Used car guide

2008 Chevrolet Lacetti: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Chevrolet Lacettis, from 348 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 348 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

348MOT tests in 2025
54%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
4,100typical miles a year
2.6×the usual rate for engine oil leaks

What stands out

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

  • Engine oil leaks2.6× usual
    Chevrolet Lacetti
    32.8% All 2008 cars
    12.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, 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.

  • Rigid brake pipes2.6× usual
    Chevrolet Lacetti
    24.7% All 2008 cars
    9.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.5% 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.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.3× usual
    Chevrolet Lacetti
    13.5% All 2008 cars
    4.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 10.3%, against 1.9% of all 2008 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.

  • Braking performance2.1× usual
    Chevrolet Lacetti
    13.5% All 2008 cars
    6.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 2.5% 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.

By area

The share of 2008 Chevrolet Lacetti 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.

  • Suspension
    41% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    33% 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.

  • Tyres
    32% 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
    14% 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.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2010166Brakes 50%
2009405Brakes 57%
2007273Brakes 52%
2006187Suspension 56%
2005105Suspension 51%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Chevrolet Lacettis registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score