1996 Daewoo Cielo 1.5iL 1.5 fuel injection

Summary:

Best car I have ever owned

Faults:

Timing belts at 90,000kms and 180,000kms, as is prudent.

Headlight fused on 30,000kms.

Replaced the windscreen 2 times within 120,000kms, as small stones had it cracking severely.

Manual window mechanisms had to be replaced twice in the first 3 years.

Various interior plastic parts broke in the first 3 years.

The fuel return line located under the backseat, on top of the fuel tank, constantly came loose during the first 150,000kms, forcing my to drive with windows closed to minimize fuel fumes inside the car. Eventually the clamp was replaced and the problems stopped.

Alloy rims on 150,000kms, factory rims came buckled from the factory floor, according to three different opinions. I stuck it out for a few years before I replaced it.

Head gasket popped on 150,000. Had it replaced with head skimming. Reason still unknown.

Head gasket popped on 270,000kms, due to water pipe that came loose and the car subsequently overheating. At this point the engine was overhauled. The cylinder sleeves were still in good condition, but there was carbon buildup on the piston heads. Probably due to Lead replacement fuel being introduced. Performance and fuel consumption dropped by almost 20% since the introduction of lead replacement fuel. Previously leaded fuel gave much better results.

On 210,000kms the exhaust manifold disintegrated after I made 2 trips clocking 180-190kms/hour for an hour. Real speeds were probably more in the line of 165-170kms/hour.

Th gearbox had to be overhauled on 200,000kms, which was my fault for towing a 500kg trailer in fifth gear at 140kms/hour. I did about 5,000kms like this.

Already on my 4th set of spark plug cables.

CV joints done on 150,000kms.

2 sets of shocks up to now.

6 sets of tyre's. Factory tyre's were great and gave me 85,000kms before needing replacement. Since then not more than 35-40,000kms maximum per set.

The only other problem was the heater radiator that picked up a leak on 240,000kms.

Currently the car has an oil leak of unknown origin.

No other problems except for normal maintenance. Still has its original stainless exhaust system, even though I am told that it is too small diameter for the car.

The original speakers in my car are great and are still pumping it.

General Comments:

I have the sedan version. Many people have commented that the car is probably underpowered. They retracted their words once they actually experienced the car and heard that I got 12.5kms/liter in the city, with the aircon on and up to 15.5kms/liter on the open road at 120km/h.

I have bought a Peugeot 307SW in 2004 but let my wife drive it, as the Daewoo is just more comfortable and economic. I love my car.

I would like to change the colour from navy to white or silver one of these days though. The aircon battles in summer.

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

Review Date: 1st August, 2008

1997 Daewoo Cielo iL 1.5 petrol

Summary:

Excellent value for money

Faults:

The water pump was replaced at 180 000 kilometer's.

The ball joints were replaced after an encounter with a pavement.

Tappet cover gasket was replaced, but it still leaks oil.

Damper's replaced.

Driver's seat re-upholstered.

General Comments:

This car is ultra reliable, but very slow.

I have replaced the standard air filter with a performance cone filter.

I have also ditched the standard exhaust for a stainless steel free-flow exhaust.

This has helped, but I intend gas flowing the head next.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th December, 2002

8th Jan 2013, 10:04

I have the 1.5 litre GLX 16v DOHC model.

Just one question.

Does the stainless steel free flow exhaust system and performance cone filter make it heavier or lighter on fuel consumption?

I have notice that I get more mileage per liter on 93 LRP fuel than on unleaded fuel.

Is there any way to make the headlights shine brighter during night time driving or not?

What can I do to make the overall performance of the car better?