2004 Daewoo Kalos: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Daewoo Kalos?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Daewoo Kalos than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Headlights2.1× usual
  Daewoo Kalos

  27% All 2004 cars

  13.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 4.9% of all 2004 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  Daewoo Kalos

  20% All 2004 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 2.1% of all 2004 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.6× usual
  Daewoo Kalos

  16% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.5%, against 2.9% of all 2004 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.

• Front strut mounts and bushes9× usual
  Daewoo Kalos

  7.2% All 2004 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.1% of all 2004 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.

• Braking performance1.9× usual
  Daewoo Kalos

  14.2% All 2004 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 3.1% of all 2004 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.

Common 2004 Daewoo Kalos MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Daewoo Kalos MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  56% 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
  46% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  35% 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.

• 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
  20% 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
  15% 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 2004 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 headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2004 Daewoo Kalos as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2004 Daewoo Kalos as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2004 Daewoo Kalos as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?