2011 Chevrolet Spark: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Chevrolet Spark?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Chevrolet Spark than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Rigid brake pipes5.8× usual
  Chevrolet Spark

  32.8% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 1% of all 2011 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 performance3.3× usual
  Chevrolet Spark

  17.9% All 2011 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 2.1% of all 2011 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 bushes13.5× usual
  Chevrolet Spark

  8.1% All 2011 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.1% of all 2011 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.

• Number plate lights1.8× usual
  Chevrolet Spark

  13.8% All 2011 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 2.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Brake lights2.4× usual
  Chevrolet Spark

  9.4% All 2011 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.2%, against 3.3% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2011 Chevrolet Spark MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Chevrolet Spark MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  51% 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
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  36% 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
  34% 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 leaks
  12% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 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 5.8× as often on the 2011 Chevrolet Spark as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2011 Chevrolet Spark as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 13.5× as often on the 2011 Chevrolet Spark as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?