2012 Chevrolet Aveo petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Chevrolet Aveo petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Chevrolet Aveo petrol than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Engine oil leaks3.3× usual
  Chevrolet Aveo

  19.6% All 2012 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Exhaust system3.6× usual
  Chevrolet Aveo

  17.9% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Ball joint dust cover4× usual
  Chevrolet Aveo

  9.6% All 2012 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Chevrolet Aveo

  14.7% All 2012 cars

  8.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12%, against 3.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Individual direction indicators2.3× usual
  Chevrolet Aveo

  6.7% All 2012 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2012 Chevrolet Aveo petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Chevrolet Aveo petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  49% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  32% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  19% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Brakes
  17% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Chevrolet Aveo petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2012 Chevrolet Aveo petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2012 Chevrolet Aveo petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2012 Chevrolet Aveo petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?