Used car guide

2005 Chevrolet Kalos: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Chevrolet Kaloss, from 312 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 312 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

312MOT tests in 2025
50%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 58%)
3,300typical miles a year
1.9×the usual rate for headlights

What stands out

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

  • Headlights1.9× usual
    Chevrolet Kalos
    26.3% All 2005 cars
    14.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 4.9% of all 2005 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 performance2.2× usual
    Chevrolet Kalos
    15.4% All 2005 cars
    6.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.7% of all 2005 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 mountings2.1× usual
    Chevrolet Kalos
    12.5% All 2005 cars
    6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8%, against 2.7% 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.

By area

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

  • Suspension
    57% 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
    48% 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
    36% 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.

  • Brakes
    35% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    26% 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
    13% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Looking at a Chevrolet Kalos?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2008481Suspension 60%
2007662Suspension 57%
2006414Suspension 63%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Chevrolet Kaloss registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score