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Feedback on Chevrolet Matiz for cheap second car?

Thinking of buying a 2005 Chevrolet Matiz SE+ as a cheap second car for school-run duties, town runs, short journeys etc. Your model by model review suggests nothing catastrophic to worry about with these.

I'm hoping for something more reliable than the usual small car options at this price (punto, 206, 25). The obvious choice would be a Yaris, but we can only buy very local, and no Yaris are close enough. The 5-doors of the Matiz appeal, as does the good spec. Are there any known issues I should be checking for?

Asked on 7 March 2013 by leighriley

Answered by Honest John
They need regular timing belt replacements. They are nothing like the quality of a Yaris. The Spark was a huge improvement over the Matiz, with new timing chain engines.

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