Faults:

Interior dash not secured after a radio upgrade at delivery.

Both side repeaters filled with water at 2000 miles.

Rear end rattle caused by the exhaust, fixed at 6000 miles.

Problem with the tyre mix after the 20000 mile service. All tyres replaced at 25000 miles to eradicate the problem.

Both number plate lights were blown at 22000 miles miles.

General Comments:

After owning a Golf for many years, my Matiz was bought for commuting. Although the engine is small, the performance is adequate and long trips are also performed.

The handling is incredible and brings back memories of the first Mini. Truly great fun whilst hacking through the country lanes.

After 27000 the engine is fully run in and is now more economic than before. The latest return was 48 mile per gallon, which at today's prices make a difference to the monthly outgoings.

Oil consumption is currently 300 ml in 6600 miles. Daewoo will, if approached, top up for free.

Tyres were changed during the 20000 mile service. Just worn to the legal limit. The replacements were Kumho and were put on the front wheels. This caused a dramatic change in the handling and despite going back to Daewoo and complaining to the head office about the apparent different handling with a manufacturer mix front and rear, no action was forthcoming. A visit to the Kumho web page showed that the tyres fitted were no longer in the product list and an e-mail to Kumho produced a surprise result. By return, a new set of tyres were dispatched to replace the ones fitted and with an additional pair the Matiz now runs on Kumho tyres. The handling is now back to its original confidence inspiring feel and I am again happy.

The alloy road wheels haven't retained their lustre very well and the surface is peeling on all four. Daewoo will be approached on this matter at 30000 miles.

The full size spare for some reason has a speed restriction on it. Anyone know why?

Faults:

Very uncomfortable ride, suspension is too stiff so you tend to feel every bump in the road.

In the first 8 months the car went back each month for faults, the last 6 for the same fault which they could not fix and then finally tracked it down to the immobiliser, as the engine kept on cutting out when the car comes to a stop.

Interior lights and license plate lights faulty on delivery.

Dealer service is absolutely poor compared to my previous experience with dealers.

Takes too long to book the car in for a service. Typically takes 2 weeks to book the car in and get a courtesy car.

Don't expect reminders of upcoming service's on the vehicle.

Recently the horn has stopped working and one of the doors has had its locks come loose.

General Comments:

I find it very hard to recommend Daewoo as a whole, from poor dealer service, to getting a car which has been a lemon from the start. Thankfully the car is running well, touch wood!!

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car. The bad things happen when I abuse it. I blew an alternator because of too many sound amplifiers and a broken exhaust because I drove on the Land Rover Challenge track here in Panama.