Used Daewoo 1.5i review: 1994-1995
The Daewoo 1.5i was already outdated when it arrived on our shores in 1994. Unsurprisingly, it was the subject of heavy criticism from the automotive press, who criticized its questionable build quality and interior.
The Daewoo started life as the Opel Kadett in the mid-1980s and at the time it was a well-built and competent little car that was one of the most popular small cars in Europe, but something was lost in the Asian translation.
WATCH MODEL
Daewoo took over the design of the Kadett when Opel finished with it. The German automaker had already replaced it with a brand new model before they slipped it to the Koreans, so it was already past its expiration date when it started to leave the ships on our docks.
It's no surprise that it was heavily criticized when it went up against the latest designs from rival companies, but with the help of a dog and some high prices, it quickly became a popular choice for buyers looking for a small car. .
For $14,000, you could drive away in a front-wheel drive three-door hatchback that was quite spacious for a small car and had a 1.5-litre, single-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission that made it the best in its class. representation.
The same car was also available with a three-speed automatic and cost $15,350 then.
Standard equipment included a two-speaker radio, but air conditioning was an option at an additional cost.
For a little more money, you could get a more practical five-door hatchback, and for those who wanted the trunk and added security of a sedan, a four-door option was available.
The styling was bland, again not surprising considering it was originally written back in the early 1980s and competed against much more modern cars. The interior has also received some criticism for its dull gray color and the fit and finish of the plastic trim components.
On the road, the Daewoo was praised for its handling, which was safe and predictable, but criticized for a hard and harsh ride, especially on broken pavement where it could become uncomfortable.
The performance was intense. Holden's 1.5-litre, 57 kW fuel-injected four-cylinder engine kept pace with its competitors, which were mostly equipped with smaller engines.
Despite criticism, the Daewoo was a popular choice with buyers who wanted to enter the new car market but could not afford higher prices for cars with a better reputation. Not only was it a cheap and enjoyable purchase for people who just needed transportation and nothing else, it also became a used car alternative that did away with the hassle that can come with a used car.
IN THE SHOP
Real estate agents yell position, position, position as the key when buying a property. In Daewoo's case, it's state, state, state.
The Daewoo was advertised as a vehicle to be thrown away after a relatively short stay on the road. It was never touted as a well-built car that would last and retain its value over a long period of time.
They were often bought by people who didn't care what they were seen wearing and who didn't take good care of their car. These were cars that stood outside, in the hot sun, or under trees, where they were exposed to tree sap and bird droppings that were never cleaned off before they ate into the paint.
Look for a car that seems to have been taken care of and check any service records that may exist.
And drive with the owner to see how he or she drives so you get an idea of how the car was treated while it was in their possession.
But the real problem with the Daewoo is the build quality, which was so choppy that some looked like they'd gone through a tricky emergency repair even when they came straight from the factory. Look for poor panel fit with highly variable gaps, uneven paint coverage and faded paint, and exterior plastic parts such as bumpers.
In the cabin, expect dashboard rattles and squeaks, they were common for a new one. Plastic trim parts are generally of poor quality and prone to breakage or simply go off the rails. Door handles are particularly susceptible to breakage, and it is not uncommon for seat frames to break.
Mechanically, however, the Daewoo is quite reliable. The engine continues to run without much trouble, and the gearboxes are also quite reliable. Check the oil level and quality to see when it was last changed and look under the oil filler neck for any signs of sludge that could lead to future problems.
The bottom line is that the Daewoo was a one-off vehicle that delivered transport with little frills and the poor quality we've come to expect from rival Japanese automakers and even some other Korean companies. If the low price tempts you, be careful and look for the best car you can find.
SEARCH:
• uneven gaps between panels and poor fit of panels.
• Poor quality of fit and finish of interior plastic parts.
• sufficiently powerful performance
• Safe and reliable handling, but poor ride comfort.
• broken body fittings and seat frames.
