Daewoo Leganza Review (1997 to 2003)

Quick Summary

The Daewoo Leganza is probably the most impressive car in the Daewoo range, but also the least popular. Its road manners are soft and reassuring, it's inexpensive, spacious and boasts class leading trim levels and makes a wise choice if low involvement, hassle-free motoring is your aim. If you can find one, look for cars that are still within warranty and haggle hard on those that aren't. The Leganza is an adventurous, but ultimately rewarding choice if value and equipment are your key priorities.

Overall:

Models Covered: 4dr saloon, [2.0SX, CDX & CDX-E]

SEOUL SURVIVOR

The Leganza marked a diversion from Daewoo's initial strategy of unadventurous small cars. As part of the second wave of Daewoo vehicles to arrive in the UK, and a more ambitious offering than anything the Korean giant had yet introduced, the Leganza placed a toe in the water in a marketplace brimful with quality offerings from the mainstream manufacturers. Going up against established competition such as the Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 406 was never going to be easy, but the combination of luxurious levels of trim and a very competitive price aimed to give the Leganza the best possible chance.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. It's well equipped, should prove reliable and you won't see many other ones out on the road.
Used Daewoo Leganza for sale

History of the Leganza

The Leganza was launched to the British public in September 1997. The range has remained largely unchanged since launch except for the introduction of the CDX-E model in 1998. The four-door body shape was the sole variant, as was the 2.0 132bhp engine as fitted to the Nubira CDX models. Whilst not as punchy as in the smaller, lighter, Nubira, the overall comfort bias of the Leganza does not encourage press-on driving.There were three available trim levels, the base SX, the CDX and the range topping CDX-E model. All variants are available with the option of five speed manual or automatic gearboxes. The last Leganza models were sold in early 2003.
Used Daewoo Leganza for sale

Daewoo Leganza Road Test

If you're accustomed to the old image of Daewoos being warmed over previous generation Vauxhall Astras and Cavaliers, the driving manners of the Leganza will provide a pleasant surprise. The Korean preference is for very soft springs and damping, and the Leganza rolls in the corners but soaks up most surface imperfections with alacrity. It's obviously no sports saloon, but switch the air conditioning on, relax in those wide armchairs and it's the perfect antidote to road rage.The design aspiration for the car was for a competitive mainstream product, and whilst the Leganza won't turn heads or make its other motorists raise envious eyebrows, it's an individual and rather eccentric choice. If the budget allows, try for the CDX-E version which has genuinely impressive levels of equipment.
Used Daewoo Leganza for sale

Buying a Daewoo Leganza

No significant faults have been noticed with the Leganza 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 Leganza will probably have led an easier life than many more dynamically acclaimed rivals.
Used Daewoo Leganza for sale

Daewoo Leganza Typical Pricing

Second-hand Leganza prices start at around £1,000 for a 2.0-litre SX on 97R plates and you should be able to secure even a 99V for under £1,700. Moving up the range, a CDX model with a 99S plate and 71,000 miles showing should retail for around £1,500, rising through to £2,800 for an 02-plate model. The automatic gearbox option available will add £200 to the price of its manual equivalent. The length of outstanding warranty should be an important factor when fixing a price.
Used Daewoo Leganza for sale

Daewoo Leganza Parts

(approx based on a Leganza 2.0 CDX) Spares prices could well be Daewoo's Achilles heel. As with many foreign cars which sell in modest numbers, parts prices aren't pitched at the levels those accustomed to Ford and Vauxhall have come to expect. Therefore, a clutch assembly will be around £129 and an alternator should be close to £235.Brake pads are around £59 for a front set with a starter motor relieving you of £266. Set aside £725 if you need a full exhaust system, whilst a replacement catalyst will cost £346. A radiator retails for about £162 and a clutch assembly will be £129.
Used Daewoo Leganza for sale