The Korean Daewoo Lanos, redesigned and supported under GM, was produced in 2003 under the Chevrolet banner.
The car received an upgrade to its bodyshell structure, a driver airbag became standard, and the interior was refined for everyday use.
Vehicles assembled in Zaporozhye were officially sent to Russia, while some units trace back to Polish assembly lines.
After 2009, the Lanos continued for three years under the name ZAZ Chance, also featuring the Melitopol 1.3 engine.
Chevrolet Lanos
Advantages:
- Very affordable, sometimes even free in terms of purchase cost.
- Simple to repair and easy to maintain.
It embodies pragmatic minimalism without unnecessary frills. Among comfort features, only air conditioning and front electric windows are typically offered. There is no heating system, which makes many owners opt for DIY heated-seat solutions.
Defects
- The car’s corrosion resistance is below average.
- The interior can feel cramped for larger passengers.
- Equipment levels resemble older budget models, with air conditioning often only available on top trims or as an extra cost.
- There are relatively few newer examples on the secondary market.
Engines
Base configuration features an A15SMS 1.5 liter engine with eight valves (86 hp). It has a cast iron block and an aluminum head, which does not tolerate overheating well—leaks and cracks can occur. In practice, most issues stem from inconsistent oil quality and low oil level checks. A frequent recommendation is to change oil every 7,000 to 10,000 kilometers, which some owners regard as too short a interval.
With proper maintenance, the engine proves to be quite reliable and can surpass 400,000 kilometers of service life.
Valve seals, valve cover gaskets, and cylinder head gaskets may leak. Other failures often relate to carbon build-up on rings, injectors, and the air valve. Noticeable oil leaks tend to appear around 250,000 kilometers. Idle control units have limited life, and some owners report issues with attachments such as the starter and thermostat. Radiators may begin to leak early. The recommended fuel type is AI-92 with hydraulic valve clearance compensation. By modern standards, a suburban economy around 7 liters per 100 kilometers was typical for the era.
Many Lanos engines have been converted to gas, and the engine handles it well. This same engine was also used in Nexia, produced until 2016, ensuring a steady stream of spare parts.
Transmission
The five-speed manual, a rework of the Opel F16, is simple and dependable. Common issues include loosening of rear connections which may require occasional re-tightening. Other problems arise mainly from natural wear. The powertrain can continue beyond 200,000 kilometers, and the unit has been thoroughly studied; removal and repair are feasible in a garage setting. The clutch life is typically around 100,000 to 150,000 kilometers.
Operational Warnings
- The suspension borrows from Nexia. Wheel bearings and shock absorbers are prone to wear on rough roads, lasting 30,000 to 60,000 kilometers. Steering components like the rack and axle bearings likewise wear, with the power steering possibly leaking. On smooth roads with careful use, no intervention is needed up to about 100,000 kilometers unless a stabilizer bar is replaced. Be aware that most units on the road today have older or cheaper replacements that may not match the original durability.
- Exhaust system metal degrades, fuel tanks corrode relatively fast, and the trunk lock can seize. Electrical failures and small plastic part breakdowns increase with age.
Euro NCAP testing has not been conducted for this model.
The secondary market often features a Lanos 1.5 MCP option.
The best choice is a Lanos with a well-maintained exterior and body.
For similar money, options include Lada Priora, Daewoo Nexia, Kia Spectra, and Vortex Estina.
- TagAZ sedans offer affordability and reliability, but they share a common issue that buyers should investigate.
- Reviews from drivers are sometimes shared on Odnoklassniki under the heading “Behind the Wheel.”