2007 Chevrolet Matiz: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2007 Chevrolet Matizs, from 1,564 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2007 Chevrolet Matizs than on all cars registered in 2007.
- Rigid brake pipes2.2× usualChevrolet Matiz24.7% All 2007 cars11.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.8% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt 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 bearings5.4× usualChevrolet Matiz15.7% All 2007 cars2.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 1.1% of all 2007 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.
- Brakes pulling to one side4.2× usualChevrolet Matiz6.3% All 2007 cars1.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 0.9% of all 2007 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.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.1× usualChevrolet Matiz9.6% All 2007 cars4.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 2.1% of all 2007 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.
- Anti-roll bar bushes and joints4.9× usualChevrolet Matiz5.4% All 2007 cars1.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.2% of all 2007 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.
Coil springs: 2.9% here, against 11.7% of all 2007 cars. Suspension arm bushes and joints: 4% here, against 10.9% of all 2007 cars.
By area
The share of 2007 Chevrolet Matiz MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension49% 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 electrics48% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes44% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks15% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions15% 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
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 697 | Suspension 43% |
| 2009 | 2,870 | Suspension 47% |
| 2008 | 1,716 | Suspension 50% |
| 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 2007 Chevrolet Matizs registered in 2007. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score