Faults:

The car is very rust prone.

The engine makes a lot of creaking noises, most noticeable when decelerating.

After ~7600 km of use the brakes no longer work.

After ~24000 km of use, the air conditioner doesn't work any more.

General Comments:

The Matiz is a decent car, which comes at a very cheap price, especially for its class, compared to the Demio for example, whose base model is about ~1,250 dollars more.

Overall, the car is a very good one for its price. It comes with child protection and air conditioning as standard, at least if you buy the S trim. Its performance may not be a big deal, but the handling is a little dream. It's very responsive and smooth.

The cargo space may be far from the best, but it's better than average. It's roomy enough to fit at least six people. It even comes with a 3-year warranty as standard on all trims; that's a good sign of a good company.

Faults:

It runs jerkily in damp weather until the engine is warm.

The paint has come off the alloy wheels.

Ignition coil replaced twice.

The car squeals when turning full circle in damp weather.

Interior light keeps blowing.

Ignition failed twice because of the immobiliser.

General Comments:

The worst thing about it is that Daewoo obviously saved a tiny amount of money in manufacture by not putting a warning buzzer to tell you that you'd left the lights on. I have done this three times so far. There is hardly any interior space for storage, although the cabin is reasonable for four people. It struggles going up hills. It cost over £1000 to get it through its last MOT. Surely, not good for a 36000 mile car. It was actually more than it was worth. Little things are constantly going wrong with it. I will get rid of it soon with pleasure. It will probably be scrapped, as it has little value.

Faults:

Nothing as of yet!

General Comments:

Excellent small first motor!

I love the car and to actually think I used to hate Daewoo before...

Very good handling, very easy to park and manovure and a joy to drive.

Faults:

Paint on the alloy wheels peeled off - all 4 wheels replaced under warranty.

Coolant tank cap seal broke resulting in some coolant loss - cap replaced under warranty.

Both exhaust heat shield clamps broke (at different times) - clips replaced with stainless steel parts after spending 20 minutes under the car, no further problems - original exhaust still fine.

General Comments:

The car was bought on the basis of cheap running costs - we were not disappointed. Main dealer servicing is extremely reasonable, insurance is very good (group 2) and parts are far from frightening.

One of the best things about this car is the fuel economy. From the last tank of fuel I got 52 mpg with ease. This was over a mixture of motorway driving, rural routes, and town/city driving. In the past I have had well over 60 mpg on a good run.

Despite the small engine I have never found myself concerned about joining a fast road. However, you do have to be prepared to drop a gear on hills, this I can live with for 50+ mpg.

I recently completed a 350 mile round trip and found myself as fresh when I stepped out as I was when I set off.

When another Matiz passes I often find myself on the receiving end of a smile or a wave!

I hope to have the pleasure of owning this car for a very long time!