2006 Chevrolet Matiz: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Chevrolet Matiz?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Chevrolet Matiz than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Wheel bearings4.6× usual
  Chevrolet Matiz

  14.8% All 2006 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 1.2% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Headlights1.6× usual
  Chevrolet Matiz

  21.1% All 2006 cars

  13%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.8%, against 5% of all 2006 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.

• Braking performance2.1× usual
  Chevrolet Matiz

  14.7% All 2006 cars

  6.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 2.9% of all 2006 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.6× usual
  Chevrolet Matiz

  12.5% All 2006 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.6%, against 2.4% of all 2006 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.

• Exhaust system1.7× usual
  Chevrolet Matiz

  15.6% All 2006 cars

  9.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 2.6% of all 2006 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.

Common 2006 Chevrolet Matiz MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Chevrolet Matiz MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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
  47% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  41% 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.

• 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  17% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  17% 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 2006 Chevrolet Matiz

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

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 2006 Chevrolet Matiz as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2006 Chevrolet Matiz as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2006 Chevrolet Matiz as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?