2005 Chevrolet Matiz: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Chevrolet Matizs, from 401 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 401 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2005 Chevrolet Matizs than on all cars registered in 2005.
- Wheel bearings4.9× usualChevrolet Matiz18.2% All 2005 cars3.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 1.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.5× usualChevrolet Matiz15.2% All 2005 cars6%
Failed outright at MOT: 9.5%, against 2.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Braking performance2.3× usualChevrolet Matiz15.7% All 2005 cars6.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 2.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Exhaust system1.9× usualChevrolet Matiz17.7% All 2005 cars9.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 2.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Anti-roll bar bushes and joints4.8× usualChevrolet Matiz7.7% All 2005 cars1.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) CheckatradeAt the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.
By area
The share of 2005 Chevrolet Matiz MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics53% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension52% 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.
- Brakes41% 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.
- Tyres36% 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 emissions20% 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 bodywork19% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 697 | Brakes 43% |
| 2009 | 2,870 | Suspension 47% |
| 2008 | 1,716 | Suspension 50% |
| 2007 | 1,564 | Suspension 49% |
| 2006 | 917 | Suspension 53% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Chevrolet Matizs registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score