Chevrolet Kalos (2008)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,219 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,100
£175/month
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£170
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 5-15
1150cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
65% pass rate, £2,100/year to run. 17 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Chevrolet brand average of 76%.
65% of MOT tests on Chevrolet Kaloss from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 1,219 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 62,124 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
62,124
Average miles
118,400
Expected for age
The average 2008 Chevrolet Kalos had 62,124 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 67%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2008 scores 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
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. Our records list a 1150cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,219 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 7% of 2008 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 62,124 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Chevrolet Kalos owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
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 £1,175 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2008 Chevrolet Kalos?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,100 (£175/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £170 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
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Kalos(2008) | 65% | £1,175 | £170 | Grp 5-15 | £2,100 |
| Ford Fiesta(2008) | 72% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£53 |
| Ford Focus(2009) | 74% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£128 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2010) | 74% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£53 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2010) | 67% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,428+£328 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2008 Chevrolet Kalos
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Kalos reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 65% of MOT tests on 2008 Chevrolet Kaloss ended in a pass, from 1,219 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2008 Chevrolet Kalos cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,100 a year (£175 a month): £1,175 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Chevrolet Kalos?
65% of 1,219 MOT tests on the 2008 Chevrolet Kalos ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 532nd of 566 models first registered in 2008 (bottom 7%).
Which year Chevrolet Kalos has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 Chevrolet Kalos has the highest MOT pass rate at 67% and the 2005 the lowest at 64%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2008 Chevrolet Kalos?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Chevrolet Kalos is 62,124 miles, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Chevrolet Models
Explore other Chevrolet cars or similar models in the same category.
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Ford Fiesta
2008 · 1388cc Petrol
Ford Focus
2009 · 1596cc Petrol
Vauxhall Corsa
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