2011 Chevrolet Lacetti: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Chevrolet Lacetti?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Chevrolet Lacetti than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Engine oil leaks3.9× usual
  Chevrolet Lacetti

  28.5% All 2011 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.2% of all 2011 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.

• Rigid brake pipes4.4× usual
  Chevrolet Lacetti

  25% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1% of all 2011 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.

• Braking performance2.6× usual
  Chevrolet Lacetti

  13.8% All 2011 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2.1% of all 2011 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.1× usual
  Chevrolet Lacetti

  11.2% All 2011 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.4% of all 2011 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.

• Ball joint2.4× usual
  Chevrolet Lacetti

  13.5% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8%, against 3.1% of all 2011 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.

Common 2011 Chevrolet Lacetti MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Chevrolet Lacetti MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  50% 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.

• Suspension
  44% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  36% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 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 3.9× as often on the 2011 Chevrolet Lacetti as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 4.4× as often on the 2011 Chevrolet Lacetti as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2011 Chevrolet Lacetti as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?