1998 Daewoo Nubira CDX 2.0 from South Africa

Summary:

Good value for money, but needs to be taken care off

Faults:

The timing belt broke 38000 km after replacement. All valves broke and a number of other damages were caused by this. My car is the 4th Nubira that I am aware of that had this type of problem well before it was due for belt replacement.

General Comments:

This car is great value for money.

Performance of the 2.0CDX is very good.

Dealers in South Africa is not very good.

Repairs very expensive.

If car is well looked after it will last a lifetime!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd June, 2003

16th Feb 2004, 00:06

The comment on the cost of maintaining the Daewoo are spot on. I drive a Nubira 2.0 CDX which gave engine problems six months after I had bought it used. A noise in the engine cost me about R9000, which was compounded by the water pump giving in and saddling me with a further R8000 barely a year after the first problem. Parts are a nightmare as they are usually unavailable or so expensive you just want to strip and sell the car. For instance, a drive belt at the dealership costs three times more than at a reputable spares shop. It costs approximately R4000 to replace all four shocks, and service kits are generally only obtainable from the dealer such that you can't have your car serviced at other service garages. Talk about a pain in the neck!

I now know that this is the last daewoo car I will ever drive. In fact, this is the last car I will ever drive that comes from any dealership that is even remotely related to Daewoo.

4th Nov 2009, 12:20

I've owned a Nubira CDX for 5 years. Had it a month, cambelt broke, R600 later all valves bent - 100000kms, engine overhaul at 150000kms, R5000. I still love my car though. Good performance, fuel economy and all the bells and whistles for a good price.

1998 Daewoo Nubira CDX 1.6 DOHC from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Very reliable

Faults:

Both electric mirrors failed in first year, fixed by warranty, no problem since.

Front brake disks (rotors) needed replacing at about 40000 km, very early and rear drums also. This is a common problem with this car. Pads are expensive (x3 times normal!)

Front end bearing noise (suspect uni joint/wheel bearing or thereabouts) at 85000 km. Starting to have oil leak now.

Door panels are partially cloth, with plastic door grips which rattle and break. Could've done better!

Accelerator feels sticky.

Economy is a little disappointing for a 1.6L engine at 10-11km/L city, although the car weighs in at approx 1350 kg and has A/C, power steering, power windows/mirrors, central locking.

Lack of power, improved with a later 2.0L model.

General Comments:

We had a 3 year free service in which we had little to complain about. After that there was not much happening. The transmission cannot be checked yourself, so you must send that job off to a service centre.

Really except for the bearing/whatever noise from the front now it has been reliable in its first 5 years. No rust!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd May, 2003

1998 Daewoo Nubira CDX Estate 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Walking is preferable to driving this heap

Faults:

3 catalysts due to poor manufacture.

Cam belt snapped causing engine to blow up, took 4 weeks to repair.

Had car back for 4 days when the cam belt tensioning bracket snapped causing engine to blow up again.

3 new front suspensions complete.

So much more that it hurts to think about it.

General Comments:

These cars have an excellent warranty, it's just a shame you have to have a shouting match with Daewoo any time you need work doing.

Service staff are useless and plain rude. (And this coming from someone who's used to Ford dealers)

If you have one of these make sure you have breakdown cover, I guarantee you will need it.

This was a horrible, horrible car and I'm so glad that I have a proper car now. (VW Passat)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th December, 2002