1998 Daewoo Matiz SE Plus 0.8 petrol

Summary:

Without doubt it is the worst car out of the eight I have owned

Faults:

It runs jerkily in damp weather until the engine is warm.

The paint has come off the alloy wheels.

Ignition coil replaced twice.

The car squeals when turning full circle in damp weather.

Interior light keeps blowing.

Ignition failed twice because of the immobiliser.

General Comments:

The worst thing about it is that Daewoo obviously saved a tiny amount of money in manufacture by not putting a warning buzzer to tell you that you'd left the lights on. I have done this three times so far. There is hardly any interior space for storage, although the cabin is reasonable for four people. It struggles going up hills. It cost over £1000 to get it through its last MOT. Surely, not good for a 36000 mile car. It was actually more than it was worth. Little things are constantly going wrong with it. I will get rid of it soon with pleasure. It will probably be scrapped, as it has little value.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th February, 2005

9th Jun 2007, 05:09

We have a 1988 Matiz only done 34,000 miles just had to have head skimmed now it runs very rough when warm. Have replaced several items at great cost still not right. Every one we talk to says get shut of it as they are bad news, but we can't sell it with this fault. Looks like we will have to scrap it. We even bought a Daewoo dvd recorder and that has been replaced 5 times now. Finally got refund and bought a Panasonic. My advice is do NOT buy anything named Daewoo.

1998 Daewoo Matiz SE Plus 0.8

Summary:

An excellent first car for any driver!

Faults:

Nothing as of yet!

General Comments:

Excellent small first motor!

I love the car and to actually think I used to hate Daewoo before...

Very good handling, very easy to park and manovure and a joy to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd June, 2003

1998 Daewoo Matiz SE + 0.8 petrol

Summary:

A very capable car!

Faults:

Paint on the alloy wheels peeled off - all 4 wheels replaced under warranty.

Coolant tank cap seal broke resulting in some coolant loss - cap replaced under warranty.

Both exhaust heat shield clamps broke (at different times) - clips replaced with stainless steel parts after spending 20 minutes under the car, no further problems - original exhaust still fine.

General Comments:

The car was bought on the basis of cheap running costs - we were not disappointed. Main dealer servicing is extremely reasonable, insurance is very good (group 2) and parts are far from frightening.

One of the best things about this car is the fuel economy. From the last tank of fuel I got 52 mpg with ease. This was over a mixture of motorway driving, rural routes, and town/city driving. In the past I have had well over 60 mpg on a good run.

Despite the small engine I have never found myself concerned about joining a fast road. However, you do have to be prepared to drop a gear on hills, this I can live with for 50+ mpg.

I recently completed a 350 mile round trip and found myself as fresh when I stepped out as I was when I set off.

When another Matiz passes I often find myself on the receiving end of a smile or a wave!

I hope to have the pleasure of owning this car for a very long time!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd January, 2003

12th Jul 2004, 06:51

UPDATE:

Car is still running perfectly, nothing has gone wrong in the 18 months since the review was written. I replaced the battery as the original was a little tired, but this was probably not strictly necessary. The exhaust is still fine, but 4 new tyres went on a few months ago. Just had the 60k/6 year service with timing belt done by a main dealer at very reasonable cost. Now on 45000 miles, alloys don't seem to be peeling or corroding, everything inside the car works, only had to replace 1 sidelight bulb. We are very happy with the car and have no plans to change it.

23rd Nov 2006, 08:18

The Matiz has behaved almost perfectly since the last review.

Having clocked 60,000 miles today, it passed its MOT at 8 years old last week with no faults and no advisories.

The only parts replaced since the previous review are some wheel nuts which were a bit chewed, 1 bulb, the distributor cap and rotor arm. About £35 in parts!

Original exhaust still OK. Still doing around 52-55mpg on a tank, which includes all sorts of driving.

I keep the car nicely washed and waxed so when it sits next to my parent's 06 reg Panda, you can hardly tell which is the older car - except for the plates of course!

This car has been a great investment, and even now it owes us nothing, we have no plans to sell it.