I think there could be a problem with the electrical engineering of the Aveo. A new car should not give you a shock, perhaps an electrical ground needs to be installed. I mean the extra electricity jumping around could interfere with the electronics in the car or screw up my laptop computer.
It is not a car design it is a combination of a number of things. Like a reply said, dry climates contribute to this problem. In the large cities I still see people driving around with a static strap hanging from their cars which touches the ground. This practice started in the 1970's from what I recall. A major warning last winter here in the Midwest was to not re-enter your vehicle while fueling. What was happening was during the winter people were fueling their cars and because it was cold, got back into their car, and while exiting they had a static build up and didn't touch any metal until they removed the gas hose which for a few caused an explosion because of the static spark and the fumes of the gas. The warning asks that people do not enter their cars or even use a cell phone while fueling, as well as smoking which some people still do (Do Not Smoke At A Gas Station). Another warning is to never fuel portable gas tanks in the bed of a pick up truck because that too causes explosions.
The spark "trick" that I described is not specific to the Aveo. In fact, I've never tried it on this car. I used to be able to do it every time I got out of my old Accord though.
Does anyone know where the drain and fill are on the Aveo 5spd manual? I want to put in the synthetic for winter and can't find how to do it. Dealer is no help. Any ideas?
Mine was mounted on the left side of the steering column, on the lower half of the plastic housing that is immediately behind the steering wheel. It is easy to see/use, but does not get in the way in entry/exit of the vehicle. While it doesn't look 100% "factory", I would say it looks very close. And, most importantly, it does act 100% functionally...just like it was factory installed. Of course, you have the option of locating the lever any where you prefer, which some may actually see as an advantage.
Hi, We're thinking about buying an Aveo. Before I read most of this forum I picked out that it has the same engine as my 01 daewoo lanos. It makes me nervous because our timing belt on the 'woo broke at 70k, (2grand later) it hasn't been the same since. I don't want make the same mistake again. IS it the same engine, or has it been modified? Also, the parts for the 'woo are hard to find and very expensive. That seems crazy if this is the repackaged car.
I take it the person who replaced the first timing belt at the recommended 60K didn't do the job right, or it was never replaced since it broke at 70K which is way pushing it for a timing belt on an interference engine that had a specification to be replaced at 60K.
It is the same engine with minor changes. Since the Aveo in the first year has far exceeded the total number of Daewoo cars sold in the US, no doubt the parts aftermarket will start to carry some of the other parts for the Aveo.
I had the Leman's (Daewoo) and it was a decent car though the fit and finish were not the greatest. It wasn't the most reliable in that when it rained hard, or there was a lot of moisture in the air, it sometimes didn't start. It was an electrical ignition coil issue with the coil being placed in a stupid place under the car and it was also poorly sealed from the elements. Luckily I had an extended warranty, and eventually got rid of it at 44,000 miles. The Aveo is way way better than that car. My Leman's only had 74 hp, but it was sufficient and got decent mileage.
The belt on the Aveo should have been changed at 60,000 miles like most all of the Japanese cars, and then again at 120,000 miles. Only the steel timing chains (Cobalt) can go 100,000 miles or longer.
Also, the water pump and the timing belt normaly get changed together. I was happy to find out that the Aveo does not use dexcool coolant. I don't think I want a car that does.
What's wrong with Dexcool. From what I have read it is the best way to go and I was looking forward to it being that I wouldn't have to change the anti-freeze every 2 years.
Dexcool doesn't last under oridinary conditions as advertised. I wonder why GM was being sued as part of a class action lawsuit over all the Dexcool related problems in the GM vehicles?
Regular good antifreeze on the Aveo is the way to go. They didn't have to worry about the metal to metal galvanic interactions in the cooling system when designing the cooling system. No worries about any build up of waste in the cooling system if it gets maintained properly as it would be flushed out at least every two years. It only costs around $50 to have the cooling system properly flushed and filled.
Do any of the auto industry long term quality leaders use Dexcool? i.e. Honda or Toyota.
Since the Aveo does not come with dexcool, I probably should not have mentioned it but I did. Dexcool was on my mind from dealing with an older GM car. My understanding is that you should flush and change your coolant at least every 2 years or 30,000 miles to be safe. If not gunked up , just a water flush should do.In most cases do not add aditives to your car.The wrong additve could have a bad effect on a seal or a sensor. Also,maintaining the correct coolant level is very important. One good thing about the Aveo, is that it has been around a couple of yaers.That will be important for those who may be incinded to go for the lastest and greatest cars coming soon.
Not meaning to disagree but I have never heard of any law suites regarding Dexcool. If it was so bad they wouldn't have it in the vehicles that they offer. I think Prestone or one of the other manufactures makes it for them. I believe Ford and a couple others also use a version of it. If it's ok it would be better for the environment.
FYI the class action lawsuit was filed two months ago. You can google dexcool and lawsuit together to get lots of good hits.
My prior post pretty much sums up the reason for the Dexcool problems. GM did not initially take into account the galvanic action of the organic acids when using different metals and gasket materials.
This is the reason in the Aveo which is a basic transportation car designed to sell at the most economical price, they did not put the extra cost into making sure the Dexcool would not cause a problem. Standard antifreeze is the way to go with regular changes in the Aveo.
Okay, so I bought a used 2004 Aveo (purchased originally new in January 2005) with 15,000 miles for $8225 and I've tested it pretty well at this point....
Here are my thoughts--
pros:
-Assembled overseas w/Korean Engine & Japanese Transmission (Usually I don't buy American)--more Foreign than a Honda. -CHEAP! if you can find a used 2004 for $6500-$8300 you can really pay it off quickly (24 mos. or less). -pretty good gas mileage (around 25-35 mix of city/highway), better if you're a master with the stick. -EASY to park (I squeezed easy into those parallel half-spaces left by surburban SUV's) -fun to drive if you buy the stick....a real race car at Red Lights. -EASY to find parts because it's GM -28 months left on the warranty -don't have to wait until Spring for the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, or Toyota Yaris. -Italian designed (Giugiaro -Italdesign)...looks A LOT like a Fiat Punto--with reason!! -still novel enough for people to say "what is that, a Fiat?" -enough space for 5 people...yes, pretty hard to believe!! -Cheaper than Hyundai, Cheaper than a Kia... cons: -I don't expect to sell this car in 3 or 4 years for more than $1500 or so. -Manual Locks and you have to lock the driver's side door from the outside with the key. -First and Second Gear rev to 3000 rpm too quickly, you need to change gears to third to go more than 25 MPH. -Air Conditioner takes a lot of power (but then again, so did my Civic and my impreza) -bad side crash rating
Pro - -Good power for a small car with an auto. -auto shifting is very smooth. -low cabin noise at highway speed (for a small car) -carries lots of groceries with the rear seat folded down.
Con - -Cheap tires, plan to replace by 10,000 miles. -No remote release for the hatchback, the mechanism is there, but not the cable. -have to lock and unlock the tail gate a lot since no remote release. -split rear seat should have the 60% side on the passenger side, not the driver side -would like a bigger gas tank for 500 mile range, but the car is so small, what are ya gonna do
I've heard that it's the same 1.6L engine and there is a history of timing belt/tensioner failures.
Am having problems with the timing belt and a persistent growling noise on a 2004 Aveo with 42K miles right now. Dealer inspected belt and lubricated -- the noise was right back 100 miles later.
Will be scheduling appt. for replacement, hopefully under warrantee. Along with suspension issues, I'm not too hopeful about this model and trouble-free operation. GM/Daewoo didn't sweat the details. Wish I'd bought something else.
Also, the dealer doesn't seem to stock any parts for the Aveo. They couldn't even get a transmission filter kit for days on special order.
I may be wrong but I believe it is a different engine than my Daewoo (Leman's) of years past. They both share the same 1.6 liter engine size, but I read that the current one is beefier in its cast for reliability and quietness. Additionally they have different electronics and fuel injection. My old 1.6 L engine did not have a DOHC (dual over head cam) engine.
The 1.6L engine in the Daewoos and now the Aveo had no problems with premature timing belt or tensioner failures. It was the GM Holden made 2.0L and 2.2L that had that problem.
The 1.6L in the 98 to 2000 Lanos had a poorly designed thermostat housing that would crack. They fixed that with a redesign mid 2001 model year.
There were lots of instances of owners not replacing the timing belt on schedule on the Lanos and it would faii damagin the valves.
I live in Edmonton Alberta Canada. In a week or so our roads will be snow and ice covered and will stay that way til April as we dont use salt or even plow much. We pretty much flatten out the snow and drive on it. I drive regularly into the mountains for snowboarding. My tires on my 2004 Aveo hatchback bought new in june, the Kumho's suck on snow. Now the question: Stock tires 185/60/r14, The studded tires I want as part of a rims/tire package come in 165/70 is it okay to change the tire profile? :confuse:
The general rules for changing tire size are: 1. The car must NOT have ABS or Traction control, otherwise the exact factory tire size should be maintained. In reality going one size larger usually does not cause a problem with the ABS. 2. The tires MUST have the same or higher load rating. I am pretty certain the 165/70 does not have the same load rating as the 185/60. Best to have the tire place look it up. 3. As always the speed rating must be the same or higher, with the exception of specific snow tires and the expectation that you will not be going over the lower speed rating of the snow tire.
To answer your question, going to your specified much smaller tire size is a bad idea. I think the nearest comparable tire size for load rating would be a 175/75 and that might be possible in a snow/studded tire combination. Check with your local reputable tire shop for what will work and fit properly. I am pretty certain that the only recommended tire sizes for that car without ABS would be the 185/60, 185/65, 195/60.
Thanks for the info, I will have Canadian Tire check for me. They have Michellin X-ice tires in the proper size. Supposedly a decent snow and ice tire but not stud compatible. Have you ever heard of it?
Was just researching the 06 Aveo hatchback on carsdirect.com, and came across a "maui blue special package" that is like $870. It includes a 6 disc in-dash player and 6 speaker upgrade, among other things. Does anyone know anything about this? There isn't much info as far as what the "maui blue" has to do with the package.
Iam wanting to upgrade the sound system in my 05 aveo hatch. Not happy with stock speakers, and would like to spend no more than 150 on something new. I have no idea if I need a box, amp or just a good set of speakers. Does anyone have any ideas on what my car needs to have a better sound. Plus, does anyone ever notice the suspension sometimes making a few noises hear and there..just wandering if normal. melissa
Sorry I don't have the car but I have read of at least one member in the forum that changed his system. I believe he put a head unit in along with speakers. It was more than a month back. There also are some people that customized their cars with one reader hot rodding his engine with a claimed 200 hp or so.
I have an 04 Aveo w/ 16,800 miles on it and have been hearing a shuddering noise (like Jake brakes on a truck) along with feeling a vibration in my steering wheel when I brake. I took it in for service today and it turns out that my front brake pads were cracked and the rotors were badly warped. Thank god it was done under warranty. Also my lighter broke and I bought a new one but it does not work. I also noticed that my cell phone doesn't charge with the 12v adapter plug in the center console. I think perhaps I may have blown a fuse or something. I saw an "06" Aveo at the dealter and noticed that they have changed the auto trans shift stick, have side airbags and cruise. I also noticed that the instrument cluster housing, vents and door handles are the same type of metalic color that the bottom spokes of my steering wheel are.
Plus, does anyone ever notice the suspension sometimes making a few noises hear and there..just wandering if normal.
Unfortunately, suspension crunches DO seem to be normal. It's a common complaint and there is a service bulletin for it. The recommended "fix" doesn't work, though, and the dealers have no other options.
Mine has creaked, groaned and crunched since I got it and I'll just have to live with it until the aftermarket manufacturers come up with better replacement struts and shocks. To my knowledge, none are available yet.
Here's some of my feedback -- 1. MPG -- now I get 27/36 mpg. But it was much worse before I hit the 10k mark. 2. Clock problem -- as reported by others, I also experience the clock problem. It comes on and off (more off than on), and occasionally resets itself. Although it's just small inconvenience, I'm afraid it's a result of some fundamental wiring defect. (Can't they make a simple clock right?) 3. Starter problem -- Very occasionally when I turn my key to start the engine, the starter just cranks without trying to engage the engine. It makes such funny noise that you know you need to stop because something is not right. Luckily I just waited a few seconds and re-tried and it's fine. But it can be an indication of a bigger problem. Could it be a weak battery? Not sure. 4. Space -- I like the large trunk. As shown in my photo, after detaching the front wheel I can fit my mountain bike inside stand-up. Since I never have back-seat passengers, recently I even removed the back-seat completely and got a bigger room.
Well, mine definitely had a premature timing belt issue starting at 38k and being replaced at 42k under warranty. The dealer was going to charge me $505 for the replacement -- even they didn't know about the 60k powertrain coverage. I had to call GM and we ended up on a 3-way call over this. :mad:
Regarding the sound of your speakers in the Aveo. YOur best bet for the money you want to spend is to just replace the stock speakers and leave everything else alone. You just want to make sure that your replacement speakers power handling watts is a good match for your amp. Try Crutchfield catalog.
from what I have read the hatch is a carry over. Bad move. With the Versa , the Fit and the Yaris all coming to the USA Chevy should have updated the Hatch at the same time. Not that GM is good at listening to the public or anything.
I have been searching other countries sites and have found that in europe there is a 2 door aveo hatch... now i wish that would come to the united states as well as an update for the body. the new 2007 aveo looks too much like a malibu with the updated rear. if only gm would listen... if only! i even work for them and they dont listen LOL. good luck getting them to listen to the public
I was just at NAIAS in Detroit and some Chevy guys on the floor heard that a complete redesign hatch is in the works at Daewoo (along with new Mantiz) and should be available for an 07 release...
Comments
Good luck,
Dave
We're thinking about buying an Aveo. Before I read most of this forum I picked out that it has the same engine as my 01 daewoo lanos. It makes me nervous because our timing belt on the 'woo broke at 70k, (2grand later) it hasn't been the same since. I don't want make the same mistake again. IS it the same engine, or has it been modified? Also, the parts for the 'woo are hard to find and very expensive. That seems crazy if this is the repackaged car.
It is the same engine with minor changes. Since the Aveo in the first year has far exceeded the total number of Daewoo cars sold in the US, no doubt the parts aftermarket will start to carry some of the other parts for the Aveo.
The belt on the Aveo should have been changed at 60,000 miles like most all of the Japanese cars, and then again at 120,000 miles. Only the steel timing chains (Cobalt) can go 100,000 miles or longer.
http://www.gmtechlink.com/images/issues/nov04/TL_Nov_04.pdf
Also, the water pump and the timing belt normaly get changed together. I was happy to find out that the Aveo does not use dexcool coolant. I don't think I want a car that does.
Regular good antifreeze on the Aveo is the way to go. They didn't have to worry about the metal to metal galvanic interactions in the cooling system when designing the cooling system. No worries about any build up of waste in the cooling system if it gets maintained properly as it would be flushed out at least every two years. It only costs around $50 to have the cooling system properly flushed and filled.
Do any of the auto industry long term quality leaders use Dexcool? i.e. Honda or Toyota.
My understanding is that you should flush and change your coolant at least every 2 years or 30,000 miles to be safe. If not gunked up , just a water flush should do.In most cases do not add aditives to your car.The wrong additve could have a bad effect on a seal or a sensor. Also,maintaining the correct coolant level is very important.
One good thing about the Aveo, is that it has been around a couple of yaers.That will be important for those who may be incinded to go for the lastest and greatest cars coming soon.
Some messages talk about 35 mpg, is that possible? What do they mean by updating software?
Thanks..
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3828/is_200408/ai_n9453107
You can google dexcool and lawsuit together to get lots of good hits.
My prior post pretty much sums up the reason for the Dexcool problems. GM did not initially take into account the galvanic action of the organic acids when using different metals and gasket materials.
This is the reason in the Aveo which is a basic transportation car designed to sell at the most economical price, they did not put the extra cost into making sure the Dexcool would not cause a problem. Standard antifreeze is the way to go with regular changes in the Aveo.
Here are my thoughts--
pros:
-Assembled overseas w/Korean Engine & Japanese Transmission (Usually I don't buy American)--more Foreign than a Honda.
-CHEAP! if you can find a used 2004 for $6500-$8300 you can really pay it off quickly (24 mos. or less).
-pretty good gas mileage (around 25-35 mix of city/highway), better if you're a master with the stick.
-EASY to park (I squeezed easy into those parallel half-spaces left by surburban SUV's)
-fun to drive if you buy the stick....a real race car at Red Lights.
-EASY to find parts because it's GM
-28 months left on the warranty
-don't have to wait until Spring for the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, or Toyota Yaris.
-Italian designed (Giugiaro -Italdesign)...looks A LOT like a Fiat Punto--with reason!!
-still novel enough for people to say "what is that, a Fiat?"
-enough space for 5 people...yes, pretty hard to believe!!
-Cheaper than Hyundai, Cheaper than a Kia...
cons:
-I don't expect to sell this car in 3 or 4 years for more than $1500 or so.
-Manual Locks and you have to lock the driver's side door from the outside with the key.
-First and Second Gear rev to 3000 rpm too quickly, you need to change gears to third to go more than 25 MPH.
-Air Conditioner takes a lot of power (but then again, so did my Civic and my impreza)
-bad side crash rating
Pro -
-Good power for a small car with an auto.
-auto shifting is very smooth.
-low cabin noise at highway speed (for a small car)
-carries lots of groceries with the rear seat folded down.
Con -
-Cheap tires, plan to replace by 10,000 miles.
-No remote release for the hatchback, the mechanism is there, but not the cable.
-have to lock and unlock the tail gate a lot since no remote release.
-split rear seat should have the 60% side on the passenger side, not the driver side
-would like a bigger gas tank for 500 mile range, but the car is so small, what are ya gonna do
Am having problems with the timing belt and a persistent growling noise on a 2004 Aveo with 42K miles right now. Dealer inspected belt and lubricated -- the noise was right back 100 miles later.
Will be scheduling appt. for replacement, hopefully under warrantee. Along with suspension issues, I'm not too hopeful about this model and trouble-free operation. GM/Daewoo didn't sweat the details. Wish I'd bought something else.
Also, the dealer doesn't seem to stock any parts for the Aveo. They couldn't even get a transmission filter kit for days on special order.
The 1.6L in the 98 to 2000 Lanos had a poorly designed thermostat housing that would crack. They fixed that with a redesign mid 2001 model year.
There were lots of instances of owners not replacing the timing belt on schedule on the Lanos and it would faii damagin the valves.
Thanks
Yos
Stock tires 185/60/r14, The studded tires I want as part of a rims/tire package come in 165/70 is it okay to change the tire profile? :confuse:
1. The car must NOT have ABS or Traction control, otherwise the exact factory tire size should be maintained. In reality going one size larger usually does not cause a problem with the ABS.
2. The tires MUST have the same or higher load rating. I am pretty certain the 165/70 does not have the same load rating as the 185/60. Best to have the tire place look it up.
3. As always the speed rating must be the same or higher, with the exception of specific snow tires and the expectation that you will not be going over the lower speed rating of the snow tire.
To answer your question, going to your specified much smaller tire size is a bad idea. I think the nearest comparable tire size for load rating would be a 175/75 and that might be possible in a snow/studded tire combination. Check with your local reputable tire shop for what will work and fit properly. I am pretty certain that the only recommended tire sizes for that car without ABS would be the 185/60, 185/65, 195/60.
thx
Unfortunately, suspension crunches DO seem to be normal. It's a common complaint and there is a service bulletin for it. The recommended "fix" doesn't work, though, and the dealers have no other options.
Mine has creaked, groaned and crunched since I got it and I'll just have to live with it until the aftermarket manufacturers come up with better replacement struts and shocks. To my knowledge, none are available yet.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mht_in_la/album?.dir=247c&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%- 3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mht_in_la/my_photos
Here's some of my feedback --
1. MPG -- now I get 27/36 mpg. But it was much worse before I hit the 10k mark.
2. Clock problem -- as reported by others, I also experience the clock problem. It comes on and off (more off than on), and occasionally resets itself. Although it's just small inconvenience, I'm afraid it's a result of some fundamental wiring defect. (Can't they make a simple clock right?)
3. Starter problem -- Very occasionally when I turn my key to start the engine, the starter just cranks without trying to engage the engine. It makes such funny noise that you know you need to stop because something is not right. Luckily I just waited a few seconds and re-tried and it's fine. But it can be an indication of a bigger problem. Could it be a weak battery? Not sure.
4. Space -- I like the large trunk. As shown in my photo, after detaching the front wheel I can fit my mountain bike inside stand-up. Since I never have back-seat passengers, recently I even removed the back-seat completely and got a bigger room.
That's it folks. Comments are welcome.
I would mention that starter issue with the dealer and see what they say. Is your car an auto or stick shift?