NRMA Used Car Review - Daewoo Lanos SE & SX (1997-2003)

The Daewoo Lanos SE & SX were launched onto the Australian market in 1997, following the Korean manufacturer's very popular Cielo range.

The Lanos was the product of an extensive redesign and development program, giving the car a high degree of practicality and a smart distinctive look. European influence is evident in the external appearance of the Lanos with its rounded and modern lines, and distinctive "Daewoo family grille". It was initially available in two equipment levels - the basically equipped SE model as a three-door hatchback, a five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan in two equipment models - the basically equipped SE model and a more highly appointed SX version. The SX was only available as a three-door hatch or the four-door sedan. The SX was discontinued in 1999 and the Sport three-door hatch was introduced in late 1999.

There was a limited edition LE sedan and five-door hatch available in 1998, a Lanos X available in 2000 and a SE Limited Edition in 2002, the last two available in sedan and three and five-door hatch.

European influence is evident in the external appearance of the Lanos

The SE Lanos featured a further refined 1.5 litre single overhead camshaft, fuel injected engine, which reduced noise, increased durability and provided improved performance compared to its predecessor the Cielo. The SX Lanos came with a performance boosting 1.6 litre double overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder engine.

When introduced, standard equipment on the Lanos three-door hatch was very basic; however the SE five-door hatch series included central locking, power steering and a four-speaker radio cassette. The SX added alloy wheels, CD player, fog lights, front power windows and a rear spoiler. Airconditioning was introduced as standard across the range in 1998.

Externally the build quality on the Lanos appeared to be improving with acceptable levels of panel fit and paint finish.

European influence is evident in the external appearance of the Lanos with its rounded and modern lines, distinctive family grille and quality external panels.

Inside, the Lanos is very basic, with simple and functional instrument layout, offering clever design features. The seating offers little support but clever design features provides generous occupant space for a small vehicle in both the front and rear.

On the road, the 1.5 litre engine offers a reasonable performance, with good ride quality and stopping ability, although road and tyre noise is prominent in the cabin. The automatic can let the driver down on the open road when it occasionally drops back into second gear.

Drivers of the 1.5 litre SE five-door automatic can expect around 10.5 litres per 100km in the city and 7.4 litres per 100km on the open road.

Check for engine oil sludge especially on the earlier models as it could lead to costly engine repairs, and the timing belt is due for replacement every 6 years or 90,000km. Things to look out for include broken plastic trim items and rusted exhaust systems. Even though the vehicles were good value as a new vehicle, the cost of replacement parts can be expensive.

Shopping guide

Used car buyers can expect to pay around $5,700 for a 1997 SE three-door to $14,300 for a 2002 four-door SE Ltd sedan from a private sale. From a dealer expect to pay $8,500 for 1997 SE three-door to up to about $18,000 for a 2003 Sport hatch.

Overall the Lanos performs well offering basic equipment levels with good cabin space and reasonable performance.

Call NRMA's Technical Advisers on 1300 655 443 for more new and used car reports and other motoring advice.

Used car report published September 2003.

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