2008 Chevrolet Tacuma: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Rigid brake pipes3.4× usual
  Chevrolet Tacuma

  31.1% All 2008 cars

  9.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, 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.

• Engine oil leaks2.7× usual
  Chevrolet Tacuma

  29.7% All 2008 cars

  11%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.3% of all 2008 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.

• Headlights3× usual
  Chevrolet Tacuma

  25.9% All 2008 cars

  8.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 4% 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.

• Braking performance2.4× usual
  Chevrolet Tacuma

  15.6% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, 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.

Common 2008 Chevrolet Tacuma MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  47% 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
  41% 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
  40% 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.

• Suspension
  38% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  31% 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
  18% 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 2008 Chevrolet Tacuma

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 3.4× as often on the 2008 Chevrolet Tacuma as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2008 Chevrolet Tacuma as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2008 Chevrolet Tacuma as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?