1998 Daewoo Nubira CDX review from Australia and New Zealand

Leaking oil seal on steering pump early in the peace. Pump promptly replaced by later type under warranty.

Three loose 6mm set screws inside timing cover at 184,00km (112,000 miles). One came out, destroying the timing belt and damaging both camshaft pulleys.

Its neighbour just skimmed the back of the exhaust c/shaft pulley. Nett result: four bent valves and a lot of dismantling/reassembly. No piston damage!! Also AUS$1200, mainly in parts.

The third screw situated on the top of the oil pump started to come out; the threaded boss on the alloy oil pump casing holding the belt tensioner bolt snapped under the strain and the screw (tensile 8.8) bent. No trace of Loctite on any of the fasteners, although the one that broke the belt and its neighbour screw into the alloy head, thus excessive torque not possible.

I've scoured AUS and NZ for a new oil pump, but to no avail. (Still trying)

The engine comes from GM's Holden Engine Operations in Melbourne, AUS. I think I'm just one of the unlucky ones, as these engines are exported in vast numbers and appear in Vauxhall and Opel cars, too.

Apart from the above major disaster, the car's been terrific. My previous car was a Nubira SX (1.6-litre Korean-made engine) and that was good, too. I sold it to friends at 21,000km (12,000 miles) and it was perfect.

It's a pity there was no Loctite available when my engine was assembled!