Daewoo Kalos Review (2003 to 2005)

Quick Summary

As long as you know that your used Daewoo Kalos is never going to set neighbourhood curtains twitching in envy, it will make a dependable buy. Other rivals may have more flair, cleverer tricks up their sleeves and more seductive styling, but the Kalos is going to leave a smaller dent in your disposable income reserves. That'll be more than enough to swing the balance for many cash-strapped families.

Overall:

Models Covered:(1.2, 1.4 8v, 1.4 16v, five-door supermini [S, SE, Xtra, SX, Blue])

I KNOW YOU GOT SEOUL

Daewoo's bargain basement, no-frills approach to car manufacturing may have enabled it to get a toehold in the UK market, but such a strategy isn't a viable way to maximise profits in the car industry. Building added value into a product and charging a little more for it is a far better business model and it's one that Daewoo had to pursue, encumbered as they were by a brand name that still smacked of lowest common denominator motoring. The Kalos was their first offering in the supermini sector that could sell without price being the overriding factor and it was good enough to put a lick on quite a few more mainstream names. Tracking down a used example shouldn't be too difficult and nor should it prove a big risk.
Used Daewoo Kalos for sale

History of the Kalos

First seen in the UK at the 2002 Motor Show, Daewoo's Kalos wowed the crowds with its avant garde styling and neat interior detailing. Cars started arriving in dealer showrooms in early January 2003 and take up was good. The range initially consisted of the 1.2S amd SE models and a 1.4SE version. The 1.4-litre 16-valve cars arrived a few weeks later, being offered in SE or SX trim. Summer 2003 saw the introduction of the value-packed 1.4 Xtra and the sporty 1.4 16v Blue edition. The death knell sounded for the Kalos when Daewoo ceased to be but the car continued rebadged as a Chevrolet with some success.
Used Daewoo Kalos for sale

Daewoo Kalos Road Test

The 1.4-litre 8v engine and five-speed manual gearbox are a willing combination, powering the Kalos to a top speed of 105mph and capable of hitting 60mph in 13 seconds. An average fuel consumption figure of nearly 38mpg is reasonable, whilst CO2 emissions of 175g/km are a little way off the class best. The 1.4-litre 16v is a tad brisker, hitting 60mph in 10.9 seconds. Even the 1.2-litre Kalos is no slouch and its combined fuel economy figure of 43mpg is not to be sniffed at.
Used Daewoo Kalos for sale

Buying a Daewoo Kalos

As with all cars that get used to ferry children back and forth, check for rips, stains and other damage to upholstery and minor trim parts. Also bear in mind that the Kalos will likely have been largely used as an urban scoot so check for parking knocks. Remember to check whether you're being taken for a ride by a 1.4 Xtra owner expecting SE residuals. Other than that, expect the usual Daewoo reliability. Despite this, check for its service history but otherwise buy with confidence. A major plus point, though, is the warranty that buying through an official sales channel brings. Daewoo buyers, new and used, enjoy things like courtesy cars and free MoT tests; for many people that's important.
Used Daewoo Kalos for sale

Daewoo Kalos Typical Pricing

Although used Kalos models are still a little thin on the ground at present, 1.4-litre SX models can be found in used car supermarkets for under £3,300 on an 02 52 plate. Insurance for all Kalos models is eminently reasonable, starting at Group 3 for the 1.2-litre S and rising to Group 6 for the sporting 1.4-litre 16v Blue.
Used Daewoo Kalos for sale

Daewoo Kalos Parts

(Estimated prices, based on a 2003 1.4SX) Parts prices are one area where Daewoo struggle to match the more mainstream manufacturers but since the tie in with General Motors some parts have become more realistically priced. Therefore, a clutch assembly will be around £90 and an air filter should be close to £12. Brake pads are around £35 a front set with a water pump relieving you of nearly £60.
Used Daewoo Kalos for sale