Daewoo Problems

DIFFICULT to apportion blame here. When they talk about the belts, were they talking about the cam timing belt or the external belts? The cam belt needs to be replaced at the carmaker's service recommendation. If that wasn't done, then you probably have a claim. If it was changed and it subsequently broke, you probably don't have a claim. You need to check your paperwork and see if it refers to a manufacturer's logbook service. You should also check for a guarantee, because most service people will back their work with a warranty.

WE CONTACTED Holden and were told any Holden dealer will be able to help you with the code. I suggest yours couldn't be bothered to help. Go back to the dealer and insist they contact Holden.

THE answer depends on the condition of the cars. Without knowing that it's hard to make an accurate call, but my feeling is the Camry has too many kays on it, the Leganza is too expensive and the long-term durability of Daewoos is unknown to a large extent, which leaves the Saabs. Of the two, I would go for the one with the lower kays, though there isn't much in it.

CONTEMPORARY road tests gave the average fuel consumption of the Kalos at 7.5 litres/100km so yours does seem particularly high. First, make sure everything is in order with the engine and emission system. Take it to a mechanic who knows his stuff. Hopefully the dealer is reputable, not simply trying to get rid of you by telling you all is well. Something in the emission system could have failed and is telling the engine's computer to run rich.

THE mileage is very low, which throws the value out somewhat. A Tacuma with average kilometres on it will get about $12,000, but you may get $500 more because of the very low odometer reading.

IT DOES sound like fuel vapourisation and there could be several causes, but I doubt dirty injectors would be one of them. I would expect dirty injectors to cause poor running at all times and not just when the mercury rises. You could try running on premium unleaded and see if that helps. You could also check the fuel pressure regulator and the fuel pump. And look for places where the fuel in the fuel lines could be subjected to heat that might cause it to vapourise on the way to the engine.

I WOULD be very cautious about installing LPG on the Leganza. It's not that it can't be done, and the engine might very well run happily on it, but my concern is that there is little history of Daewoos on LPG, so you would be entering unknown territory. I would recommend you call an LPG specialist, such as George Peake at Victorian Autogas Supplies (1800 620 945) and ask his advice.

THOUGH I have reservations about Daewoos of the past, the decision you make should hinge on your car's reliability record. You seem to have looked after it and had it regularly serviced, which is the key to keeping cars going well, so I would be inclined to keep it.

TAKE the car back to your nearest Holden dealer and have it checked. It's still under warranty, so there is no point messing about. Holden dealers are servicing Daewoos and handling warranty issues after the company's departure.