2010 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · CF52 DCF

The most recent MOT, carried out on 23 April 2026, was passed but returned several advisories – rear brake disc wear, front‑right tyre approaching the legal limit, and a light oil mist on the rear‑left shock absorber. Over the past six years the pattern of advisories has been relatively consistent, with recurring notes on brake disc condition, tyre wear, suspension bush wear, anti‑roll bar corrosion and a modest oil leak. There is no evidence of a sudden deterioration, but the repeat items indicate a maintenance regime that is holding the car just within legal limits rather than proactively renewing wear items, so the overall trend is stable but not improving. At 138 473 miles for a 2010 model the vehicle averages roughly 8 600 miles per year, which sits squarely within the normal UK usage envelope. The mileage does not suggest any prolonged periods of inactivity, yet the cumulative distance means that wear‑items such as brake discs, tyres, suspension components and engine seals are likely approaching the end of their service lives. The steady annual mileage also implies that any hidden corrosion or fluid degradation will have progressed at a typical rate for a car of this age. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the rear brake discs, measuring the remaining thickness against the manufacturer’s minimum and feeling for any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes, especially from high speeds. The front‑right tyre is flagged as near the legal tread limit; a visual inspection for uneven wear, sidewall cracking and a tread depth check with a gauge are essential, and replacement should be budgeted for if the depth is below 3 mm. The rear‑left shock absorber shows light oil mist – look for oil stains on the shock body and test for excessive bounce or clunking when the rear corner is pressed; worn shocks will affect ride comfort and tyre wear. Inspect the suspension arm bushes on both rear corners for play by rocking the wheel hub; any looseness or knocking noises under load points to imminent replacement. The anti‑roll bar linkage and front sub‑frame have been noted as corroded but not structurally compromised; a thorough visual check for rust flaking, especially in the wheel arches and under the engine bay, is advisable, and any active corrosion should be treated or reinforced before it spreads. Beyond the specific advisories, the car’s age warrants a comprehensive time‑based service check. Verify the condition of the 12‑volt battery, as prolonged standing can lead to sulfation; a load test will confirm its capacity. Examine all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and consider a full change if the last service was over 12 months ago, since fluids degrade even without mileage. Check the condition of the brake lines and hoses for any signs of cracking, and ensure the oil leak noted in 2022 has been rectified and is not re‑appearing. Finally, request the full service book to confirm that major services (timing belt/chain, coolant flush, and tyre rotations) have been performed at the recommended intervals, as adherence to these schedules will greatly influence the vehicle’s reliability and future running costs.