2008 Chevrolet Kalos: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Chevrolet Kalos?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Chevrolet Kalos than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Headlights2.6× usual
  Chevrolet Kalos

  23.5% All 2008 cars

  8.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 4.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Rigid brake pipes2.5× usual
  Chevrolet Kalos

  23.2% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.7% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  Chevrolet Kalos

  23.4% All 2008 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.4%, against 2.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Braking performance2.8× usual
  Chevrolet Kalos

  18.4% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 2.7% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Track rod ends2.9× usual
  Chevrolet Kalos

  14.5% All 2008 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 2.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2008 Chevrolet Kalos MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Chevrolet Kalos MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  57% 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.

• Brakes
  45% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  44% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  35% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% 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
  13% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Chevrolet Kalos

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

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2008 Chevrolet Kalos as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2008 Chevrolet Kalos as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2008 Chevrolet Kalos as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?