2008 Chevrolet Aveo: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Rigid brake pipes2.8× usual
  Chevrolet Aveo

  26.2% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, 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.

• Track rod ends3.3× usual
  Chevrolet Aveo

  16.7% All 2008 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.6%, against 2.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usual
  Chevrolet Aveo

  21.8% All 2008 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 2.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Headlights1.8× usual
  Chevrolet Aveo

  16.1% All 2008 cars

  9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 4.1% 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× usual
  Chevrolet Aveo

  13.3% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, 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 Aveo MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  58% 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
  45% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  43% 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.

• Tyres
  35% 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
  17% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  16% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo

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 2.8× as often on the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?