2011 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · AF61 OWB

The Vauxhall Insignia’s most recent MOT test on 2026-04-01 resulted in a failure, though no specific defects were recorded—an anomaly that warrants immediate clarification. The preceding tests show a stable pattern of passing without advisories, with the last two tests in 2024 both passing and failing on the same date, suggesting either a technical oversight or a minor procedural issue rather than a recurring mechanical trend. The absence of advisories or defects across four tests implies no repeated failures in critical areas like suspension, brakes, or emissions, but the April 2026 failure demands verification of why the vehicle was deemed unroadworthy without explanation. The recorded mileage of 203,549 miles over 15 years equates to approximately 13,570 miles annually, which is notably high for a vehicle of this age. Between the 2023 and 2026 tests, the vehicle accumulated roughly 30,000 miles in just three years, indicating consistent use rather than prolonged storage. While this suggests higher wear on consumables like tyres, brakes, and suspension components, there are no MOT records to confirm whether these were addressed between tests. The lack of advisories in prior years also means no explicit warnings about failing parts, but the sheer mileage necessitates scrutiny of components like coil springs, suspension bushes, and brake calipers. Given the sparse MOT history and the absence of recurring faults, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of high-mileage wear items. Focus on the suspension—particularly the condition of coil springs and bushes, which often degrade beyond visual inspection—and the braking system, including rear caliper binding (a common issue in older Vauxhalls) and front/rear disc thickness. Tyre tread depth and lateral wear patterns should also be checked, as failing twice on tread in prior years would have been flagged if present. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches and sills, is another critical area given the vehicle’s age, even if not previously noted in MOTs. The April 2026 failure, despite no defects, may hint at unresolved issues, so verifying service records for brake fluid changes, differential fluid, and clutch (if automatic) is essential.