Daewoo Damas: microvan and van, engine and what the buyer should know
Daewoo Damas — a compact microvan and van, produced since 1991. In this article, we review its versions, engine, and what to check when buying such a specific vehicle.
Damas in brief
Damas — a compact vehicle based on the Suzuki Carry and manufactured in South Korea and Uzbekistan. It's designed for small businesses and families needing an affordable, simple, and easy-to-drive van or microvan.
The body is tall and short, so you can carry plenty of cargo or passengers, even though the vehicle's dimensions are small. The Damas is rare in Lithuania.
Versions — what's the difference
Damas was offered as a cargo van and as a passenger microvan version with additional seats. The van often has no windows at the rear, and the interior is mainly for cargo.
Over several decades, the vehicle has been updated, so early and late models can differ in equipment and appearance. When buying, it's worth verifying the year according to the documents.
Engine and transmission
The engine is a small three-cylinder petrol unit, around 0.8 litres in capacity, with a power output of several dozen horsepower. It's suitable for city driving and short distances, but for long journeys with a full load — it's too underpowered.
The transmission is usually manual. The engine is placed under the front seats, and the driving wheels are the rear ones. This layout provides plenty of space for cargo, but the comfort level is basic.
What to check when buying a Damas
The most important thing is body corrosion, especially in the lower parts, sills and floors. Also check the suspension, steering mechanism, clutch and gearbox, as they are often heavily used.
Look into the service history and whether the car was used for business. It's worth checking the availability of parts in advance, as the model is rare in Lithuania.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.
Damas furgonas
From 1991Commercial version for small businesses.
- Approximately 0.8-litre three-cylinder engine
- Large cargo compartment
- Often — basic equipment
Damas mikroautobusas
From 1991Passenger version with additional seats.
- Approximately 0.8-litre three-cylinder engine
- More seating
- Often — basic interior
Comparison of versions for ladies
| Furgonas | Mikroautobusas | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | For small businesses and cargo | For passengers and families |
| Body | No rear windows, more cargo space | With windows and seats |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € |
The Daewoo Damas is a simple and affordable car for work or a small family. The key is the body condition and history.
Pros
- Affordable to run
- Plenty of space for a small car
- Simple technology
- Easy to drive and park
Cons
- Limited power with a full load
- Basic comfort and safety features
- Rare in Lithuania, parts hard to find
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Daewoo Damas made?
The Damas has been produced since 1991 in South Korea, later also in Uzbekistan.
What engine does the Damas have?
It's roughly a 0.8-litre three-cylinder petrol engine.
Is the Damas suitable for long-haul cargo trips?
Not particularly. The engine has modest power, so it's better suited to city driving and short distances.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically





























