Used Daewoo Matiz for sale
Looking for a city car that makes everyday life easy? The Daewoo Matiz is a smart choice for drivers who want generous specs, affordable running costs and a surprising amount of space in a compact footprint.
Owner reviews for the Daewoo Matiz
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Overall rating 3.5/5
Performance
Running costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality
Read 7 reviews
Running costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality
Used Daewoo Matiz
Simple, sturdy and straightforward – the Daewoo Matiz was designed to celebrate the benefits of small car ownership. First arriving in the UK in 1998, the Matiz stood out with its boxy, upright body and five-door practicality, offering a roomy feel rarely matched by other superminis. Thanks to generous specification levels and great value for money, it became a firm favourite for budget-conscious drivers. In 2002, Daewoo was purchased by General Motors, and the Matiz was subsequently marketed under the Chevrolet brand. Compared to rivals like the Suzuki Wagon R+ and Toyota Yaris Verso, the Matiz is light on luxury but strong on cost-saving and more pleasing to the eye. Standard power steering, good fuel economy and low insurance premiums make it especially tempting for city dwellers and new drivers. Expect enough room for four adults and flexible boot capacity for weekly shops or weekend getaways – all for a price that’s tough to beat.
Pros
Affordable to buy and run- Easy to park and manoeuvre
- Surprisingly spacious inside
Cons
Feels underpowered on motorways- Basic safety by modern standards
- Tendency to understeer
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What are the key safety features of the Daewoo Matiz?
The Daewoo Matiz offered essential safety features for its era, such as driver and passenger airbags. Anti-lock brakes (ABS), parking sensors and front fog lights were also available as standard, depending on which variant you chose.
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What engine options are available with the Daewoo Matiz?
All Daewoo Matiz models feature either an 800cc or 1.0-litre petrol engine. The 800cc is best for town driving, while the later 1.0-litre engine provides more power for dual carriageways or rural roads. Both engines struggle a little on motorways when fully laden.
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What are the standard technology and infotainment features in the Daewoo Matiz?
Expect a straightforward set of features: most Matiz variants come with a basic radio or CD player, front electric windows, and manual central locking. Some versions include remote central locking and air conditioning, but the technology is modest by today’s standards, focusing on reliability and simplicity.
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What is the fuel consumption of the Daewoo Matiz?
Fuel economy is a strong point, with the Matiz achieving an average combined 45mpg. The lightweight build and small engines keep running costs low, making it especially attractive for daily city journeys and budget motoring.
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What should I check when buying a used Daewoo Matiz?
Check for rust, especially around the wheel arches and underbody, listen for any engine rattles, and inspect brakes and suspension for wear. The simple interior does mean trim pieces can become brittle or break. For extra confidence, consider booking The AA Vehicle Inspection before you commit.
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Are Daewoo Matiz cars reliable?
Owners rate the Matiz as reliable for everyday use and short trips because of its cheap running costs and uncomplicated engineering. Regular servicing is key – while parts are cheap and repairs straightforward, older examples can show signs of neglect or worn components after years of city driving.
