CHEVROLET KALOS (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,219 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,875
£156/month
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£165
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 5-15
1150cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
65% pass rate, £1875/year to run. 17 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 1150cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CHEVROLET brand average of 76%.
At 18 years old, 65% of CHEVROLET KALOSs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,219 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 62,124 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
62,124
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 CHEVROLET KALOS has 62,124 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2007 model with a 67% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2008 sits between the two at 65%.
CHEVROLET KALOS by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2008 CHEVROLET KALOS
The 2008 CHEVROLET KALOS is a city car with a 1150cc petrol engine. 1,219 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 94% of 2008 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 62,124 miles at 18 years old, CHEVROLET KALOS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2008 CHEVROLET KALOS Fuel Costs
The modest 1150cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2008 CHEVROLET KALOS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,875 (£156/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
CHEVROLET KALOS Reliability Trend
The CHEVROLET KALOS has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2008 CHEVROLET KALOS
At 18 years old, the CHEVROLET KALOS is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2007 model has the highest pass rate at 67%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 CHEVROLET KALOS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 65% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2008 CHEVROLET KALOS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEVROLET KALOS(2008) | 65% | £955 | £165 | Grp 5-15 | £1875 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£153 |
| FORD FOCUS(2009) | 74% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£48 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2010) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£153 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2010) | 67% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027+£152 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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