Faults:

This is an update of my first review listed on Nov 1999. I have owned the same car for 3 years, this month.

Most of the repairs were done round about just after I purchased the car.

Steering bracket replaced at $300/-. This was the cause of the steering problem highlighted in my earlier review.

The air-conditioning system was replaced at $900/-. The air-con has been super cool since.

Alternator went bad at 145000km at a replacement cost of $150/-.

Clutch needed some work on it at 155000km at a cost of $200/-. It has felt much lighter since.

That's about all, I guess. Servicing was done every 10000km, without fail. This probably accounts for the reliability I have experienced.

General Comments:

The car is now nearing the end of its lifespan (as far as the local context/regulations are concerned), it is almost 10 years old.

I have 2 months to drive it before it is due to be scrapped.

It has been great. Generally, the car has served me very well. Its huge boot has seen tons of groceries, materials and equipment (i am a site engineer). There have not been any major breakdowns. It basically gets me from point A to B without fail, everyday, although performance is nothing to brag about.

I have heard of tales of Daewoos failing, but either I am lucky, or I have maintained after mine well (which I doubt).

Although I am looking forward to getting a new car, I will never forget the comforting feeling I get everyday before I start the car.

The new Integra sure looks good...

Faults:

Not much. Some electrical problems, specifically the distributor module... which was probably aggravated by some mod jobs that I foolishly did when the car was new. To get the best from a Racer, keep it as it is. It does not take kindly to upgraded ignition coils, etc, etc.

Trimming is as cheap as they come... much better than the Lada, but really nowhere near any Japanese or continental job.

Power windows and locks work great.

General Comments:

Handles better with 185/60 tires than OEM 170/70.

Airconditioning isn't great. I suppose the gleaming black coat on this Racer acts as an "oven". Lesson... don't drive black cars in the tropics!

Faults:

I experienced occasional very eratic high RPM when idling at 1600rpm with the Air-con on, but when I shut it off, RPM returns to normal. So I guess, may be it is the heating issue. This does not happen very often.

General Comments:

Very stable car. Running at 140km/hr, still feels very comfortable. RPM is also low, say less than 3000rpm for 120km/hr. Engine is rough, noisy. But the price of the car is very good as compared to other Japanese cars. So definitely worth owning one.

Faults:

I'm the 2nd owner. 1st owner sold the car to me thru' dealer after 7 years. Original condition, owner's manual and service log still in glove compartment as new. Idling erratic when engine temp high. During sharp turns, steering seems to resist. That's about all.

General Comments:

Performance is average. After all, it is a run-of-the-mill model.

High points are low fuel consumption (2300rpm at 100km/h), boot space and German engineering (body, interior and mechanics same as the Opel Kadett GSi) at a bargain price!!!