2012 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · AF12 XCD

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 7 August 2026 with no defects or advisories recorded, which represents the cleanest possible outcome at the present time. Reviewing the broader history, the car has passed each annual test since 2020 with only a handful of minor advisories and a single failure in August 2020 relating to ineffective windscreen wiper operation, which appears to have been rectified immediately and has not recurred. The pattern of advisories is sparse and minor in nature, covering an undertray fitment, rear brake pad wear in 2024, and a nearside front tyre edge wear advisory in 2021, suggesting that the vehicle has been maintained to a satisfactory standard with no recurring or progressive faults identified. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable and consistent, with no evidence of worsening structural, braking, or suspension concerns. With a recorded mileage of 120,094 miles spread over approximately 14 years, the vehicle has averaged around 8,578 miles annually, which sits comfortably within typical usage parameters for a car of this age and class. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record and mileage progression appears steady across the documented tests, indicating regular use rather than extended periods of standing. This kind of consistent running is generally beneficial for mechanical health, as it tends to keep seals, brakes, and drivetrain components in better working order than a low-mileage or garage-kept vehicle of equivalent age. That said, the recorded mileage is substantial, and certain wear-related items warrant close physical inspection prior to purchase. The 2024 advisory regarding rear brake pads wearing thin suggests that replacement should have been carried out shortly thereafter, so the rear discs and pads should be examined for current condition, thickness, and any signs of scoring or lipping on the disc edges. The 2021 nearside front tyre edge wear advisory points to a possible tracking or suspension geometry issue, so a test drive should include attention to steering wander, uneven pulling, or vibration through the wheel, and a check of all four tyres for uneven wear patterns should be undertaken. With this mileage, the front brake discs, front pads, and suspension components such as wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar links, and coil springs are also approaching the latter stages of their typical service life, so listen for clonking or knocking over uneven surfaces and verify that the vehicle sits level. Beyond the recorded defects, age-related items require specific attention on a car of this profile. Tyre sidewalls should be inspected for cracking or perishing caused by age rather than tread wear, particularly as rubber compounds deteriorate over time regardless of mileage. The 12V battery is likely due for replacement given the vehicle's age, so electrical starting behaviour should be checked. Brake calipers can suffer from seizing or binding after years of use, so confirm that the vehicle rolls freely when released and that no warning lights appear on the dashboard. Coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid all degrade over time on a calendar basis, so verifying that the service book shows recent fluid changes is advisable. Finally, examine the underbody, exhaust system, and suspension arms for surface corrosion, paying particular attention to structural areas, mounting points, and the exhaust joints, as these are common areas of concern for a 14-year-old vehicle approaching the upper end of its economic service life.