The timing sensor on the output shaft failed (according to the diagnostic tests). A light came on, but I didn't notice any difference so I kept driving it for a few months until I could be bothered to take it in to the dealer. The dealer said it was the only one of these to ever go.
I've fitted a tow bar and it tows well.
The suspension is very firm, but... that is why it handles large loads and the trailer with aplomb.
It handles freeways like a charm. I'm often reigning it in from 140km/hr. On a recent trip to Sydney (900Kms each way) it was doing 120km/hr up hills and could have gone faster, but I value my license. This was with some luggage and my friend Dave.
I have long legs and like to have my legs almost in full extension when I drive. The Matiz needs another few inches of rearward seat travel to make me happy! Then again I have the same problem even with large cars.
18.3Km/l best mileage (to Sydney)! 15Km/l worst mileage! Not bad! That's about 650km/tank (best) and about 550km worst. They claim the tank only fits 35L, but once I managed to get almost 40L into it. Either the servo was ripping me off of the head room in the tank is fairly generous.
Air conditioning was standard on the car
but I couldn't get power steering, ABS or auto (this is Australia). The new model apparently has most of this available. Air conditioning was the clincher in this purchase!
Engine has an odd popping noise at irregular intervals causing a slight engine hesitation.
Air conditioning has a noticeable effect on power (but not too bad) it also affects mileage fairly dramatically sometimes. Still I wouldn't be without it!
Front low profile tyres are prone to losing air.
Handling is pretty good although it skips around corners if it's not loaded. Handles bumps fairly well.
Got really hot one time: it was a hot day, I had the car FULLY loaded with my mum, my sister and a car load of luggage. I was taking them back from a camp in the hills (hilly terrain) and the air conditioner was on. When I opened the engine bay it was stinking hot! Oil wasn't looking good (streaky black). However the engine was still being run in.
Since then I've added a foam air filter (better air flow & filtration). I've also commenced treating it with Xcelplus (original formulation of Slick-50). The mileage has gone up around 10% since then (that's when I got the 18.3km/l). I haven't had it out in such conditions since so I'm still a bit wary.
15,000Km between services is a bit much especially when running the car in. I changed the oil about 4-5 times during the first 15,000Km (last time after the overheating incident). Since then I've decided to do a 10,000km change regardless. However I am keeping an eye on the oil and it looks OK at almost 10,000Km (25,000 total).
Free servicing is nice! They don't even charge you for parts! They've dropped free servicing now!
The new versions get an immobilizer which will improve their insurance ratings and overall car ratings!
My mate has a similar car! He has had no problems!
5 doors! $11,700 on the road! CD player & radio! Wow! I'm really happy!
If they ever put a CVT in it (Daewoo keep saying they want to) my mum will buy one.
These cars are a bit of a sleeper. Plenty of them around, but virtually nobody reviews them. I reckon it's the 800CC that scares them off! Even the mileage figures came out two years after the car made it onto the market. According to the official figures the Matiz is one of the most fuel efficient around (second only to the eco cars). Crash tests likewise still haven't been done in Australia (last time I checked).
Lots of storage room when the back seats are folded down!
Compared it to other small cars and found that the quality is heaps better. It doesn't buzz! It feels solid. It seems to be much wider. Quality on everything is good. Feels like a much bigger engine!
Wish the glove compartment was a bit bigger.
Fits 5 people no probs!
Love all the head room!
Love the styling!
This is an excellent review. I'm looking for a car myself and found all the other reviews on this site were quite short.
But the question remains - do you like it?
First saw the car and immediately fell in love with it.
I bought a 2003 SE with everything, air con, air bags, mags, CD system, and Automatic gearbox, and very economical.
It's definitely the way to go.
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