What to Check Before Buying the Dacia Bigster

But let’s be honest, it isn’t flawless. Here’s what makes it charming, what doesn’t, and what you should inspect before you sign the papers.

The Good Bits — Why the Bigster Makes You Smile Like a Farmer With a New Chainsaw

1. Space, and lots of it
The rear bench fits full-size adults without anyone folding their knees under their chin. The boot is massive enough for a dog, a pram, two tents and another dog, with room to spare.
Compared to most rivals, which feel like minimalist studio flats, the Bigster is more like grandma’s attic: there’s space for everything.

2. Price
The 130-horsepower manual version costs roughly what you’d pay for a decent family holiday, not a new kidney.
A Sportage or Tiguan of similar size wants 10,000–15,000 euros more. The Bigster’s attitude is simple: keep the change and buy a barbecue, camping gear and a year’s worth of petrol instead.

3. Mechanical honesty
Manual gearbox. Real four-wheel drive. Fewer electronic gizmos waiting to fail on a rainy Tuesday. The Bigster’s hardware is like a good old Fiskars axe — it just works, and probably will until civilisation ends.

4. Real-world practicality
YouClip attachment points for bins, torches and holders.
Durable, washable materials that don’t complain when the kids drip ice cream on them.
This is a car you throw muddy boots into, not one you vacuum every evening in shame.

5. It drives, it doesn’t pretend
It doesn’t fake sportiness. It doesn’t fake luxury. And that’s exactly why it works.

The Bad Bits — What the Bigster Politely Won’t Tell You

1. Hard plastics everywhere
If you enjoy stroking walnut veneer and hand-stitched leather, this won’t thrill you. Surfaces are hard, panels creak, and luxury feels like a distant dream.
Think camping trip, not spa retreat.

2. Seats that are fine, but only fine
Long legs? Broad shoulders? Spend time adjusting during your test drive. You might find the cushion too short or the bolsters too narrow.
Lumbar support? Sadly absent.

3. The engine that tries, bless it
The 1.2-litre three-cylinder with 130 horsepower gets the job done, but miracles aren’t on the menu. It accelerates, yes. It excites, no. You’ll probably beat the old Volvo next to you at the lights, but not much else.

4. Cabin noise
On the motorway, wind, tyre and engine noise combine into a background hum. You can chat comfortably, but Mozart is best saved for home.

5. Safety tech — the essentials only
You get the basics, nothing more. No centre airbag. No proper lane-keeping assist. Lane-centring? Only if the road is straight and your imagination generous.
Automatic emergency braking and other fundamentals are included, though.

Things to Check Before You Buy

1. Seats and driving position
Is the seat long enough? Does your back rest naturally? Does the padding press on your knees? If you’re tall, drive for at least 15 minutes — better that than queuing at the physiotherapist later.

2. Wheel and tyre size
Nineteen-inch wheels can ruin the ride. Eighteens are the sweet spot. During your test drive, find a few potholes and rough roads. The suspension will tell you what it prefers.

3. Multimedia responsiveness
Does CarPlay work wirelessly? Does the screen lag like an old laptop? If you rely on navigation, test it right away.

4. Equipment check
Does your chosen trim include cameras, blind-spot sensors and adaptive cruise control? Dacia packages its options like smartphone makers, so read the list carefully.

5. Towing capacity
If you’ve got a boat or trailer, confirm that the version you’re eyeing can tow 1500 kg, not a modest 1000.

6. Handling under load
Bring a couple of friends and some luggage for the test drive. Only then will you see how it really behaves.

Verdict — Is the Bigster for You?

If you want
• a large car without a large price tag,
• something robust and real,
• a vehicle that shrugs at gravel, mud and family chaos,
• and a machine that does everything well enough without pretending to be something it isn’t,

then the Bigster is right up your street.

But if you crave
• soft-touch luxury,
• near-silent cruising,
• automated steering and semi-autonomy,
• or punchy acceleration,

the Bigster simply isn’t your type.

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Thinking of buying the Dacia Bigster? Here’s what to check first — from comfort and equipment to engine, noise and real-world practicality.