2009 Chevrolet Matiz: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Chevrolet Matiz?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Chevrolet Matiz than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Rigid brake pipes3.3× usual
  Chevrolet Matiz

  23.5% All 2009 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.2% of all 2009 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.

• Wheel bearings6.6× usual
  Chevrolet Matiz

  13.9% All 2009 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 0.8% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Front strut mounts and bushes9.9× usual
  Chevrolet Matiz

  7.9% All 2009 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.1% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Exhaust system1.7× usual
  Chevrolet Matiz

  13.6% All 2009 cars

  7.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 2.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Shock absorbers1.8× usual
  Chevrolet Matiz

  12.6% All 2009 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Common 2009 Chevrolet Matiz MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Chevrolet Matiz MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% 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.

• Brakes
  42% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  37% 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
  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
  15% 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
  15% 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 2009 Chevrolet Matiz

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 3.3× as often on the 2009 Chevrolet Matiz as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 6.6× as often on the 2009 Chevrolet Matiz as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 9.9× as often on the 2009 Chevrolet Matiz as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?