Is something wrong, or am I just imagining things?
I (might) have a problem with my DD II 1.0 Tce LPG (2020, manual). It has only 46,000 km on the clock; all replacements of consumable parts, fluids, filters, etc. have been carried out regularly, and the oil has been changed every 10,000 km. I’ve had the car for about a year. It’s my first car, so I don’t really have anything to compare it with or much experience. Recently, I’ve had the impression that it drives a bit differently than usual, but the differences are so subtle that I find it hard to say for sure whether there’s actually something wrong. It seems to me that in lower gears, particularly when approaching a junction (slowing down, but not to a complete stop, and then pulling away), it "chokes" slightly, and then "jumps" forward a bit as it starts moving. I can’t rule out that this is a ME problem and my use of the clutch, but I don’t think I’ve changed my driving technique in any way, and I didn’t notice this before. I’d add that I don’t notice any difference whether I’m running on LPG or petrol, or whether the engine is cold or warm or AC is on/off.
I also think that the gears have been a bit harder to engage recently; generally, whilst driving, I can feel a sort of "rattling" under the pedals, and when stationary, I feel like the car is noisier than usual (I’ve recorded a video showing what it looks like and what it sounds like under the bonnet when stationary after about half an hour of city driving).
I had even more doubts when I asked my dad, who also drives a Duster II but with a 1.6 engine, although he’s driven mine on occasion too. He took my car for a spin in town, and we also went for an hour-long drive out of town. He says he thinks everything’s fine and can’t see anything to worry about.
I’d really love it if it turned out that I was just being paranoid and everything fine, or that these are just "Dacia things". It’s all the more difficult to believe that something could have worn out so badly with such low mileage; over the last year I’ve driven about 11,000 km, mainly in town and occasionally on the highway. No warning lights or indicators appeared on the dashboard.
Has anyone else had a similar experience, or, having watched the video, do you think something’s wrong or have a hunch about what might be the problem?
I’d be grateful if you could confirm my suspicions one way or the other and put my paranoid mind at rest. Thanks!!