Daewoo Espero Review (1995 to 1997)

Quick Summary

Daewoo's family car makes sense. If you're looking for customer care that aims to provide worry-free motoring, then the Espero may suit. The driving enthusiast in you will have a back seat though.

Overall:

Models Covered: ESPERO - APRIL 1995 TO SEPTEMBER 1997 [1.5 GLXi, 1.8 CDi, 2.0 CDXi]

SURPRISINGLY SENSIBLE

Korean makers Daewoo came into a sceptical UK market in early 1995. Since then, they've instigated a widespread change in the new-car customer's expectations. Now with their first generation of vehicles superseded by more advanced models, the family-sized Espero saloon is gaining a following among many used buyers.The Korean marque has its critics, however. Resale values are perhaps higher than they should be. Some used specialists argue that used values are kept artificially high by Daewoo's unusual retailing methods. They also point out that the Espero, based on obsolete Vauxhall Cavalier mechanicals, is nowhere near state of the art and its used values should reflect that. Buyers of affordable family cars, however, are often not too concerned with state-of-the-art dynamics. What they want is reliability, easy access to affordable parts and a good level of standard equipment. If that sounds like what you're after, then take time to track down an Espero. Compare what you pay for its similarly sized competitors, but if you're looking for lots of luxury car features, then the Espero may well make sense.
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History of the Espero

The ambitious Korean manufacturer launched the Espero here in April 1995. Apart from equipment upgrades, the cars remained unchanged throughout their model life. They were replaced by the 'Nubira' saloon and estates in September 1997, so the majority of Esperos are out there with 'M', 'N' and 'P' plates, though the R-reg examples will be, for obvious reasons, few and far between.Trim levels are the only distinction between Esperos. All cars are four-door saloons with an unusual 'wrap-around' rear window like the hatchback Granada's.Much of the car contained Vauxhall parts, from the exterior door handles to some of the interior trim and fittings. You didn't have to look too hard to notice this was clearly a Cavalier in disguise.There was a choice of three engines. The base 1.5-litre cars all came with GLXi trim. Even at this level, you still received a driver's airbag, ABS, central locking, power steering, electric windows and a sunroof. Automatic transmission was available free, as was air conditioning from May 1996 onwards.The CDi trim level meant a bigger 1.8-litre engine with the same luxury specification, though air conditioning was fitted to every car. All 2.0-litre Esperos will be air-conditioned and called 'CDXi' with the main difference being the fitting of a CD player and alloy wheels as standard.
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Daewoo Espero Road Test

The handling is not designed to set you alight with enthusiasm, but having said that, it's really not bad either. The Espero manages to soak up bumps and ripples quite impressively, without rolling around in the twisty stuff like a Channel ferry in a stiff sea.
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Buying a Daewoo Espero

As always, a detailed service history is preferable and check carefully for bodywork damage or rust on a car of this age. It may also pay to have a gander at the engine mounts which have been known to fail.
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Daewoo Espero Typical Pricing

The most you'll pay for an Espero these days is £1,100. There aren't too many about and an exceptionally well kept last of line car may be worth more but not much more.
Used Daewoo Espero for sale

Daewoo Espero Parts

(Based on a 1996 CDXi) A replacement battery will set you back about £50, while a new clutch is around £75. Front brake pads should be about £21 and a cam belt will leave your wallet or purse about £30 lighter.
Used Daewoo Espero for sale