1997 Daewoo Cielo 1.5

Summary:

This car has quality potential, but has not been properly maintained

Faults:

Car was purchased in half decent condition.

Dash lights not working.

Air conditioning not working.

Seats dirty.

Steering wobbly.

We've had quite a few problems since buying it.

Starting off with back door handle being broken. Had to be re- glued.

Head Gasket blew at 150,000

Clutch wearing out at 153,000

Gear stick hard to control.

General Comments:

The car takes quick at lights, accelerates well.

Passenger seat doesn't flip forward like other hatch backs. Takes ages to pull it forward.

Needed to buy new stereo, old one wasn't plugged in properly, speakers fading out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th December, 2004

1997 Daewoo Cielo GL 1.5 petrol

Summary:

Great value for money

Faults:

Fuel gauge replaced in warranty 3 times.

Water pump went at 87000 km (after radiator flush)

Head Gasket at started to leak @87500 km (caused by overheating - due to water pump)

General Comments:

Overall this has been a fairly reliable car over the 6 years that we have owned it. Interior and exterior still in excellent condition (apart from gear shift boot), with repairs being really no more expensive than any other car.

Performance is OK (hey its only a small engine), handling is good and so is comfort - air con is outstanding, good fuel economy.

Most impressed by the amount of room with the back seat folded down.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th March, 2004

1997 Daewoo Cielo GL

Summary:

Expensive in the long run

Faults:

The clutch needed to be replaced at 16000 km.

Seats have worn down very badly even though I am a very light female. And also the only person who drives the car.

The front lights were inclined to such an angle that at night, driving was not possible. this needed to be fixed straight away.

A cable which attaches the transmission to the gear stick keeps on disconnecting. This results in no transmission control what so ever. I am quite lucky that this has never happened to me whilst the car is running. however on more than one occasion, I have started the car up to find that the cables have disconnected from each other and it cannot be driven at all.

At 54000 km there is major sludge formation at the top end of the engine. This will need a new engine to be put in.

General Comments:

This is a great first car, however can have a mind of its own. I have two daewoo's of the same make and model. one is going very well without any major issues at 120,000 km. however, the second one requires a new engine at 54,000 km.

My advice is that one should be very cautious when buying this car. it has known faults with the engine and the construction is very sloppy - resulting in cables flying loose quite often.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th January, 2004

1997 Daewoo Cielo SLX 1.6

Summary:

I am very happy that I bought this car

Faults:

Radiator fracture discovered at 60,000 km. Replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

When I first saw this car I was a bit hesitant. The Korean cars were all so cheap compared to the local made Australian cars. But when I found out about the free care where Daewoo pays for all the servicing for the first three years I was sold. It would be in Daewoo's interest to make a good car.

I have not been disappointed. For over four years I have driven this car it has never failed to start first go. It has never let me down. It has been great to have such a reliable car.

It may not be the sportiest car on the road, but it can travel comfortably at 140km when I get to open it up out on a country road. It is good on the petrol as well.

I am so happy with my Cielo and Daewoo, that I have just bought a brand new Leganza.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th September, 2001

30th Oct 2006, 02:31

The little car is up to 105,000 km now. Had to have the head gasket changed over at about 90,000. Need to replace the exhaust which is still original, but rattling a bit. Driver’s seat is sagging a little and plastic mat on floor is starting to wear through.

Otherwise it’s still a reliable car that is still going strong and in 10 years has never left me stranded. Service is taken over by GM Holden here in Australia and the local dealership seems to be doing a pretty good job of it.

After almost 10 years I am still happy with this car.

13th Nov 2008, 06:12

So two years further on and the cars still going fine. The interior visor clips have broken but I have replacements on order. Spare parts seems to be not an issue. I had a small accident and needed the front bumper fixed. All the bits were freely available brand new.

I just had the 120,000 km book service done. I'd not had it serviced for two years due to low km’s. Needs a gasket for the head cover and the reverse light switch has failed. Also the window wipers have some surface rust on the arms that I should really deal with. Apart from that no other problems.

Still starts every time, very economical on the fuel and feels solid to drive. Quite exceptional for an 11 year old car.