Faults:

I really haven't had any, except:

Clutch cable snapped.

Engine check light comes on inexplicably (apparently a common fault with the Matiz).

Cambelt broke at 60,000 miles.

General Comments:

This was my second car, and what a trouper she has been! Very nippy and compact, yet surprisingly roomy inside. The small engine means it does take a few seconds extra to gather speed, but I've been up and down the country literally hundreds of times in all weathers, and mine has never once conked out, and I don't make rest stops!

What I like about this car:

VERY economical, 5 door, good steering lock, nice-looking, exceptionally easy and fun to drive, cheap insurance... and most importantly, faultlessly reliable. Yes, the cambelt failed, but it did so on a dual carriageway, and not only did it still get me home - it drove to the garage the next day! I was later told this was pure luck, but still!!

This is only my experience of the Matiz and I'm no car expert. I do have to say I love this one because it is so comparatively cheap and took a real beating at times, yet mine never let me down or lost her looks. What more could you ask of a car?

Faults:

The heater is behind the entire dashboard, which I started dismantling already with my eyes closed. Approx 2 hours max (need a 22 wrench for the steering wheel. I don't have airbags on it).

Take care about the hoses coming and going from the heater. They are quite small, and hard to handle. It may need at least 2 guys to do the change, but a lot of patience. There is no other way around it.

Need help on the topic, email at guraudan@gmail.com.

General Comments:

Hello. I've had this car since 20000km. Besides, two clutch cables changed, one clutch changed (by 160000km), one piece of coolant bottle expander unit, some bulbs, and one battery, it's had no situations.

Not since the heater has started leaking. (now at 187.000km). I changed it once, now I have to change it again.

For everyone, who starts having coolant leaks on the driver or passenger side, begin thinking of doing a real deal.

Faults:

Clutch cable snapped when pulling off at roundabout.

CD Player (Sony) stopped working.

Daewoo Dealer servicing is expensive and so are parts e.g. I broke the rear right-hand light cluster and the replacement was over £100 UK.

General Comments:

Very reliable except the previously mentioned problem. Comfortable for the size with electric windows, sunroof etc. With the seats folded a visit to IKEA is even possible!. Very good on fuel, I average about 45MPG.

Faults:

Nothing :)

General Comments:

This was my first car and I think it's a fantastic first buy. Its economical both to buy and to run. I travel 260 miles a week on £24 worth of petrol - Bargain! Because it is so economical, I have a much newer and smarter car than all my friends - very important obviously!

Its brilliant in the towns - zippy, quick and easy to handle. However, it doesn't deserve the bad press about not being a motorway car, mine zips up the M4 at 75/80 mph most days.

For the price you pay you don't expect so many extras - a CD player (another huge plus for me!) reversing sensors etc. The engine is a little louder on the motorways, but the excellent CD player covers that!!

Although originally I didn't like the shape of the car (being told it looked like a rollerskate or a shopping trolley!) I actually think it's a very neat, compact design. The height of the car and the space between the driver and the windscreen makes the car seem to much bigger than it is.

The fact its so small means you can street park anywhere! the amount of times I have parked in a tiny space is unreal.

The boot is 'compact' or small, but I regularly fit two saddles and sets of horse tack in it and it copes.

The one thing that I had to purchase was blind spot mirrors as the mirrors have the worst blind spots when motorway/carriage way driving - you can't see the car beside you when if you pull out you'll drive into it! Having said that, its not too much to ask is it?