DAEWOO Cars: Complete Guide, Models & Reliability (2025)

Daewoo, a South Korean automotive manufacturer, has made a notable impact in the UK market with a total of 255 registered vehicles. The brand is recognised for its affordability and practicality, appealing to a wide range of consumers.

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

Introduction and Brand Overview

Daewoo, a South Korean automotive manufacturer, has made a notable impact in the UK market with a total of 255 registered vehicles. The brand is recognised for its affordability and practicality, appealing to a wide range of consumers.

The most popular model in the Daewoo lineup is the Matiz, with 112 units registered, followed by the Kalos with 40 units. Other models such as the Nubira and Tacuma each have 23 registrations, while the Lacetti has 16. This distribution highlights the Matiz as a standout choice among Daewoo vehicles.

In terms of fuel types, the majority of Daewoo vehicles are petrol-powered, accounting for 233 registrations, with an additional 10 petrol vehicles listed. Diesel options are less common, with only 6 diesel vehicles and 3 classified as DIESEL. There is also one gas bi-fuel vehicle registered.

Examining the age of the vehicles, the year distribution shows a significant number of older models, with 75 vehicles from 2004 and 69 from 2003. The latest registrations indicate that the brand's presence is primarily in older vehicles, with only one vehicle registered from 2010.

When it comes to the MOT pass rate, Daewoo vehicles have an average pass rate of 68.4%. This statistic suggests that while many vehicles are roadworthy, there are areas for improvement. Common failures during MOT tests include brakes (696 failures), lighting (549), and suspension (306), indicating key areas for potential maintenance focus.

All data presented is based on current registrations and MOT test results, and while efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, discrepancies may exist. This overview serves as a guide for potential buyers and current owners alike.

Popular DAEWOO Models

Popular DAEWOO Models

DAEWOO has made a notable impact in the UK automotive market, with a total of 255 vehicles registered. Among these, several models stand out for their popularity and performance.

The MATIZ is the most popular DAEWOO model, accounting for 112 of the total vehicles. This compact car is well-regarded for its affordability and efficiency, making it a common choice for urban drivers.

Following the MATIZ, the KALOS has also gained traction, with 40 units registered. Known for its practicality and decent fuel economy, the KALOS appeals to a wide range of consumers.

Other notable models include the NUBIRA and TACUMA, each with 23 registrations. Both models offer a blend of comfort and functionality, catering to families and individuals alike.

The LACETTI, while less common, has 16 registrations and is appreciated for its spacious interior and reliable performance.

In terms of fuel type distribution, petrol vehicles dominate the DAEWOO lineup, with 233 petrol and 10 PETROL registrations, alongside a smaller number of diesel vehicles (6 DIESEL and 3 diesel). This indicates a strong preference for petrol engines among DAEWOO owners.

When considering the age of these vehicles, the majority were registered between 2000 and 2004, with 75 vehicles from 2004 and 69 from 2003. This suggests that many DAEWOO models on the road are relatively older, which may influence their maintenance and reliability.

Overall, DAEWOO models have an average MOT pass rate of 68.4%, with common failures primarily in brakes, lighting, and suspension. This data reflects the importance of regular maintenance for these vehicles.

Please note that the statistics provided are based on available data and may not reflect the most current market conditions.

MOT Reliability and Common Issues

When it comes to the reliability of Daewoo vehicles during the MOT test, the average pass rate stands at 68.4%. This figure indicates that a significant proportion of Daewoo cars may face challenges in meeting the required standards. With a total of 255 vehicles tested, it is essential for owners to be aware of common issues that could lead to failures.

The most frequent category of failures is related to brakes, accounting for 696 instances. This highlights the importance of regular brake maintenance and checks. Following closely are lighting issues, which have been reported 549 times. Ensuring that all lights are functioning correctly is crucial for both safety and compliance.

Other common failures include various categories such as suspension (306 failures), tyres (278 failures), and miscellaneous issues (418 failures). These statistics suggest that owners should pay particular attention to these areas during routine maintenance to improve their chances of passing the MOT.

In terms of fuel type distribution, the majority of Daewoo vehicles are petrol-powered, with 233 petrol vehicles and a smaller number of diesel and gas bi-fuel options. This distribution may influence the types of issues encountered during testing, as different fuel types can have varying impacts on vehicle performance.

Looking at the age of the vehicles, the majority fall within the 2000 to 2004 range, with 75 vehicles from 2004 and 69 from 2003. Older vehicles may be more prone to wear and tear, which can contribute to the higher failure rates observed.

In summary, Daewoo owners should be proactive in addressing common issues, particularly in the areas of brakes, lighting, and suspension, to enhance their vehicle's reliability during the MOT test. Please note that the data presented is based on the latest available statistics and may be subject to change.

Ownership Costs and Tax Information

When considering the ownership costs of a DAEWOO vehicle, it is essential to evaluate various factors, including fuel type, maintenance, and tax obligations. DAEWOO has a total of 255 vehicles registered in the UK, with the most popular models being the MATIZ (112 units), KALOS (40 units), and NUBIRA (23 units).

In terms of fuel type distribution, the majority of DAEWOO vehicles run on petrol, with 233 petrol vehicles and 10 classified as PETROL. Diesel vehicles account for a smaller portion, with 6 diesel and 3 DIESEL vehicles, while there is one gas bi-fuel vehicle. This fuel distribution can significantly impact running costs, as petrol generally offers lower fuel costs compared to diesel.

Ownership costs also encompass maintenance and repair expenses. The average MOT pass rate for DAEWOO vehicles stands at 68.4%, indicating that a significant number of vehicles may require repairs to pass their tests. Common failures include issues with brakes (696 failures), lighting (549 failures), and suspension (306 failures), which can contribute to ongoing maintenance costs.

In terms of vehicle age, the majority of DAEWOO vehicles are older models, with 75 registered from 2004 and 69 from 2003. Older vehicles may incur higher maintenance costs due to wear and tear, so potential owners should consider this when budgeting.

Tax obligations for DAEWOO vehicles will vary based on the model and fuel type. It is advisable to check the specific tax rates applicable to the chosen model to ensure accurate budgeting. Overall, understanding these ownership costs and tax implications is crucial for prospective DAEWOO owners.

Disclaimer: The data presented is based on current registrations and may not reflect future changes. Always verify with official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Buying Guide and What to Check

Buying Guide and What to Check

When considering a used Daewoo, it is essential to understand the model options and their common issues. Daewoo has a total of 255 vehicles available, with the most popular models being the Matiz (112 units), Kalos (40 units), Nubira (23 units), Tacuma (23 units), and Lacetti (16 units).

Fuel type is another critical factor. The majority of Daewoo vehicles run on petrol, with 233 petrol vehicles and 10 additional petrol variants. Diesel options are limited, with only 6 diesel vehicles and 3 diesel variants available. There is also one gas bi-fuel vehicle.

In terms of age, the majority of Daewoo vehicles on the market are from the early 2000s, with 75 registered in 2004, 69 in 2003, and 60 in 2002. This age distribution suggests that buyers should be particularly vigilant about the vehicle's condition and maintenance history.

When inspecting a used Daewoo, pay close attention to the common failure categories. The average MOT pass rate for these vehicles is 68.4%, indicating that many may require repairs. Common issues include brakes (696 failures), lighting (549 failures), and suspension (306 failures). Tyres and other miscellaneous problems also account for significant failure rates.

Before finalising your purchase, ensure that you check the vehicle's MOT history, focusing on any recurring issues. Given that there have been 3,201 total MOT tests conducted on Daewoo vehicles, reviewing this data can provide insight into the vehicle's reliability.

Always remember that while this data is based on available statistics, it may not reflect the current market situation accurately. Conduct thorough research and consider a professional inspection before making a purchase.

Related Information and Resources

For those interested in Daewoo vehicles, there are several resources and statistics that can provide valuable insights. Daewoo has a total of 255 vehicles registered in the UK, with the most popular models being the Matiz (112 units), Kalos (40 units), Nubira (23 units), Tacuma (23 units), and Lacetti (16 units).

In terms of fuel type distribution, the majority of Daewoo vehicles run on petrol, with 233 petrol vehicles and an additional 10 classified as PETROL. Diesel vehicles account for 6 units, while there are 3 DIESEL vehicles and 1 gas bi-fuel vehicle.

When examining the age of these vehicles, the year distribution shows that the majority are from the early 2000s, with 75 registered in 2004, 69 in 2003, and 60 in 2002. The latest registrations indicate a continued interest in these models, although the most recent data is not specified.

In terms of vehicle performance, the average MOT pass rate for Daewoo vehicles stands at 68.4%. Common failures during MOT tests include issues with brakes (696 failures), lighting (549 failures), and suspension (306 failures). Tyres and other categories also contribute to the failure rates, with 278 and 418 failures respectively.

For those looking to maintain or purchase a Daewoo vehicle, understanding these statistics can be crucial. The total number of MOT tests conducted for Daewoo vehicles is 3,201, providing a comprehensive overview of their performance on the road.

For further information, consider visiting official automotive websites or forums dedicated to Daewoo vehicles. Please note that the data presented here is based on available statistics and may not reflect the most current trends.

Data Source: This guide is based on analysis of thousands of DAEWOO vehicles in our database, including MOT test results, registration data, and reliability statistics.

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.

Related Guides

DAEWOO MUSSO Overview The DAEWOO MUSSO is a mid-size SUV that was produced between 2000 and 2002....

DAEWOO NUBIRA Overview The Daewoo Nubira is a compact car produced by the South Korean manufactur...

DAEWOO KALOS Overview The Daewoo Kalos is a compact car produced by the South Korean manufacturer...

DAEWOO LEGANZA Overview The Daewoo Leganza is a mid-size car produced by the South Korean manufac...