2001 Daewoo Matiz SE Plus 0.8

Summary:

Car OK, dealers not

Faults:

Airbag warning light on all the time.

Interior light not working.

MIL engine warning light has gone on, vehicle in limp home mode. GM dealers pathetic, no spares, have had to hire my wife another car for over a week so far. Dealer serviced vehicle, tried to charge £160.00 for 10,000 mile service. Only problem is, is that the car is still undriveable as they can't get spares.

General Comments:

Stay away from Daewoo or it can end up costing you a small fortune in money and frustration.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th November, 2002

20th Apr 2005, 07:10

Couldn't agree more! Never had such a frustrating experience dealing with a company. Now trying with Chevrolet to get things sorted out, but I don't hold out much hope!

8th Jun 2008, 23:22

DAEWOO Sucks, don't buy one. I got a second hand with very low KM, no shop anywhere around to repair. So many small problems with Neutral Switch then Air Bag lisht, all within 1 week...

What a piece of Junk.. No more Korean made cars!!!

18th Dec 2008, 10:56

I echo these dealer problems. The car itself is great but parts are not cheap and dealers want a fortune - so I do all repairs myself. Example: engine light (MIL) came on and dealer charged £38 just to tell me what the fault was! The EEGR valve had failed and a new one was about £160! The dealer wanted £208 to do the job which I found out involved 2 bolts, one wiring connector and just 15 minutes. The item is a sealed non-repairable item so I had to purchase the part and do the job myself. A tip : get your own diagnostic reader for £80 on the Internet and by-pass the dealers.

In reply to 18th Dec 2008, 10:56

3rd May 2016, 01:23

We have a similar problem and desperately need help.

2001 Daewoo Matiz SE (Extra) 0.8 petrol

Summary:

Excellent value - we love it

Faults:

Sony CD player jumps sometimes.

Folding seat catch jammed.

General Comments:

Beautifully built - faultless on collection. Materials are lightweight, but well designed.

Performance is everything you could hope for in such a small engined car, but you need to row it along on the gearlever and you are not going to lose your licence without knowing! It will shoot straight past 70 in 5th. Great fun to rev and cruises quietly on flat motorways. Not recommended in very hilly areas though.

Space is amazing - room for four 6 footers. Boot is small and oddments space/glovebox appalling.

Interior has quality feel despite budget materials.

Ride is fine, although can be quite busy.

The dealers seem a pretty wet bunch and I'm still awaiting handbook, service folder and advice on running in after 2 months!

Excellent value - we love it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th October, 2001

15th Apr 2004, 06:53

My review above was posted after 2 months - I have now had the car for almost 3 years and intend to buy another the same shortly. Glad to get rid of the useless Daewoo dealers - Vauxhall/GM are much keener although not yet fixed all problems. Problems are all minor; car has stood up to use very well. Red paint looks like new, upholstery not worn. CD player has not jumped after the first couple of months. Door winder needed tightening and there has been a slight rattle from drivers door since new - I think it just needs a tweak to the lock, but have to convince dealer!

Overall, excellent value and completely reliable even on cold days. Have had to buy wipers and two new tyres.

22nd Dec 2005, 03:44

You obviously have the right idea - replace your Matiz (if you can bear having another one) when the warranty runs out, otherwise it will end up costing you a fortune!

2001 Daewoo Matiz SE+ 0.8

Summary:

Excellent economy with surprising comfort

Faults:

Experienced difficulty with the driver's seat belt not reeling in. Repaired without fuss by the Daewoo service centre.

General Comments:

Before buying we read several road tests criticising motorway performance. Went on holiday one week after purchase, did 400+ miles in a week including 200 motorway miles and was pleasantly surprised by the good performance.

Overall economy is excellent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th September, 2001

31st Aug 2007, 16:23

Update on 'Matey' - our Daewoo Matiz. Bought from new as our previous car (Vauxhall Senator) was 'over the hill'. Relatives had bought a Daewoo previously and rated the dealership highly. Good part exchange, 0% finance over 3 years so a done deal! Four and a half years later and the children are growing; I am 6 feet tall and to get comfortable moved the drivers seat as far back as it would go, restricting rear passenger leg room. Size apart, an excellent small family car which ran faultlessly for 20,000 miles. Disappointing part exchange when looking at a Picasso, but much better at a Daewoo dealer so a Tacuma, midi people carrier 'Tank' replaced 'Matey'