IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2008 Chevrolet Matiz

From 2008 the 0.8 was recalibrated to emit under 120g/km, putting it in the cheap UK £35 road-tax band and exempting it from London's Congestion Charge, which makes later cars attractive to city buyers.

What changed for 2008

  • •800cc engine revised to emit below 120g/km CO2, qualifying for the £35 annual tax band and the London Congestion Charge exemption.
  • •Late-run M200/M250 cars were carried forward largely unchanged until replacement by the Spark in 2010.
  • •Later cars are generally better equipped, so check which items such as air conditioning and electric windows are fitted.

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Corrosion in sills and rear arches remains the commonest structural advisory even on later cars.
  • !Exhaust blowing or rotting at the rear silencer, a frequent failure on high-mileage city runabouts.
  • !Tired front suspension bushes and lower arm joints on cars kept on potholed urban roads.
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Known Issues
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Serious
0
Moderate
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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 2008 Chevrolet Matiz

  • Check the 0.8's tax band on the V5C and DVLA record, as pre-2008 cars pay more.
  • Test the air conditioning and heater blower if fitted, as repairs can exceed the value of an old Matiz.
  • Look for a stamped service book; many surviving cars were maintained to a bare minimum.
  • Listen to the clutch take-up on a hill start, as city use wears clutches early.
2006–20072009–2010
Check a 2008 Chevrolet Matiz by Registration