2018 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · DV18 ABX

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 6 July 2026, achieving a pass certificate alongside a single advisory relating to slight damage or fraying on the nearside rear seat belt webbing. Across the most recent four recorded tests, the Insignia has maintained a consistent pass status, though the volume of advisories has gradually increased, suggesting that while no major structural or safety failures have yet been recorded, the vehicle is entering a phase where consumable and ancillary components are beginning to show wear. It is worth noting that a failure was recorded on 3 July 2024 for a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system and for mismatched tyre sizes fitted to the front axle; these were rectified prior to the subsequent pass on 5 July 2024, but the presence of a tyre size mismatch is a noteworthy indicator that wheel and tyre management may have been inconsistent. The advisory issued at that same test for a non-excessive oil leak has reappeared on the 2026 examination as a continuing area of observation. With approximately 199,003 miles recorded over an eight-year lifespan, this Insignia has averaged around 24,875 miles annually, which is substantially higher than typical private usage and places considerable accumulated wear on the engine, transmission, clutches or torque converters, suspension assemblies, and braking components. There are no significant mileage gaps evident within the MOT record, indicating that the vehicle has been in regular and sustained service rather than left standing for prolonged periods. High-mileage diesel and petrol drivetrains of this type commonly exhibit increased oil consumption, premature wear of turbocharger bearings, injector deposits, dual-mass flywheel degradation, and elevated suspension bush wear, particularly on the front lower arms and anti-roll bar linkages. Given the recurring oil leak advisory, a prospective buyer should conduct a thorough under-bonnet inspection for evidence of fresh oil residue around the cam cover gasket, sump plug, oil filter housing, and turbocharger oil feed and return lines, as well as checking the dipstick for creamy residue that could suggest head gasket or coolant contamination. During a test drive, listen for any timing chain rattle on cold start, turbocharger whistle or whistle-to-rattle transitions, and observe whether the oil warning light extinguishes promptly. The seat belt fraying advisory is also worth investigating visually, as damaged webbing compromises secondary restraint effectiveness and may necessitate replacement prior to the next test. On the road, pay attention to any pulling under braking, which could indicate warped front discs, and listen for clonking noises from the front suspension over speed humps, suggesting worn drop links or control arm bushes. Beyond the recorded advisories, the high annual mileage makes several age-appropriate checks especially important. Inspect all four tyres closely for inner and outer shoulder wear, as uneven patterns frequently point to suspension geometry faults or worn bushes, and examine the sidewalls for perishing given that even tyres with adequate tread deteriorate with age. Lift the bonnet to assess twelve-volt battery condition, particularly if the vehicle has been used for predominantly short journeys which accelerate sulphation. Confirm that the brake fluid and coolant have been replaced on a calendar basis, as these degrade irrespective of mileage, and verify the service book stamps to ensure timely cambelt or timing chain replacement, oil services, and transmission fluid changes. Finally, a compression or leak-down test would be prudent to confirm internal engine condition given the high recorded mileage, alongside a thorough road test covering warm-up behaviour, gearbox shift quality, and steady-state cruise stability.