DAEWOO MATIZ Buying Guide & Reliability (1999-2005)

DAEWOO MATIZ Overview The Daewoo Matiz is a compact city car produced by the South Korean manufacturer Daewoo from 1999 to 2005. With a total of 112 registration plates recorded, the Matiz has become a familiar sight on UK roads, particularly in urban areas where its small size and efficient...

Last updated September 07, 2025 1998 words Based on real UK vehicle data

DAEWOO MATIZ Overview

DAEWOO MATIZ Overview

The Daewoo Matiz is a compact city car produced by the South Korean manufacturer Daewoo from 1999 to 2005. With a total of 112 registration plates recorded, the Matiz has become a familiar sight on UK roads, particularly in urban areas where its small size and efficient design are advantageous.

During its production run, the Matiz was primarily available with petrol engines, accounting for 111 of the registered vehicles, while only one diesel variant exists. The model's colour distribution shows a preference for silver (37 vehicles), followed by blue (23), orange (17), green (16), and yellow (9), reflecting a diverse palette for buyers.

In terms of reliability, the Daewoo Matiz has an MOT pass rate of 68.3%, indicating that a significant proportion of vehicles pass their tests. However, common failures have been noted in several categories, with suspension issues being the most prevalent (11 failures), followed by exhaust and emissions (7), lighting (5), windscreen (5), and brakes (5). This data suggests that while the Matiz is generally reliable, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues.

The average annual mileage for the Matiz stands at 1,371 miles, which is relatively low compared to many other vehicles. This could indicate that many owners use the Matiz primarily for short trips or city driving. Additionally, the tax status distribution reveals that 60 vehicles are untaxed, 40 are SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), and only 11 are currently taxed.

Overall, the Daewoo Matiz remains a practical choice for those seeking an economical and compact vehicle. However, prospective buyers should consider the common failure points and the vehicle's overall condition before making a purchase.

Disclaimer: The data presented is based on available records and may not reflect the current status of all vehicles. Always verify information with relevant authorities.

Reliability and MOT Performance

The Daewoo Matiz, produced between 1999 and 2005, has a total of 112 registered vehicles in the UK. With an overall MOT pass rate of 68.3%, this model demonstrates a moderate level of reliability, although it is essential for potential buyers to be aware of common issues that may arise.

Among the most frequent reasons for MOT failures, suspension problems were reported in 11 cases, indicating that this area may require particular attention. Additionally, exhaust and emissions issues accounted for 7 failures, while lighting, windscreen, and brake problems each contributed to 5 failures. These statistics suggest that while the Matiz is generally reliable, prospective owners should be prepared for potential maintenance in these areas.

In total, the Daewoo Matiz has undergone 1,657 MOT tests, reflecting a reasonable sample size for assessing its performance. The average annual mileage for these vehicles is approximately 1,371 miles, which is relatively low compared to many other models. This lower mileage may contribute to the overall longevity and reliability of the Matiz.

In terms of fuel type, the vast majority of Matiz vehicles are petrol-powered, with only one diesel variant registered. This preference for petrol may influence the vehicle's performance and maintenance costs, as petrol engines typically have different servicing requirements compared to diesel engines.

Colour distribution shows a predominance of silver (37 vehicles), followed by blue (23), orange (17), green (16), and yellow (9). This variety may appeal to different aesthetic preferences among buyers.

It is important to note that 60 of the registered vehicles are untaxed, while 40 are declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), and only 11 are currently taxed. This data may reflect the vehicle's age and the changing preferences of drivers.

Data accuracy is subject to change, and potential buyers should verify the current status of any vehicle before making a purchase.

What to Check When Buying Used

When considering a used Daewoo Matiz, there are several key factors to evaluate to ensure a satisfactory purchase. With a total of 112 registration plates recorded, this model was produced between 1999 and 2005, making it essential to check the specific year of the vehicle you are interested in.

The MOT pass rate for the Daewoo Matiz stands at 68.3%, indicating that a significant number of vehicles may have issues that need addressing. Common failures in this model include suspension problems (11 instances), exhaust and emissions issues (7), and lighting faults (5). Additionally, windscreen and brake failures were also noted, each with 5 occurrences. It is advisable to review the vehicle's MOT history to identify any recurring issues.

Fuel type is predominantly petrol, with 111 petrol vehicles compared to just 1 diesel. This is an important consideration for running costs and fuel efficiency. The average annual mileage for the Matiz is relatively low at 1,371 miles, which may suggest that many of these vehicles have been used sparingly.

When inspecting the vehicle, pay attention to its colour distribution. The most common colours are silver (37), blue (23), and orange (17). This may help in assessing the vehicle's condition and market value. Furthermore, be aware that 60 of the registered vehicles are untaxed, and 40 are SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), which could indicate that they have not been in regular use.

Finally, always ensure that you verify the vehicle's tax status and check for any outstanding issues that may affect your purchase. Remember, the data provided is based on available records and may not reflect the current condition of any specific vehicle.

Running Costs and Specifications

Running Costs and Specifications

The Daewoo Matiz, produced between 1999 and 2005, is a compact city car that has gained popularity for its affordability and practicality. With a total of 112 registration plates recorded, this model is a common sight on UK roads.

In terms of running costs, the Matiz boasts an average annual mileage of just 1,371 miles, making it an economical choice for urban driving. The vehicle primarily runs on petrol, with 111 out of 112 units using this fuel type, while only one is diesel. This fuel distribution indicates a strong preference for petrol among Matiz owners.

When considering the vehicle's reliability, the MOT pass rate stands at 68.3%, which suggests that while many Matiz models are roadworthy, some may require attention. Common failures noted during MOT tests include suspension issues (11 failures), exhaust and emissions problems (7 failures), and lighting defects (5 failures). Additionally, windscreen and brake failures also accounted for 5 failures each.

Colour preferences for the Matiz show a notable distribution, with silver being the most popular choice (37 units), followed by blue (23 units) and orange (17 units). Other colours such as green and yellow also feature, albeit in smaller numbers.

Regarding tax status, the majority of Matiz vehicles are currently untaxed (60 units), with 40 classified as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) and only 11 taxed. This may reflect the vehicle's age and the changing preferences of drivers.

In summary, the Daewoo Matiz offers a blend of low running costs and practical specifications, making it a viable option for budget-conscious drivers. However, potential buyers should be aware of the common issues reported and consider the vehicle's MOT history before making a purchase.

Disclaimer: The data presented is based on available records and may not reflect the most current information. Always verify details with official sources.

Alternative Models to Consider

If you're considering the Daewoo Matiz, it may be beneficial to explore alternative models that offer similar features and performance. The Matiz, produced between 1999 and 2005, has a modest MOT pass rate of 68.3%, indicating that while many vehicles are roadworthy, some may require attention to common issues.

One alternative to consider is the Suzuki Alto, known for its compact size and efficient fuel consumption. Like the Matiz, the Alto is a small city car that excels in urban environments. It also boasts a strong reliability record, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious drivers.

Another option is the Hyundai Atos, which shares the Matiz's focus on affordability and ease of use. The Atos has a reputation for being user-friendly and offers a comfortable ride, making it a suitable alternative for those who appreciate the Matiz's characteristics.

For those looking for a slightly larger vehicle, the Ford Fiesta is worth considering. While it may be a bit pricier, the Fiesta offers a more dynamic driving experience and a wider range of engine options. Its popularity in the UK market is a testament to its reliability and performance.

When evaluating alternatives, it's essential to consider the common failures associated with the Matiz, such as suspension issues (11 reported failures), exhaust and emissions problems (7), and lighting and windscreen concerns (5 each). These statistics can guide your decision-making process and help you choose a model with a better reliability record.

Ultimately, while the Daewoo Matiz has its merits, exploring other models like the Suzuki Alto, Hyundai Atos, and Ford Fiesta can provide you with a broader perspective and potentially lead to a more satisfying ownership experience.

Disclaimer: The data presented is based on available statistics and may not reflect the most current market conditions. Always conduct thorough research and consider personal preferences when selecting a vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What years was the Daewoo Matiz produced?

The Daewoo Matiz was produced from 1999 to 2005, with a total of seven model years available. This range includes models from 1999 through to 2005.

What is the MOT pass rate for the Daewoo Matiz?

The MOT pass rate for the Daewoo Matiz stands at 68.3%. This figure indicates the percentage of vehicles that successfully pass their MOT tests without requiring significant repairs.

What are the common reasons for MOT failures?

Common failures for the Daewoo Matiz include issues with the suspension (11 failures), exhaust and emissions (7 failures), and lighting (5 failures). Additionally, problems with the windscreen and brakes also contributed to 5 failures each.

What fuel types are available for the Daewoo Matiz?

The Daewoo Matiz primarily runs on petrol, with 111 petrol vehicles registered compared to just 1 diesel vehicle. This makes petrol the dominant fuel type for this model.

What colours are most common for the Daewoo Matiz?

In terms of colour distribution, silver is the most common colour, with 37 vehicles registered. Other popular colours include blue (23), orange (17), green (16), and yellow (9).

What is the average annual mileage for the Daewoo Matiz?

The average annual mileage for the Daewoo Matiz is approximately 1,371 miles. This figure can vary based on individual usage and driving habits.

What is the tax status of the Daewoo Matiz?

Out of the registered vehicles, 60 are untaxed, 40 are declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), and 11 are currently taxed. This distribution highlights the varying status of the vehicles on the road.

Disclaimer: The data presented is based on available statistics and may not reflect the most current information. Always verify details with official sources.

Data Source: This guide is based on analysis of extensive UK vehicle database in our database, including MOT test results and DVLA records.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for guidance only and is based on historical data in our database. Always verify current vehicle details with official sources and get a professional inspection before purchase.

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