1999 Daewoo Lanos SE from UK and Ireland - Comments

Aerial snapped.

Central locking problems on the boot. Still unlocks with the central locking, but will not lock with it. A minor pain.

Steering wheel started clonking on 20000 miles. A fitting had come loose. Very easily (and cheaply) sorted though.

Crunching sound coming from the front left wheel. Only does it every time I turn the engine on and first move off. Does not do it in stops and starts in traffic or at any other time. Been checked twice, but can't find a fault. Very odd.

Fuel consumption could be better.

Apart from the fuel consumption, some minor rattles inside the car (drivers door and parcel shelf) and the slight struggle uphill on motorways I'm more than happy with this car.

It starts every time and has taken me every where I've wanted to go (some long trips included).

No wear and tear showing inside the car as yet.

The crunching noise doesn't worry me. I've had it checked out twice and it's passed it's MOT twice with no problems and it doesn't affect the way the car handles in any way.

In short - I like and trust this car.

UPDATE - The crunching sound that I thought was coming from my front left wheel is actually coming from my ABS. (Anti-braking system). Which would explain why it only does it when I first turn the car on. Been told it is not dangerous and in no way will it affect how the car drives (but I already knew that). Not sure what I can do about it, it's being looked into by a machanic friend. Seems it could just be one of those 'rattle' type noises you just can't get rid of.

Sorted my aerial out. Not a Daewoo one though - too expensive and too awkward to get hold of. Fitted a Rover Aerial. Fits perfectly and only cost £10.

UPDATE - Owned this car for 4 years now. It's NEVER let me down and has sailed through all it's MOTs. I've not had to spend any money on this car up to now apart from the usual, oil change, tyres (through punctures) etc. It needs the tracking done now (£23) as it's pulling to the left and it needs a new exhaust (between £50 - £100) as it's started blowing a bit, but after 4 years I can live with that expense.

However, I have now decided to sell the car as I need something that is a bit better on petrol (maybe go for a diesel). If this car was better on petrol I would not even consider selling it.

I own a 4 year old Daewoo Lanos, It runs well when its working. Its good on petrol. I am happy with the car, but the only problem with mine is that it can give electronic problems now and a again. I replaced the coil, spark plug cables, the catalytic converter sensors and the oil temperature sensor in the last year. Its very costly too, but other than that it's a good car.

I bought my firstDaewoo lanos three years ago. I think it is great value for money. My only downsides with this car are the following,1-Air bag unit went after 40,000 miles and cost a fortune.2-Right hand side tracking rod end went at 60,000.Having said that it is a good car that never failed to start. Passed every mot. I was so happy with this car that I also bought another for my wife with no problems to report.

UPDATE: Still got the car and it's still going great. Still starting first time as always in any weather. Interior still fine although a few more rattles popping up. Some bugger has snapped my aerial off again so it needs replacing. Just gone through its MOT. It passed, but been advised that a front brake pad is slightly corroded and all the brake pipes are slightly corroded so will need replacing soon. All normal wear and tear. Owned the car for over 5 years now and happy to own it for as long as it keeps going. Even if it packs in tomorrow or it needs something repairing that is too costly then i'll still be glad I bought the car as I've had more than my monies worth. I wouldn't buy another Daewoo after this one though. Simply because Daewoo have gone out of business.

Daewoo have not "gone out of business": they are still around as GM-Daewoo Automotive Technologies and they produce the Suzuki Reno and Forenza, and the Chevrolet Aveo.

<<Daewoo have not "gone out of business": they are still around as GM-Daewoo Automotive Technologies and they produce the Suzuki Reno and Forenza, and the Chevrolet Aveo.>

True, but Daewoo dealers have disappeared and I doubt whether a Chevy/Suzuki dealer is going to be thrilled repairing a car that isn't in their lineup and never was.

UPDATE - Well, I've still got the car. I don't see the point in changing it when it is still going great. Still running perfectly and still hasn't let me down yet. And the interior is still fine.

OK, it may not be the best built car in the world, and of course I would love something better, but for the type of money you can pick these cars up for now you can't go wrong.

In the 9 years (nearly) I've had this car I've probably spent less than £500 on repairs. The car isn't worth much now but I'm not bothered. It's still running fine, and for as long as it is I'll keep it, then I'll scrap it. Why change it just because some people think it looks cheap. Whether it looks cheap or not, it's getting me from A to B and has cost me a lot less in the 9 years to keep running than probably most of the new cars on the road.