2010 Chevrolet Matiz: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Chevrolet Matiz?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Chevrolet Matiz than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Rigid brake pipes3.6× usual
  Chevrolet Matiz

  23.1% All 2010 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.1% of all 2010 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.

• Wheel bearings7.4× usual
  Chevrolet Matiz

  14.1% All 2010 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 0.8% of all 2010 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.

• Braking performance2.4× usual
  Chevrolet Matiz

  14.2% All 2010 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 2.4% of all 2010 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.

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

  8.3% All 2010 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.1% of all 2010 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.

• Exhaust system2× usual
  Chevrolet Matiz

  13.7% All 2010 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 2% of all 2010 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 2010 Chevrolet Matiz MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Chevrolet Matiz MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  43% 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
  42% 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
  34% 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
  15% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% 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 2010 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2010 Chevrolet Matiz as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 7.4× as often on the 2010 Chevrolet Matiz as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2010 Chevrolet Matiz as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?