IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2005 Chevrolet Matiz

The Italdesign-restyled M200 Matiz was the first to wear a Chevrolet badge in the UK, replacing the Daewoo-badged car with a new upper body, revised S-TEC engines and a centre-mounted dial pack.

What changed for 2005

  • •0.8-litre three-cylinder and 1.0-litre four-cylinder S-TEC petrol engines with a 5-speed manual; the 1.0 could also be had with an automatic.
  • •Twist-beam rear suspension and cast front lower arms replaced the earlier three-link beam axle and pressed arms.
  • •Interior redesigned around a central instrument cluster, with a more modern dashboard than the Daewoo-era car.

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Corroded sills, rear arches and floor edges on cars that have lived on salted roads.
  • !Worn front drop links and track rod ends causing knocks and play at the steering rack.
  • !Blown number plate and headlamp bulbs, and failed rear brake cylinders on neglected cars.
2
Known Issues
1
Serious
0
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Structural Corrosion

SeriousBodywork & Rust

Matiz models are prone to rust in the sills, floor pans, and rear arches, which can lead to MOT failure.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£800 (Welding costs)
Warning Signs:

Visible rust on sills, Bubbling paint on arches, MOT advisories for corrosion

What to Inspect:
  • Underbody inspection
  • Check behind the plastic sill covers if possible
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Central Locking and Electrical Failures

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The central locking solenoids can fail, leaving doors stuck locked or unlocked. Headlamp bulbs also blow frequently, and the number plate lamp often fails.

Est. Repair Cost: £50–£200
Warning Signs:

Central locking not working, Headlamp bulbs blowing frequently, Number plate light failure, Intermittent electrical issues

What to Inspect:
  • Test all door locks from the key fob
  • Check all exterior lights work
  • Ask about bulb replacement history
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2005 Chevrolet Matiz

  • Check the cambelt change history on the 1.0 and the service record on the 0.8, as cheap cars are often skipped at servicing.
  • Lift the carpet and inspect the floor and sills; a cheap Matiz is not worth welding once corrosion is structural.
  • Check the automatic on the 1.0 for harsh or slow shifts, and prefer a manual if you can find one.
  • Confirm the central locking works from the key fob on every door before buying.
2006–2007
Check a 2005 Chevrolet Matiz by Registration