2013 Vauxhall Insignia 1.8L Petrol · DL13 ABV

The 1.8i petrol Insignia typically returns around 35-40 mpg in mixed driving, with motorway cruising closer to 45 mpg. Insurance for a 2013 1.8i Insignia falls into group 16-19 depending on trim, so premiums for an average driver sit roughly in the £450-£600 range annually. Road tax is £220 per year as the 1796cc engine sits above the 1549cc threshold.

Servicing costs are moderate — interim oil changes typically cost £120-£180 at independent garages, with full services £200-£300. Timing chain replacement on the A18XER engine, if needed out of warranty, can run £500-£900 at an independent specialist, so checking this work has already been done is worthwhile. Front brake pads and discs are common consumables at around £200-£280 per axle.

Annual running costs combining fuel (assuming 10,000 miles), tax, insurance, and routine maintenance typically come to £1,800-£2,200. Below-average mileage may reduce wear-related costs, but extended periods of inactivity can introduce their own expenses such as battery replacement, brake calliper refurbishment, and tyre replacement due to flat-spotting or age-cracking.

The MOT history here is unusually sparse on detail — only one failure is recorded and no defects or advisories appear on any test. Given the model's known failure reasons of coil springs, tyres, and corrosion, focus your physical inspection on these areas. Inspect both front and rear coil springs for cracks, sagging, or broken ends; these are a frequent failure point on Insignias and can lead to an MOT failure if broken. Check all four tyres for age-related sidewall cracking, as the car may have old tyres that have never needed replacing due to low mileage.

Corrosion checks are essential on a 12-year-old Insignia. Pay particular attention to the rear wheel arches, sills, tailgate lower edge, and suspension strut mounting points. These are the areas where the model is most prone to rust, and an MOT tester would flag surface corrosion that becomes structurally significant.

For the 1.8i petrol engine specifically, listen on cold start for timing chain rattle — a characteristic buzzing that takes a second or two to disappear. Check the coolant level and condition; the A18XER engine is known for water pump and thermostat housing issues. Inspect the oil filler cap for mayonnaise-like residue, which could indicate head gasket concerns, and verify the last service was within the past 12 months. Finally, test all electrical functions including the climate control, infotainment, and power windows, as wiring loom issues are reported on earlier Insignia generations.