2005 Chevrolet Lacetti: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Chevrolet Lacetti?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Chevrolet Lacetti than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Engine oil leaks2.1× usual
  Chevrolet Lacetti

  27.5% All 2005 cars

  13.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.3% of all 2005 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.5× usual
  Chevrolet Lacetti

  18.9% All 2005 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 15.5%, against 2.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

• Rust in key structural areas7.3× usual
  Chevrolet Lacetti

  9.5% All 2005 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 0.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Front strut mounts and bushes11.9× usual
  Chevrolet Lacetti

  8.3% All 2005 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.1% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

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

• Number plates2.3× usual
  Chevrolet Lacetti

  14.6% All 2005 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 2005 Chevrolet Lacetti MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Chevrolet Lacetti MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% 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
  46% 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
  42% 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
  33% 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
  29% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  20% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Chevrolet Lacetti

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 2.1× as often on the 2005 Chevrolet Lacetti as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2005 Chevrolet Lacetti as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust in key structural areas? (Flagged at MOT 7.3× as often on the 2005 Chevrolet Lacetti as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?