USED Chevrolet Matiz Hatchback (05 - 10)

My car

I have had this car for only four weeks but I find it is a super little car, no problem travelling at all the speed limits and I have not found any problem with roll in corners. I took it on the M6 motorway and there was no problem whatsoever. The only thing I will say as a slight against for it, is that it struggles going up a hill, but as my mechanic once said to me when changing from an 1800 cc to a 1600 cc, 'use your gears, that's what they're for'. If you do that no problem. Reading the reviews they seem to be driving a different car to me. I am very, very happy with my little car.

My car

I bought my Matiz in April 2010. It is my second one. The first one I bought in 2002 but had to sell it as it was not big enough for my growing children. Decided to downsize again and chose the Matiz because of its nippiness and economy. It is a lovely small car, cheap to run and maintain. However, recently I had an accident in it. I was intending to change gear and I pressed the brake pedal instead of the clutch and I came to a sudden halt. On investigation and looking at the pedals, the attending police officer did say that the clutch and brake pedal are much closer together because of the smallness of the car. I am now concerned that this may happen again. Have become much more aware of where my foot is when braking and changing gear. Am awaiting costs of repairs.

My car

I've had the Daewoo Matiz 0.8SE model for over 8 years and 58,000 miles. It has never let me down and little has ever gone wrong with it, just normal replacement items such as Catalytic converter, brake pads and shoes etc. Recently replaced the brake pipes due to corrosion. The only 'fault' was a misfiring at low revs which I fixed by replacing the sparkplug leads. Servicing by the local Chevrolet dealer was most unsatisfactory.

I can't understand the complaints about handling - mine corners on rails with hardly any roll. The engine is not powerful but what do you expect from 798ccs? It keeps up with the traffic even on the motorway and is comfortable for any length of journey. With 4-up it does struggle quite a bit, so I'd class it as an 'occasional' 4 seater. I'm 6ft and 15 stone and don't find it at all cramped.

As a comparison our Kia Picanto is a much more 'luxurious' car and better equipped, but I always choose the Daewoo when I go driving.

I sold the Matiz last night, only because after 8 years I want a change. I'd buy another but don't like the new style and I'm no so sure about the quality since Chrysler have taken over.

My car

I have the Daewoo version of this car and it's been almost perfect from day one.

I bought it second hand when it was four years old (one owner). It's now eight and I've had no serious problems with it. MOTs are getting a bit pricey, but mainly because parts are hard to come by. The only things I've had to replace have been consumables like brake pads and tyres, and the alternator last winter. No problems with the engine or gearbox yet (touch wood).

Cabin quality isn't great but it's fine for a budget model. I find it quite spacious for a small car, which is mainly down to the headroom. I can easily get three passengers in.

I love driving my Matiz: it’s very direct and almost go-kart-like. Obviously it's not luxurious and bump-free at this price, but I love that - if you're going at speed, you can really feel it and enjoy it.

Running costs would have got 5 out of 5 if it weren't for those expensive replacement parts (some of which my garage has had to order in). Tax and insurance are incredibly cheap, and fuel economy is great but getting a bit worse as time goes on.

All in all, this is a brilliant car that defies logic. Partly because people have such low expectations of it, they are consistently surprised at how much kit you get for your money, how reliable it's been, and how fast a 0.8 litre engine can go!

I'll be after a sportier car once my Matiz has died, but I'm perfectly happy to keep her until she's on her last legs. I will be sorry to see her go.