what is so bad about daewoo?

lipo starter

I own a daewoo lanos and have seen a lot of comments (not only on here but other sites) that they aren't good cars, this is the only car I have driven and haven't found anything wrong with it, except it was left unused for a while, battery went dead and had to get a new one. Can anyone tell me whats wrong with them? As I said, it is the only car I am used to, so maybe I can't tell what is the problem cos I know nothing else! I know nothing about cars but honestly think the daewoo is ok

robbie_998

lipo starter wrote: »

what is so bad about daewoo?

Everything.

lipo starter

robbie_998 wrote: »

Everything.

lol well that doesnt help me much!! the only thing i notice is when i go from 1st to 2nd gear, it sticks a bit trying to get the gear in, but I'm a learner, that could be just me, although it hasn't happened when using the driving instructors car.

Mr Benevolent

Firstly, they have a bad image - the best you can say about they is they have a 'home appliance' look. They're dull, boring, not too well built, handle fairly poorly with a poor NCAP rating too. Reliability is ok but not great. The Lanos etc is aimed at middle aged and older or a family on a tight budget. They're a good buy for older people who will keep them for ten years.

Essentially they are not a car that anyone would recommend to a friend. Have a look here for perspective. If I was given the choice between a Daewoo and an Alfa I'd pick the Alfa, regardless of it's reliability.

Sandwich

Confab wrote: »

Firstly, they have a bad image

Image is a subjective characteristic important only to sheep who care what other sheep playing the same car 'image' game will think about them.
It does not make a care either good or bad, and more discerning car buyers can see through the image factor (which is distinct from, but frequently confused with, aesthetic design) and judge a car on its intrinsic merits or demerits.

Absurdum

Sandwich wrote: »

demerits.

=

rugbyman

clearly lipo, you do not know much about cars and are wondering about the reputation that daewoo commonly have,

i am on my second Matiz, and each week drive large distances in laguna,mondeo,zafira type cars.

I return to my Matiz, with a smile. the matiz is used ,mostly for local use, but even for a 100,mile round trip isOK.


Repairs over three years may have cost 150 euro. the car is now six year old.

I think there may be some parts that go regularly, but not for me yet.

Your car is not a mMatiz but i assume is made from the same bits and by the same people.

Street cred of a Daewoo is nil, which may explain the publics view.


when Daewoo s came on the market, being aware of the Yugo,Lada,Polski eras I assumed this was more of the same I was wrong.

Confab concedes that they are a good buy for older people. If this is correct, and I agree, then I fail to see how the age of the buyer matters.( except fors street cred comment above)

Confab, you have stated your choice on the alfa thing, which would you recommend to someone like the OP.


Regards, Rugbyman

I may set up the Matiz fan club soon. meetings of the full group could perhaps be held in the car!

rugbyman

Oh, forgot to add, my teenage son has refused to even take a lift in this car for over a year. his health, walking to school has probably improved as a result.
Rugbyman

Sandwich

Absurdum wrote: »

=

If someone can photoshop an Alfa badge on the front, I'm sure you would find some Alfisti tell you its an 'innovative design, subtly evoking, with a hint of retro, the rich racing heritage, and motor car as art tradition that is the essence of an Alfa Romeo'. Or some such. Its all in the eye of the beholder.

Joey the lips

Daewoo.... I am not a car man but more of a practical man. Daewoo was bought over by Chev because of its growth. Its not a good looking car but its cheap and reliable, This suits me fine when scumbags are eyeing up my street for which car to buy.

As for kids not being happy in my Daewoo..... That sounds like the perfect car to me! Dads Taxi is off the Road!

Mr Benevolent

Sandwich wrote: »

If someone can photoshop an Alfa badge on the front, I'm sure you would find some Alfisti tell you its an 'innovative design, subtly evoking, with a hint of retro, the rich racing heritage, and motor car as art tradition that is the essence of an Alfa Romeo'. Or some such. Its all in the eye of the beholder.

No. No they wouldn't. The thing is ugly.

EPM

Sandwich wrote: »

If someone can photoshop an Alfa badge on the front, I'm sure you would find some Alfisti tell you its an 'innovative design, subtly evoking, with a hint of retro, the rich racing heritage, and motor car as art tradition that is the essence of an Alfa Romeo'. Or some such. Its all in the eye of the beholder.

That's just a silly comment. Daewoo's always looked bland and unimaginative. They were budget dependable transport and that was it.

Boots2006

Well I rented a Lanos earlier in the year, it was an oldish one, with about 60k miles on it. Coming from a 10 year old Opel Astra, I was hoping that it would at least be on a par with that (I may have read somewhere that the Lanos is based on an Astra?)

It was poorly built (everything inside creaked), had a harsh ride, there was no feel to the brakes, and it wandered all over the place on the motorway. It required constant adjustment of the steering to keep it on track. It was so bad I thought it may have been crashed at some stage.:eek:

There were 2 good things : it was cheap, and it was economical.

peasant

Daewoo is automotive white goods. Generic, bland, functional.
Nothing wrong with that, but nothing special about it either.

Saab Ed

Sandwich wrote: »

If someone can photoshop an Alfa badge on the front, I'm sure you would find some Alfisti tell you its an 'innovative design, subtly evoking, with a hint of retro, the rich racing heritage, and motor car as art tradition that is the essence of an Alfa Romeo'. Or some such. Its all in the eye of the beholder.

Thats Ironic really givin that this.....



started life as this....... ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daewoo_Matiz )

ItalDesign Cinquecento Lucciola


Which was supposed to replace the Fiat Cinquecento.... Funny That :P:pac:

bazz26

lipo starter wrote: »

I own a daewoo lanos and have seen a lot of comments (not only on here but other sites) that they aren't good cars, this is the only car I have driven and haven't found anything wrong with it, except it was left unused for a while, battery went dead and had to get a new one. Can anyone tell me whats wrong with them? As I said, it is the only car I am used to, so maybe I can't tell what is the problem cos I know nothing else! I know nothing about cars but honestly think the daewoo is ok

They are fine as cheap, basic a to b transport but there are other makes out there that do the same thing better in everyway and more. So as you have said yourself you have driven/owned nothing else so you have nothing to compare them to.

It's like a tv, buy a basic cheap television and it will display a program which you think is fine, put a full HD LCD tv next to it and notice the difference. You will probably not want to watch the old tv again.

c4cat

To me a car has to get me from where I am to where else I want to go , when I want to reliably and safely. The Daewoo does that at a very reasonable cost. 2 yrs ago I bought a Lagenza 7yrs old with just 22,000kms for a total of E2000 incl of VRT (imorted from UK) has a/c. ABS electric seats. I will keep it for at least 5 yrs or more then replace it with another Daewoo. If it breaks down in the meantime I will just send it to the knackers yard and get another. So basically I get to use this car at a cost of E34 per month. Now I am as happy as my cash saved in the bank at all those who snub the Daewoo and are taken in by brand Hype.

daveharnett

c4cat wrote: »

To me a car has to get me from where I am to where else I want to go , when I want to reliably and safely. The Daewoo does that at a very reasonable cost. 2 yrs ago I bought a Lagenza 7yrs old with just 22,000kms for a total of E2000 incl of VRT (imorted from UK) has a/c. ABS electric seats. I will keep it for at least 5 yrs or more then replace it with another Daewoo. If it breaks down in the meantime I will just send it to the knackers yard and get another. So basically I get to use this car at a cost of E34 per month.

That's fine, and a perfectly reasonable point of view, but...

c4cat wrote: »

...all those who snub the Daewoo and are taken in by brand Hype.

...try to understand that some of us see things differently - we like cars that can do more than get us from A to B, and that's fine too.

Gran Hermano

Daewoo, the car with no woo factor.

REXER

My daughter has a LANOS and the engine is prone to developing black sludge in the lube system. This leads to hydraulic lifters that fail and accelerated wear on the camshaft and valve train components.

This is a car that needs on oil change every 5k miles with an expensive high spec semi synthetic oil as any other oil breaks down and the result is the black sludge that clogs up/restricts oil flow.

Go to any scrap yard and take a look at the top of a LANOS engine with the top cover removed and you will see cronic wear on the camshaft lobe of at least one cylinder.

Nasty, Nasty, Nasty.

c4cat

daveharnett wrote: »

That's fine, and a perfectly reasonable point of view, but...


...try to understand that some of us see things differently - we like cars that can do more than get us from A to B, and that's fine too.

So what more can another car do that a lagenza can not do?

sleepysniper

c4cat wrote: »

So what more can another car do that a lagenza can not do?

Faster, more fun, more comfortable, better build quality , wow factor, more stylish the list goes on...

(Also if your prone to badge snobbery thats a plus too!)

Average-Ro

robbie_998 wrote: »

Everything.

Your posts all always so insightful and full of wisdom Robbie, fair play.

I have a Daewoo Lanos (I'm a learner driver too) and it does exactly what I need from it, get me around the place. I've driven other cars and I can see the difference straight away; easier and more comfertable to drive, smoother on the road, a safer car in general.

In a few years time I'll be looking to buy a "better" car, but for the time being I'm happy with my Daewoo Lanos as it does the job I need it for and it's cheap (which is a good thing as I'm currently unemployed:()

iWillBeReborn

sleepysniper wrote: »

Faster, more fun, more comfortable, better build quality , wow factor, more stylish the list goes on...

(Also if your prone to badge snobbery thats a plus too!)

lol @ faster etc.

Yes I agree. A porsche is a better buy :rolleyes:

Rulmeq

3 Star NCAP rating with one struck off... I wouldn't like to be in one in an accident
http://www.euroncap.com/tests/daewoo_lanos_1998/31.aspx

sleepysniper

iWillBeReborn wrote: »

lol @ faster etc.

Yes I agree. A porsche is a better buy :rolleyes:

You obviously dont realise there are fast cars out there that dont wear the Porsche badge.

Ever hear of the term hot-hatch?

iWillBeReborn

sleepysniper wrote: »

You obviously dont realise there are fast cars out there that dont wear the Porsche badge.

Ever hear of the term hot-hatch?

Yes. To both questions.

But the question was what is wrong with Daewoo's. Not what cars are better, faster, sexier :rolleyes:

What Daewoo did you own or drive?

BostonB

A new daewoo matiz is the worst car I have ever driven. Horrible to drive, controls are horrible, paper thin and no power at all. I've had cartons of milk which felt more solid.

sleepysniper

c4cat wrote: »

So what more can another car do that a lagenza can not do?

iWillBeReborn wrote: »

Yes. To both questions.

But the question was what is wrong with Daewoo's. Not what cars are better, faster, sexier :rolleyes:

What Daewoo did you own or drive?

If ya read the posts properly you'd realise I was replying to c4cat's post above. So the question wasn't whats wrong with Daewoo's, its what can other cars do better and if you bothered to read the posts you'd see thats what I was replying to.

BTW why would you automatically assume i was on about a Porsche when I mentioned a car thats faster? You dont need Porsche money to buy a fast comfortable car.
Guess it shows how much you know about cars.:rolleyes:

iWillBeReborn

sleepysniper wrote: »

If ya read the posts properly you'd realise I was replying to c4cat's post above. So the question wasn't whats wrong with Daewoo's, its what can other cars do better and if you bothered to read the posts you'd see thats what I was replying to.

BTW why would you automatically assume i was on about a Porsche when I mentioned a car thats faster? You dont need Porsche money to buy a fast comfortable car.
Guess it shows how much you know about cars.:rolleyes:

I'll put me hand up. I get narky when I see people who have not driven cars give their worldy input on matters. Pet hate of mine.

There are better cars than Daewoo available. The "Faster" comment was laughable.

high horse

iWillBeReborn wrote: »

I'll put me hand up. I get narky when I see people who have not driven cars give their worldy input on matters. Pet hate of mine.

There are better cars than Daewoo available. The "Faster" comment was laughable.

Why?

daveharnett

iWillBeReborn wrote: »

But the question was what is wrong with Daewoo's. Not what cars are better, faster, sexier :rolleyes:

Based on that reasoning, i'm tempted to ask what's wrong with the bus? It does everything your car does, just not as well

The original question was, what's so bad about daewoos. My answer is that I can think of a long list of superior alternatives (for my motoring priorities) at any price point you can mention.

You might argue that that doesn't make a car 'bad' - the steering wheel steers, the brakes brake, the engine can reach the national speed limit, and it should last for twenty years if it's looked after well enough. There's no such thing as an out-and-out 'bad' car in europe any more. Fine, daewoo's aren't bad in an absolute sense, just seriously inferior to most of their competition.

sleepysniper

iWillBeReborn wrote: »

The "Faster" comment was laughable.

...am...why exactly? It wouldn't be too hard to find a car faster than a Daewoo tbh.

sleepysniper

iWillBeReborn wrote: »

I get narky when I see people who have not driven cars give their worldy input on matters. Pet hate of mine.

Also I know enough about Daewoo's to not have to drive one never mind buy one.

squod

Mine went through two ignition coils and finally died at 95,000mls. I once talked to a fitter about my (old) one, what he said rang so true. ''They do what they want'' he said. This is absolutely correct IMO.

What was suprising though is the handling, even on new dunlops I needed enourmous courage on wet roundabouts. The engine noise on motorways was amazing!

It did supprise me. Acceleration seemed relative to the cars 'humour'. I'm quite convinced it was faster than the OH 1.4L focus 60% of the time.

c4cat

sleepysniper wrote: »

Also I know enough about Daewoo's to not have to drive one never mind buy one.

Well what do you know about them? Pray tell!! I have driven one for 2 yrs now and believe they have been very under-rated, which I do not mind cos that gives me good motoring without putting so much as a dent in my finances

iWillBeReborn

sleepysniper wrote: »

Also I know enough about Daewoo's to not have to drive one never mind buy one.

Note to self:

Remember about discussing on de internet with... " "

:eek::cool::pac:

NLane

i'll start off by saying that i have never driven a daewoo... i alsoknow that i never will. i have been in a few and found the interior pretty unattractive and everything felt flimsy in some way.

the main reason i will never drive a daewoo is their appearance. daewoo drivers seem to be saying that they have found them to be reliable, cheap to run and cheap to buy. this is all fine, but personally i also want a car that looks good. and there are plenty of good-looking, reliable cars out there that won't set you back too much more than a daewoo.

BostonB

No matter how cheap they make it. It would never be cheap enough for me. I'd prefer to get the bus.

lipo starter

Obviously there are a lot of people that don't like the daewoo, someone posted its for older people, im 41..am i that old? NO you don't to reply to that bit lol. I still can't see from all the posts, what are the problems. some are saying other cars go faster, I don't want to race, I want to get around safely. As for appearance, When I got it serviced, the mechanic came out, said when he heard it was a daewoo lanos, he was expecting to see an awful looking car, but said he was suprised at it, it wasn't what he expected at all, that it looks great. Any of my friends who have seen it, have all said it's a lovely car, I know I'm biased, but honestly, it does look nice (apart from all the bumps and scratches on it due to me!)
What I wanted to know, is mechanically, nobody has ever told me specifically, what can be wrong with it. It was owned by a lady driver first, then for two years by a man, then me for a year, it's a 00, I think 48000 on it. I did forget to say I got the brake pads done too. Someone posted up about the oil needing to be an expensive one, again, I have no clue, mechanic does that for me. Sometimes it doesn't seem to brake well & it now gives out a (little squeal coming to a stop since the pads were done). When with the instructor (I have used 2 diff cars with him) when I brake in his car, I brake way too hard after using my car and its that bad, we move forward a bit in the seats. Also, going into 2nd gear, its sometimes hard to get it in, where his just moves in with no probs. Like I said though, I am only really used to the daewoo, so can't tell what is not good on the car

NLane

lipo starter wrote: »

As for appearance, When I got it serviced, the mechanic came out, said when he heard it was a daewoo lanos, he was expecting to see an awful looking car, but said he was suprised at it, it wasn't what he expected at all, that it looks great. Any of my friends who have seen it, have all said it's a lovely car, I know I'm biased, but honestly, it does look nice (apart from all the bumps and scratches on it due to me!)

i guess it depends on what you like personally... i drive an alf romeo 147 and think its one of the best looking cars on the road. im sure others out there wouldn't agree. i just feel there's nothing exciting or innovative about the styling of any daewoo i've ever seen or been in.

Absurdum

Look, it's lowest common denominator motoring, nothing more, nothing less. If you're happy with one, good for you. I for one cannot fathom why anyone would buy one either new or used when there are far better alternatives around, regardless of your budget.

sleepysniper

c4cat wrote: »

Well what do you know about them?

Theres a reason why they are the "cheaper" brand, i.e. there a ball of scrap & thats good enough reason for me to steer clear of them.

lipo starter

Absurdum wrote: »

Look, it's lowest common denominator motoring, nothing more, nothing less. If you're happy with one, good for you. I for one cannot fathom why anyone would buy one either new or used when there are far better alternatives around, regardless of your budget.

Because it was given to me, I didn't have a car, I had an old banger years ago, but never drove it, someone else would drive me around. I just wanted to know, why people don't like it, there was a comment about the steering on it, I haven't noticed any problems with that at all.

Absurdum

lipo starter wrote: »

Because it was given to me, I didn't have a car, I had an old banger years ago, but never drove it, someone else would drive me around. I just wanted to know, why people don't like it, there was a comment about the steering on it, I haven't noticed any problems with that at all.

Fair enough, I apologise if I was insulting to you. If you're happy with it then that's all that matters to you.

NLane

lipo starter wrote: »

I haven't noticed any problems with that at all.

hard to notice things about a car when you dont drive anything better.... i thought my '99 astra was fine until i got my '07 147!

BostonB

lipo starter wrote: »

Obviously there are a lot of people that don't like the daewoo, someone posted its for older people, im 41..am i that old? NO you don't to reply to that bit lol. I still can't see from all the posts, what are the problems. ...

Its the worst driving car ever. Even at snails pace. If you not worried about your own safety, appearance, or comfort, enjoyment or losing money hand over fist as soon as you buy one. Then its the perfect car for you. No load space, underpowered even with one person. A 10yr old Micra is better in every way than a brand new Matiz. Yet you are paying vastly more for it.

If you don't notice any of these things, then it doesn't matter what car you buy. You'd probably be happy on a ride on lawnmower.

lipo starter

Absurdum wrote: »

Fair enough, I apologise if I was insulting to you. If you're happy with it then that's all that matters to you.

No you didn't insult me at all, and theres no need to apologise, it's appreciated though I was just puzzled after looking at so many remarks about daewoo being a rubbish car that I had to ask

BostonB

NLane wrote: »

hard to notice things about a car when you dont drive anything better.... i thought my '99 astra was fine until i got my '07 147!

Thats because Astra's are decent cars.

lipo starter

BostonB wrote: »

Its the worst driving car ever. Even at snails pace. If you not worried about your own safety, appearance, or comfort, enjoyment or losing money hand over fist as soon as you buy one. Then its the perfect car for you. No load space, underpowered even with one person. A 10yr old Micra is better in every way than a brand new Matiz. Yet you are paying vastly more for it.

If you don't notice any of these things, then it doesn't matter what car you buy. You'd probably be happy on a ride on lawnmower.

Thats harsh!!! I don't want to go at a snails pace, I go whatever the speed limit is, safety wise, I have had no problem, appearance, as long as its not a battered up old banger and it gets me around, I don't mind. The lawnmower comment... I'm not that bad and it was uncalled for

lipo starter

Also, it hasn't cost me much money, only brake pads and replacing the battery cos it had been sitting idle for a long time