2003 Daewoo Lacetti J200 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Good price for its value. It's a shame that Daewoo went under

Faults:

Electrical issue with headlights: Heavy rain, plus heater on, plus night drive headlights on, plus using the cigarette charger; often causes the head lights to burn out. We had to replace the fuse and a head light once a year on average. It often only blows out on one side, not both.

To workaround, be mindful during winter time, not to turn the heater to high if it rains heavily, and not to have anything plugged in the cigarette charger (e.g. GPS or car camera etc).

Windscreen wiper became less responsive when the battery capacity became low. If it happens, it means you need a new battery.

Fuel meter sometimes doesn't seem to be very accurate, but I can't be sure if it is to do with the petrol quality.

General Comments:

I'm the first owner of the car since 2003. 9 years, 120,000 km. Average 13,000 km/year.

The car has been re-branded to Holden Viva; same engine, different badge.

Good design, value for money.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th October, 2012

28th Oct 2012, 16:55

A cars heater doesn't use much power, only the blower fan pushing the heat uses it. The heat itself comes from the water that cools the engine. If you are having trouble running all those different functions together, you might want to have the alternator checked out or upgraded.

2003 Daewoo Lacetti Limited 1.8L - 90kW from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Wine on a Beer Budget

Faults:

Nothing at all. Very pleased at how the car has maintained showroom finish and feel.

General Comments:

I brought the Daewoo second-hand from a couple for only $12990 (brand new they are $24990) and it has run like a dream. I have only had the car for 2 months, but being previously owned it was already run-in. I was surprised at how euro the cabin looks and feels. It looks like it has come fresh from a VW. The fit and finish of the panels is above acceptable if not very good and the paintwork is seemingly faultless. The Lacetti is denim blue which is rather nice to look at compared to all the silver Fords and Holdens that are tearing up the streets here. My parents were a little reluctant about the Daewoo first, but they relented and took it for a test drive and are happy I chose it over the smaller twin Astra. I don't like the leather though, but that's probably the Greenpeace coming out in me. Nice car. Would recommend it to anyone. If Daewoo hadn't gone under I would have considered getting another in the future.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th February, 2005

7th Jan 2006, 20:14

I've had mine for a year. Bought it "new" as an executive driven vehicle for about $19k all up so it was a head buy, not a heart buy. It's now up to about 30000kms and the only faults have been minor electrical glitches.

Other than perhaps the electrics it's put together very well.

I bought the auto because changing gear in the cheaper manual I kept banging my elbow on the too high centre flip top box. It was a mistake. The auto is slower, thirstier and has the brain power of a mosquito. I often have to drive using the hold button to stop it acting like a moron.

The motor is rather gutless under 3K, but over 4K it's much better so highway overtaking is quite brisk. (I've done a few interstate trips.) The leather seats are also very comfortable all day which was a bit surprising.

Overall I'm very happy with it, but wish it was a manual.

7th Feb 2006, 23:12

I have owned a Daewoo Lacetti Limited for two years now and am extremely happy with the car. Apart from a small problem with the air-bag light coming on,I have had no problems at all. The air-bag problem was fixed by the dealer. The car drives beautifully and extremely quietly, especially on the open road. For us, it was an excellent buy.

2003 Daewoo Lacetti LUX 1.4 from Sudan

Summary:

This car is a great buy and a hidden gem. Pay for a Daewoo and you get a decent Chevrolet

Faults:

Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with this car.

The motor is actually made by General Motors Holden from Australia - very reliable. The 1.4 litre engine can feel underpowered when the air-conditioning is running, but this is a small price to pay for a smooth running car.

General Comments:

The Daewoo Lacetti is actually a re-badged Chevrolet Optra. The finish is excellent. This car was in direct competition with a Toyota Corolla, but at about $4000 less, this car made my pocket happy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th September, 2004

26th Feb 2005, 00:22

The engine that you have got (1.4L - 66kW) comes out of the Holden Barina (Vauxhall/Opel Corsa). In AUS we get the smoother, more refined 1.8L (90kW) from the Holden Astra (Vauxhall/Opel Astra). The 1.8L purrs along beautifully and doesn't feel underpowered by the air-con. It's a shame the 1.8L wasn't offered to you.

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