2009 Vauxhall Insignia 1.8L Petrol · AV09 AYX

With no advisories or defects recorded across the five MOT tests on file, the roadworthiness profile of this Insignia is exceptionally clean, and the most recent test on 27 March 2026, which resulted in a fail, is the only blemish on an otherwise unblemished record. The failure entry carries no defect details, which typically indicates a procedural or administrative refusal rather than a mechanical condition, particularly given that a clean pass was issued the very next day at the same test station. Across the broader five-year history, every annual test has produced either a pass with no advisories or a fail with no defects recorded, suggesting that the structural, braking, suspension, exhaust, and lighting components have all consistently met the minimum safety standards required for vehicles of this age. There is no recurring pattern of wear items such as corroded brake pipes, perished suspension bushes, or weakened coil springs that often appear in the histories of higher-mileage or older vehicles, indicating that the car has held up well mechanically over its seventeen years on the road. At 84,542 miles against a 2009 registration, this Insignia has averaged roughly 4,973 miles per year, a notably low annual accumulation that places it well below the typical 7,000 to 10,000 miles covered annually by the average UK vehicle. The MOT records show tests conducted annually in late March from 2023 through 2026, with no gaps in testing, confirming that the vehicle has remained in continuous use and on the road throughout this period. Low annual mileage of this nature generally means reduced wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch, and gearbox internals, as well as on consumables like brake pads and discs. However, sustained low usage can also accelerate deterioration of items that suffer from disuse, including rubber seals, suspension bushes, and brake caliper slide pins, which can seize or harden through lack of regular movement and moisture cycling. For a prospective buyer, the absence of any flagged advisories means there are no specific components with documented wear margins to inspect on the basis of MOT history alone, but a thorough physical inspection is still warranted given the vehicle's age. On a test drive, pay particular attention to the feel of the suspension over uneven road surfaces, listening for any knocking, clonking, or creaking from the front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link setup, as these are common wear points on the Insignia and may not yet have been flagged as advisory items. Test the brakes progressively from speed to check for any pulling to one side, juddering through the pedal, or sponginess, as seized caliper slides and warped front discs are typical age-related concerns even on low-mileage examples. Also inspect the underside, sills, and subframe mounting areas for any surface corrosion or bubbling paint, as the Insignia is known to develop rust in these structural regions as it enters its late teens. Finally, confirm the reason for the most recent failure directly with the test station or via any accompanying documentation, as the lack of a recorded defect entry means the cause cannot be determined from the MOT history alone. Verify the service history, paying particular attention to cambelt and water pump replacement intervals, as the timing chain or belt on the 2.0-litre CDTi diesel, if fitted, is a critical maintenance item that would have been due at a much lower mileage than currently recorded given the engine's age. Check for any oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, turbo oil feed pipes, and rear main seal, which are typical on higher-age diesel Insignias, and confirm that the dual-mass flywheel and clutch operate smoothly during low-speed engagement and deceleration. With its clean advisory record and consistent annual testing, this vehicle presents a low-risk foundation mechanically, provided that the standard age-related wear concerns are addressed through a pre-purchase inspection.