2010 Chevrolet Matiz 1.0L Petrol · LP59 MWG

The 995cc petrol Matiz is genuinely economical to run, with real-world fuel economy typically in the 45–50 mpg range, which keeps fuel costs low for a primarily urban driver. Road tax sits in a low band for this engine size, and insurance is inexpensive thanks to the car's group 1 or 2 rating depending on the variant. Insurance groups should still be checked individually as some 1.0 Matiz variants vary slightly.

Maintenance is generally affordable when parts are available, but sourcing components is becoming harder as the model ages and Chevrolet has withdrawn from the UK market. Tyres, brakes, and basic service items remain reasonably priced, but suspension parts and certain trim pieces may need to be sourced from specialists or breakers. Estimated annual running costs for a low-mileage example like this would likely fall in the £600–£900 range covering fuel, tax, insurance, and routine servicing.

The single recorded MOT failure in December 2022 flagged two significant mechanical items: the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, which was deemed likely to become detached, and the nearside rear wheel bearing with excessive play. Both areas should be inspected closely — jack the car up and check for play in the front suspension arm, examine the boot for grease contamination from a worn joint, and spin the rear wheel by hand to listen for rumble from the bearing. Even though the car passed its January 2026 test with no advisories, suspension components on a 16-year-old car are age-sensitive.

Beyond the recorded defects, the Matiz has known weak points worth checking: headlamps (the model's most common MOT failure reason in the aggregate data), tyres and shock absorbers. Inspect the headlamp lenses for clouding or cracking, check all four tyres for even wear and adequate tread (the car has been lightly used so look for sidewall cracking from age), and push down on each corner to test the shock absorbers for firmness. Also check the rear number plate area for the deterioration noted in the 2024 advisory, examine the bodywork for the typical Matiz rust hotspots around the wheel arches and sills, and confirm all electrics function including the central locking and wipers.