2000 Daewoo Lanos SE 1.3 petrol

Summary:

Fun + reliable in a cheap package

Faults:

I stuck it in a wall while attempting to handbrake turn into a parking spot.

This happened at 20 - 25 MPH and caused the following damage:

Control cable to headlights severed.

Front bumper damaged, front right wing destroyed. Right headlight destroyed.

Replacement parts less than €200. Engine never stopped running.

Other than that, the airbag has never worked, thankfully. The selector knob for the cabin heater broke, but was easily repaired with a bit of duct tape and some superglue.

General Comments:

This car is unbelievably reliable. I have never had a single days trouble that wasn't directly caused by me driving into something.

Small engine gives a lot versus similar cars - Polo - Fiesta - Clio - Civic - Corolla.

Biggish boot compared to same.

This car is immense fun on the slightest of wet days or on any form of gravel strewn corner.

You'd swear you were in a Skyline the way this thing slides around corners.

Slightly let down by its garish looks and awful silver paintwork.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th March, 2010