2003 Daewoo Kalos: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Daewoo Kalos?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Daewoo Kalos than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.4× usual
  Daewoo Kalos

  20.3% All 2003 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 1.9% of all 2003 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.

• Headlights1.9× usual
  Daewoo Kalos

  21.8% All 2003 cars

  11.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 4.6% of all 2003 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.

• Front strut mounts and bushes6.9× usual
  Daewoo Kalos

  6.2% All 2003 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.1% of all 2003 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.

• Front struts8.4× usual
  Daewoo Kalos

  5.9% All 2003 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.2% of all 2003 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings1.9× usual
  Daewoo Kalos

  11.9% All 2003 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 3.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

Common 2003 Daewoo Kalos MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Daewoo Kalos MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  57% 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
  47% 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
  44% 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
  30% 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
  22% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  18% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Daewoo Kalos

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2003 Daewoo Kalos as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Daewoo Kalos as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 6.9× as often on the 2003 Daewoo Kalos as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?