Used Dacia Spring buying guide
Electric cars have a reputation for being pricey tech-fests that cost as much as a small house. But what if you just want a simple, honest runaround that doesn’t drink petrol? Enter the Dacia Spring.
It’s the electric car for people who find modern cars a bit... much. It’s small, it’s light, and it’s unapologetically basic. Think of it as the spiritual successor to the simple city cars of the past, but with a plug instead of a fuel cap.
If you’re looking to make the switch to electric driving without emptying your savings account, this might just be the ticket. It’s designed specifically for the urban jungle, prioritising ease of use and low costs over fancy gadgets and 0-60 times.
Let's take a look at whether this budget-friendly EV is the right fit for your driveway.
Is the Dacia Spring a good car?
The Dacia Spring isn't trying to compete with luxury saloons. It knows exactly what it is: a cheerful, practical tool for getting from A to B. If you judge it by how soft the dashboard plastic is, you might be disappointed. But if you judge it by how easy it is to park and how little it costs to run, it’s brilliant.
It looks like a miniature SUV, with chunky wheel arches and roof rails giving it a bit of attitude. But don't be fooled—this is strictly a city car. Its compact dimensions make it an absolute dream to thread through tight traffic and squeeze into parking spaces that other drivers have to drive past.
For young drivers, second-car buyers, or anyone living in a crowded city centre, the Spring makes a lot of sense. It strips away the complexity of modern driving and leaves you with something refreshing and easy to live with.
Key Features and Specifications
Inside, the Spring is straightforward. You won't find acres of leather or mood lighting here. Instead, you get a durable, hard-wearing cabin that can handle the knocks of daily life. The controls are simple rotary dials and buttons—no digging through endless touchscreens just to turn the heating up.
Despite its tiny footprint, the boot offers 290 litres of space. That’s actually more than you get in some other city cars, making it surprisingly practical for the weekly shop or carrying a couple of cabin bags.
On higher trim levels, you get a 7-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring. This means you can hook up your phone for navigation and music, which is really all the tech most of us need on a daily commute. It’s basic, but it works.
Performance and Driving Experience
The Dacia Spring’s electric motor comes in two flavours: 45hp (often listed as 44bhp) and a punchier 65hp (64bhp). Neither of these numbers will set your hair on fire, but in an urban environment, they are perfectly adequate.
The instant torque of the electric motor means you can zip away from traffic lights quite happily. The steering is incredibly light, which might feel vague on a motorway but is a blessing when you’re navigating a multi-storey car park.
The suspension is tuned to be soft, soaking up potholes and speed bumps reasonably well. However, this isn't a car for long motorway slogs. It can do 70mph, but it’s much happier—and more efficient—at city speeds.
The Dacia Spring’s official range is around 140 miles combined, or up to 190 miles in the city. In the real world, that’s plenty for a few days of commuting before you need to plug in.
Cost and Financial Considerations
This is the Spring's ace card. The Dacia Spring price is one of the lowest for any new electric car on the market, starting around £14,995 new. This aggressive pricing makes it accessible to a whole new group of buyers who were previously priced out of the EV market.
Because it’s so light and simple, running costs are penny-pinching. Tyres are small and cheap, insurance groups are low, and "filling up" with electricity costs a fraction of a tank of petrol.
If you are looking at used options, values are likely to hold relatively well simply because there is such high demand for affordable EVs. Whether you buy cash or finance, the monthly costs are likely to be lower than almost anything else on the road.
Buyer Recommendations
So, who is the Dacia Spring for? It’s for the pragmatist. It’s for the nurse doing rounds in the city, the student needing a reliable runner, or the family needing a second car for the school run.
If you need to regularly drive hundreds of miles on the motorway, look elsewhere. But if 90% of your driving is local, why pay for range and performance you don't use?
The Dacia Spring proves that electric cars don't have to be exclusive or complicated. It’s honest, affordable transport, and in today's world, that’s a very attractive proposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key advantages and drawbacks of owning a Dacia Spring?
The main advantage is the cost; it is incredibly cheap to buy and run compared to other EVs. It is also very easy to drive and park in town. The drawbacks are the basic interior quality, slow charging speeds, and a lack of power that makes motorway driving a bit of a chore.
How effective is the Dacia Spring for urban commuting and short journeys?
It excels in this environment. The small turning circle and narrow body make it perfect for city streets. The range is more than enough for daily commuting, and the soft suspension handles urban potholes well.
How to open Dacia Spring charger?
The charging port is cleverly hidden located behind the Dacia badge on the front grille. There is a lever inside the car, typically near the driver's door or under the steering wheel, that pops the flap open.
How long does it take to charge a Dacia Spring?
It depends on the charger. On a standard domestic 3-pin plug, it takes over 13 hours. A 7kW wall box will charge it in about 4-5 hours. If you find a DC rapid charger (available on higher spec models), you can get from 20% to 80% in roughly 45 minutes.
How much is a Dacia Spring?
Prices for a new model start at approximately £14,995 for the entry-level trim. Prices can rise towards £17,000 for the more powerful motor and higher trim levels. Used prices will vary based on mileage and condition.
