Daewoo Matiz (1998 - 2005) Xtra 5d (03) (2003/53) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Image? It has... character. A certain bug-eyed look around the headlamps and is certaintly no Starship Enterprise on the inside. It probably says: "Here is someone with absolutely no taste, doesn't have a lot of money to spare and doesn't care.".

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

I'm very protective over my car - I can take the piss but no one else can! They do keep asking when I'm going to sell my car. I'll probably keep my car until it dies though - I love it too much.

Would you buy this car again and why?

So far - yes. But considering Daewoo as a company no longer exists - it'll probably be a Chevrolet Matiz.

What are you likely to buy next?

Probably a Citroen - but not a modern one. I like quirky cars. But I don't plan on losing my Matiz any time soon though. You never know I might buy a Reliant...

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£795

When did you buy the car?

January 2015

Did you get a good deal and why?

No. I was complete beginner when buying a used car - got a guide from the AA website but it didn't cover everything I needed to know. Possible dodgy MOT certificate - as it was quickly discovered by another car mechanic after buying, there was a hole in the exhaust pipe causing CO to leak into the car! Dangerous! Those issues have since been resolved - phew!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Needed a car with a manual gearbox to learn to drive in and pass practical test.

What was the dealer like?

Somewhat approachable but he did seem to be looking for a quick buck. But in hindsight, I would have steered well clear from the dealer.

What's it like to drive?

Nifty at lowish speeds. But acceleration when driving in the medium-fast lanes on a motorway is practically non-existent! Tracking and balancing can be easily knocked by a stray pothole. Very noisy when moving up from 4th into 5th! With an 800cc engine, I find that I have to change down a gear or two if I've not built up adequate acceleration when climbing a hill. Can do a hill-start on a gentle slope... The sun-roof doesn't fit too well, does leak occasionally in heavy rain and can find wind whistling in through the gaps.

What's it like to park?

Okay. Nothing special. Handbrake works well. Can fit in small spaces.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Apart from the CO leak from the hole in the exhaust pipe - no. It's a very good car to have. Although the lamda sensor needed replacing as it kept being reset and flaring up a few months down the line. The tracking and balance was out quite a lot - a lot of wear and tear in the tyres from the previous owners - but all sorted out now and car is doing swell.

What's most practical about your car?

It hasn't yet broken-down on me. Cheap to run for small journeys and the occasional long one. Very quick and nimble to have around town. Filling up the tank costs around £30. Can get a good insurance quote for 1 yr no-claims - excellent first car! Gives a new driver the independence that they've been looking for.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

It has a sun-roof! A modern radio with USB port (why I would want a USB port on a car radio is beyond me - but nice to have), a primitive air-con/heating system, non-electric windows and comfortable seats. It has back doors so you can access the back seats!