2013 Chevrolet Spark: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Chevrolet Spark?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Chevrolet Spark than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Rigid brake pipes7.9× usual
  Chevrolet Spark

  36.9% All 2013 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 0.6% of all 2013 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 performance3.1× usual
  Chevrolet Spark

  13.5% All 2013 cars

  4.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 1.6% of all 2013 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.

• Exhaust system2.8× usual
  Chevrolet Spark

  12.9% All 2013 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.2% of all 2013 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.

• Front strut mounts and bushes14.3× usual
  Chevrolet Spark

  8.6% All 2013 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.1% of all 2013 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 lights2.3× usual
  Chevrolet Spark

  14.3% All 2013 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.8% of all 2013 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.

Common 2013 Chevrolet Spark MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 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.

• Suspension
  41% 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
  34% 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
  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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  13% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% 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 2013 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 7.9× as often on the 2013 Chevrolet Spark as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2013 Chevrolet Spark as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2013 Chevrolet Spark as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?