2010 Chevrolet Spark: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Chevrolet Spark?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Chevrolet Spark than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Rigid brake pipes4.8× usual
  Chevrolet Spark

  31.5% All 2010 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 1.1% of all 2010 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.

• Braking performance2.8× usual
  Chevrolet Spark

  16.6% All 2010 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 2.4% of all 2010 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.

• Front strut mounts and bushes11.6× usual
  Chevrolet Spark

  8.1% All 2010 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.1% of all 2010 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 system1.6× usual
  Chevrolet Spark

  11.5% All 2010 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 2% of all 2010 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.

• Wipers2.1× usual
  Chevrolet Spark

  7% All 2010 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.3% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2010 Chevrolet Spark MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Chevrolet Spark MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  50% 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
  38% 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.

• Tyres
  33% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  32% 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
  13% 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 emissions
  12% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 Chevrolet Spark

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 4.8× as often on the 2010 Chevrolet Spark as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2010 Chevrolet Spark as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 11.6× as often on the 2010 Chevrolet Spark as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?