Daewoo Nubira Review (1997 to 1999)

Quick Summary

The Daewoo Nubira is a wise choice if low involvement, hassle-free motoring is your aim. It's probably the most mainstream car in the Daewoo range, which when coupled with their attractive value proposition makes it a sensible buy. The Nubira represents a relatively painless way of making a big saving on a nearly new midrange saloon.

Overall:

Models Covered: 4DR SALOON, 5DR ESTATE: [1.6SE & 2.0 CDX]

GOOD KOREA MOVE?

The Nubira, alongside the Lanos and Leganza, represents the second wave of Daewoo vehicles to arrive in the UK. A more sophisticated offering than its predecessor, the underwhelming Espero, the Nubira pitches itself into a marketplace brimful with quality offerings from the mainstream manufacturers. Slightly smaller in size than such standard fare as the Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 406 but facing up to squarely to the Rover 400/45 and Mitsubishi Carisma, the Nubira offers keen value for money and a generous level of trim.Traditionally appealing to a mature clientele who place a premium on value, reliability and a watertight warranty agreement, Daewoo's models, won't attract those who prioritise refinement and handling. The impressive three years free servicing offer on new models is invalidated unless bought through a Daewoo retail centre, unlike the AA cover and warranty for the same period. If this level of after sales service sounds attractive, a nearly new Nubira, whilst not the most dynamic saloon may well be the most commonsense option.
Used Daewoo Nubira for sale

History of the Nubira

The Nubira was launched to the British public in September 1997. The range has remained largely unchanged since launch, and comprised four door saloons and a five-door estate. Engine options available consisted of a 1.6 fuel injected unit that developed 105bhp and a 2.0 injected motor that made a punchy 132bhp. This would outstrip other 2.0 offerings, some with renowned driver appeal such as Ford's Mondeo or the Nissan Primera, to 60mph despite the Nubira's unassuming appearance and image.There were two available trim levels, based purely on the engine choice. The 1.6 litre car was badged as an SE, and the two litre car carried the CDX nomenclature. An automatic gearbox option existed for the CDX models, but was unavailable on the SE.
Used Daewoo Nubira for sale

Daewoo Nubira Road Test

Three years ago Daewoo was producing warmed over previous generation Vauxhall Astras and Cavaliers, so viewed in this context the steps forward made with the Nubira are little short of remarkable. Whilst not competing on the same plane (as regards handling) as the Mondeo, Primera or 406, the Nubira's comfort-oriented perspective provides a cosseting ride.The design aspiration for the car was for a competitive mainstream product, and whilst the Nubira won't cut a dash in the car park or make its driver seek out a favourite set of bends, it nonetheless makes a fair fist of the basic requirements. If the budget will allow, go for the 2.0 injection models, as the 1.6 is a touch thrashy when worked hard.
Used Daewoo Nubira for sale

Buying a Daewoo Nubira

No significant faults have been noticed with the Nubira to date. In order to get the best from the warranty package check to ensure that servicing has been carried out at the specified intervals. Due to its generally mature customer base, a Nubira will probably have led an easier life than many more dynamically acclaimed rivals.
Used Daewoo Nubira for sale

Daewoo Nubira Typical Pricing

Used Nubira prices start at around £1,000 for a 1.6-litre SE four door saloon on 97R plates. Estate models command a premium of around £50. The CDX models are worth pursuing, due to their mechanical superiority and relatively small price differential. A 97R plate CDX saloon with 71,000 miles should retail for around £1,000. Again, estates generally cost around £50 more.
Used Daewoo Nubira for sale

Daewoo Nubira Parts

(approx based on a Nubira 1.6 SE) Daewoo parts prices have come down since the GM takeover. Therefore, a clutch assembly will be around £80 and a battery should be close to £50.Brake pads are around £17 a front set with the rear pads relieving you of £20. Set aside £60 for an exhaust system centre section, whilst a water pump will also see £60 disappearing from the current account.
Used Daewoo Nubira for sale