.
Service history
More than thirty dealer visits from 2017 to 2026, almost all at one authorised dealer in Bengaluru. The kilometres run forward and agree with today’s 1,33,093 km. Selected entries:
| When | Odometer | What was done |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2022 | 77,942 km | Insurance claim: front windscreen replaced |
| Mar 2022 | 77,950 km | Clutch master cylinder and thrust bearing replaced |
| Jun 2022 | 82,117 km | Front shock absorber and stopper set replaced after suspension noise |
| Dec 2023 | 1,02,631 km | Major overhaul: flywheel, clutch kit, gearbox removed and refitted, front shocks and anti-roll bar bushes |
| Apr 2024 | 1,06,017 km | Check-engine light glowing; no work recorded |
| May 2024 | 1,06,913 km | Steering vibration at 110 km/h; slight play in the steering rack |
| Aug 2024 | 1,09,187 km | Front-right drive shaft replaced; check-engine light intermittent |
| Nov 2025 | 1,25,660 km | Check-engine light and not starting; fuel supply tube replaced |
| Aug 2026 | 1,32,880 km | Timing and drive belts replaced; vacuum-pump leak and weak clutch noted, not approved |
Registration and records
Owner name, address, registration number and lender are held back from published samples.
| Record | Status |
|---|---|
| Owners | 1 |
| Registered | 2017, Bengaluru |
| Manufactured | April 2017, diesel, 1461 cc |
| Insurance | Valid to 2027 |
| Pollution certificate | Valid to November 2026 |
| Finance | Under an open loan |
| Challans | Two, both paid (pollution/noise standards) |
Periodic maintenance
The 1.5 dCi uses a timing belt, replaced in August 2026 at 1,32,880 km with the tensioner kit, so that major job is done. The glow-plug fault, vacuum-pump leak and clutch are the next bills.
Every checkpoint (264)
213 passed, 17 findings, 34 measurements or not applicable to this car. Answers exactly as the inspector recorded them.
01. Baseline Photos & Documents7 checks
- ✓4 sides (Front, Sides, Back) capturedCaptured
- ✓Interior overview (front & rear)Captured
- ✓VIN plate & odometer close-upsCaptured
- ✓Cluster warning lamps photo (Ignition ON)Captured
- ○RC DetailsN/A
- ○PUC CerificateN/A
- ○Insurance CertificateN/A
02. Exterior Structure & Trim55 checks, 11 findings
- !Front Bumper: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Hood/Bonnet: Defects (multi-select)Dent, Scratch
- !Roof: Defects (multi-select)Dent, Scratch
- !Fender Left: Defects (multi- select)Filler
- !Quarter Left: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Rear Bumper: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Fender Right: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Door Front Right: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Door Rear Right: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Quarter Right: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Right pillars (A/B/C): Defects (multi-select)DentRepaired
- ✓Front Bumper: FitmentOK
- ✓Hood/Bonnet: FitmentOK
- ✓Roof: FitmentOK
- ✓Front grille conditionIntact
- ✓Emblems/Badges present & correctYes
- ✓VIN plate/rivets tamper signsNo signs
- ✓Fender Left: FitmentOK
- ✓Door Front Left: Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Door Front Left: FitmentOK
- ✓Front Left door handle: physicalOK
- ✓Front Left door handle: functionalityOK
- ✓Front Left door weather seals & beadingsOK
- ✓Front Left window run channel & outer beadingsOK
- ✓Door Rear Left: Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Door Rear Left: FitmentOK
- ✓Rear Left door handle: physicalOK
- ✓Rear Left door handle: functionalityOK
- ✓Rear Left door weather seals & beadingsOK
- ✓Rear Left window run channel & outer beadingsOK
- ✓Sill/Rocker Left: Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Sill/Rocker Left: FitmentOK
- ✓Quarter Left: FitmentOK
- ✓Left pillars (A/B/C): Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Left ORVM housing conditionOK
- ✓Rear Bumper: FitmentOK
- ✓Trunk/Tailgate: Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Trunk/Tailgate: FitmentOK
- ✓Fuel lid/door conditionOK
- ✓Fuel lid/door fitment & hinge/springOK
- ✓Fender Right: FitmentOK
- ✓Door Front Right: FitmentOK
- ✓Front Right door handle: physicalOK
- ✓Front Right door handle: functionalityOK
- ✓Front Right door weather seals & beadingsOK
- ✓Front Right window run channel & outer beadingsOK
- ✓Door Rear Right: FitmentOK
- ✓Rear Right door handle: physicalOK
- ✓Rear Right door handle: functionalityOK
- ✓Rear Right door weather seals & beadingsOK
- ✓Rear Right window run channel & outer beadingsOK
- ✓Sill/Rocker Right: Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Sill/Rocker Right: FitmentOK
- ✓Quarter Right: FitmentOK
- ✓Right ORVM housing conditionOK
03. Glass & Mirrors21 checks, 1 finding
- !Front windshield marking & date (DOT/AIS/ISI)Major (>24m)Front windshield replaced
- ✓Front windshield: chips/ cracksNone
- ✓RL door window glass conditionClear
- ✓Front windshield: wiper-arc scratches/hazeNone
- ✓Front windshield seal/ garnish conditionOK
- ✓Windshield sensor housing (ADAS/rain-light) mountSecure
- ✓Left ORVM mirror glassOK
- ✓FL door window glass conditionClear
- ○FL door glass marking & dateNot recorded
- ✓RL door glass marking & dateMatch (±12m)
- ✓Rear windshield: chips/ cracksNone
- ✓Rear defogger lines (continuity visual)Intact
- ✓Rear windshield seal/ garnish conditionOK
- ✓Rear windshield marking & dateMatch (±12m)
- ✓Rear defogger functional testHeats evenly
- ✓Right ORVM mirror glassOK
- ✓FR door window glass conditionClear
- ✓FR door glass marking & dateMatch (±12m)
- ✓RR door window glass conditionClear
- ✓RR door glass marking & dateMatch (±12m)
- ○Sunroof glass conditionN/A
04. Paint Assessment33 checks
- ○Fender Right: Paint thickness276Repainted
- ○Door Front Right: Paint thickness240Repainted
- ○Door Rear Right: Paint thickness234Repainted
- ○Quarter Right: Paint thickness239Repainted
- ✓Pillars Right (A/B/C): Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Front Bumper: Paint thicknessNot recorded
- ✓Front Bumper: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Hood/Bonnet: Paint thickness118
- ○Roof: Paint thickness108
- ✓Roof: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Fender Left: Paint thickness141
- ✓Fender Left: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Door Front Left: Paint thickness127
- ✓Door Front Left: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Door Rear Left: Paint thickness104
- ✓Door Rear Left: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Sill/Rocker Left: Paint thicknessNot recorded
- ✓Sill/Rocker Left: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Quarter Left: Paint thickness128
- ✓Quarter Left: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Pillars Left (A/B/C): Paint thickness90
- ✓Pillars Left (A/B/C): Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Rear Bumper: Paint thicknessNot recorded
- ✓Rear Bumper: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Trunk/Tailgate: Paint thickness133
- ✓Trunk/Tailgate: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ✓Fender Right: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ✓Door Front Right: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ✓Door Rear Right: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Sill/Rocker Right: Paint thicknessNot recorded
- ○Sill/Rocker Right: Colour varianceN/A
- ✓Quarter Right: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Pillars Right (A/B/C): Paint thickness109
05. Tyres, Wheels & Brakes19 checks, 1 finding
- ✓Mud/silt under carpets (front footwells)None
- ✓Tyre valve/nozzle (FL)Good
- ✓Mud/silt under carpets (rear footwells)None
- ✓Tyre sidewall/tread defects (FL)None
- ✓Seat rail rust/pittingNone
- ✓Wheel rim condition (FL, bends/cracks)OK
- ✓Tyre valve/nozzle (FR)Good
- ✓Under-dash wiring oxidation/green patinaNone
- ✓Tyre sidewall/tread defects (FR)None
- ✓Wheel rim condition (FR, bends/cracks)OK
- ✓Tyre valve/nozzle (RL)Good
- ✓Tyre sidewall/tread defects (RL)None
- ✓Wheel rim condition (RL, bends/cracks)OK
- ✓Tyre valve/nozzle (RR)Good
- ✓Tyre sidewall/tread defects (RR)None
- ✓Wheel rim condition (RR, bends/cracks)OK
- ✓Spare tyre conditionGood
- ✓Brake rotor visual (lip/ scoring)Normal
- !Brake pad visual (thickness)Low
06. Water / Accident Exposure9 checks
- ✓Trunk/spare well moisture or smellDry
- ✓Door drain holes clearClear
- ✓Headlamp/taillamp condensationNone
- ✓Engine bay mud/rust at lower membersNone
- ✓Wiring/fusebox water marksNone
- ✓Underbody waterline/ oxidation patternsNone
- ✓Structural welds/overspray/ signs of panel replacementFactory-like
- ✓Seat mount bolts & seat base waterlineClean
- ✓Trunk side cavities/quarter pockets moistureDry
07. Underbody25 checks
- ✓Leaks (engine/gearbox/diff)None
- ✓Exhaust condition (hangers/shields)OK
- ✓Floor/frame corrosionNone
- ✓Suspension arms/bushings visualOK
- ✓Brake lines/hoses (rust/ leak/chafe)Good
- ✓Underbody shields / aero panels presence & securityAll present
- ✓Jacking points & floor pan deformationOK
- ✓Seam sealer & undercoat integrityUniform
- ✓Subframe / crossmember condition & bushingsOK
- ✓Ball joint & tie-rod end dust bootsIntact
- ✓Steering rack housing & boots (leaks/play)Dry
- ✓Front CV axle boots (inner/ outer)Intact
- ○Prop shaft / center bearing / giubo (RWD/AWD)N/A
- ✓Differential housing & axle seals (RWD/AWD)Dry
- ○Transfer case leaks (AWD/ 4×4)N/A
- ✓Shock absorber lower mounts & bushingsOK
- ✓Sway bar links & bushings (front/rear)OK
- ○Brake calipers & flex hoses at banjo/union (seep/leak)N/A
- ✓Fuel tank straps / guards corrosion & securityOK
- ✓Fuel hardlines & EVAP canister/hoses (routing/ clips/leaks)OK
- ✓Exhaust flex joint & catalytic converter shieldsOK
- ✓O₂ sensor wiring & connectors (routing/heat damage)OK
- ✓Parking brake cables (routing/corrosion/free play)OK
- ✓Radiator/condenser & hose lower area (leak traces/ dye/oil)Dry
- ✓Rear diff/torque mount bushings (where applicable)OK
08. Under the Hood: Engine OFF10 checks, 1 finding
- ✓Battery terminals & hold- downClean/Tight
- ✓Belts visual (cracks/fray)Good
- ✓Coolant reservoir levelBetween MIN and MAX
- ✓Brake fluid levelBetween MIN and MAX
- ✓Washer fluid levelOK
- !Engine oil level (dipstick)Low
- ○Air filter elementNot recorded
- ✓Visible wiring/hoses conditionGood
- ✓Engine mounts visual conditionGood
- ✓Power steering fluid level (if hydraulic)Between MIN and MAX
09. Interior Trim & Fixtures24 checks
- ✓Driver seat (FR): Cushioning & upholsteryGood
- ✓Driver seat (FR): Adjustments (slide/recline/ height)All OK
- ✓Driver seat (FR): Seatbelt & buckleOK
- ✓Driver seat (FR): Headrest conditionOK
- ✓Front passenger seat (FL): Cushioning & upholsteryGood
- ✓Front passenger seat (FL): Adjustments (slide/recline/ height)All OK
- ✓Front passenger seat (FL): Seatbelt & buckleOK
- ✓Front passenger seat (FL): Headrest conditionOK
- ✓2nd row: Cushioning & upholsteryGood
- ✓2nd row: Fold/Slide/Tumble (access)Smooth
- ✓2nd row: Seatbelts & bucklesAll OK
- ○2nd row: ISOFIX anchors (L/ R)N/A
- ○3rd row: Fold/Slide/Tumble (access)N/A
- ○3rd row: Seatbelts & bucklesN/A
- ✓Dashboard panels conditionGood
- ✓Instrument cluster lens & shroudClear
- ✓Carpet fitment (edges/ clips)Correct
- ✓Carpet cleanlinessClean
- ✓Roof lining conditionGood
- ✓Sunshades/vanity mirrorsOK
- ✓Glovebox hinge/lock/ damperOK
- ✓Center console & armrest storageOK
- ✓Door pockets & hidden compartmentsOK
- ✓Interior rear-view mirror (mount/flip)OK
10. Interior Electricals, Infotainment & HVAC21 checks, 1 finding
- ✓Front row cabin lightsAll OK
- ✓Rear/2nd-3rd row cabin lightsAll OK
- ✓Driver door: window & lock switchesAll OK
- ✓Passenger doors: window & lock switchesAll OK
- ✓ORVM adjust switchOK
- ✓ORVM fold switchOK
- ○ORVM heaterN/A
- ✓Head unit power & bootOK
- ✓Touchscreen & buttonsOK
- ✓Audio output L/R/F/RAll OK
- ✓Bluetooth/USB/FMAll OK
- ✓Reverse camera/parking sensorsOK
- !AC cooling at center ventsLukewarm (>14°C)
- ✓Heater outputHot
- ✓Blower speeds & vent directionAll speeds OK
- ✓AC odour on startNone
- ✓Rear/roof AC vents airflowGood
- ✓Wiper controls (all speeds + wash)OK
- ✓HornOK
- ✓Hazard/defogger switchesOK
- ✓Cluster warning lamps status (Ignition ON)None
11. Driving Controls & Driver Aids10 checks, 1 finding
- ✓Steering wheel condition (rim/stitching)Good
- !Steering free play (static)Excessive
- ✓Steering adjust (tilt/ telescope)OK
- ✓Gear selector movement (PRND/pattern)Smooth
- ✓Clutch pedal feel (MT only)Normal
- ✓Hand/parking brakeHolds well
- ✓Drive mode switch (Eco/ Normal/Sport)OK
- ○Traction/Stability control buttonN/A
- ✓Steering-mounted controlsAll OK
- ✓Brake pedal feel (static)Normal
12. Lighting6 checks
- ✓Headlamps (low/high)Both OK
- ✓DRL / Parking lightsOK
- ✓Indicators/hazardsALL OK
- ✓Brake lights (incl. CHMSL)ALL OK
- ✓Reverse lightsALL OK
- ✓Fog lamps (front/rear)OK
13. Under the Hood: Engine ON5 checks, 1 finding
- !Idle quality / vibrationMinor vibeNoise from engine
- ○Idle RPM (spec)800
- ✓Cooling fan operationNormal
- ✓Accessory belt noisesNone
- ✓Visible leaks at idleNone
14. Fluids & Emissions5 checks
- ✓Exhaust smoke at idleNone
- ✓Exhaust sound (abnormal noises)Normal
- ✓Oil condition (dipstick)Clean
- ✓Coolant condition (visual)Clean
- ✓Exhaust smoke on snap accelerationNone
15. Modifications & Non‑OEM3 checks
- ✓Exterior non‑OEM parts observedNone
- ✓Electrical/infotainment modificationsNone
- ✓Suspension/performance modsNone
16. Road Test11 checks
- ✓Cold start behaviourNormal
- ✓Engine performance/ accelerationNormal
- ✓Transmission shift qualitySmooth
- ✓Clutch operation (MT)Normal
- ✓Steering pull/free playStraight
- ✓Braking performance/noiseNormal
- ✓Suspension noise/ harshnessNormal
- ✓AC performance while drivingStable cold
- ✓Cruise controlOK
- ○ADAS aids (if equipped) brief checkN/A
- ✓4×4/AWD engagement (if equipped)OK
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