2009 Vauxhall Insignia 1.8L Petrol · DN09 LLF

The most recent DVSA test, dated 13 December 2021, resulted in a failure. The failure was principally for a non‑functional engine malfunction indicator lamp and a dangerous tyre tread depth on the nearside front tyre, while a pass was recorded for the same date with a series of advisories. Over the past six years the record shows a pattern of recurring issues – persistent brake‑pad and disc wear, ongoing wheel‑bearing play, exhaust leaks, corrosion of the nearside sill and, most notably, a broken off‑side rear coil spring in 2017. The mixture of repeated advisories and two outright failures indicates that the vehicle’s maintenance trajectory is currently worsening rather than stabilising. At 133,279 mi the car has averaged roughly 7,800 mi per year since its 2009 registration, which sits comfortably within the normal UK usage envelope. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage that would suggest severe over‑use, nor are there large gaps that would imply long periods of inactivity. The mileage level does, however, place the car well into the wear‑zone for many wear items – brake discs, pads, suspension bushings, and timing‑belt service intervals – and therefore these components should be inspected with the mileage in mind. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front tyre that was recorded as dangerously worn; all four tyres should be measured for tread depth and sidewall condition, and any that are close to or below 1.6 mm must be replaced immediately. The broken off‑side rear coil spring noted in 2017 suggests that the rear suspension may have been compromised; a thorough visual inspection of both rear springs, shock absorbers and mounting points is essential, and any clunking or uneven rear ride height on a short test drive would confirm the need for replacement. The recurring wheel‑bearing play on the nearside rear wheel should be checked for excessive movement or grinding noises, and the bearing may need to be repacked or fitted anew. Brake pads were flagged as thin on the front and rear in several years, and the front discs were described as pitted; the buyer should inspect pad thickness, disc surface and listen for any shudder or squeal under braking, planning for pad and possibly disc replacement if the wear is advanced. The exhaust system has multiple minor leaks and a broken rear bracket, which can lead to increased noise, reduced fuel efficiency and potential rust ingress; a visual inspection for cracked pipes, loose clamps and proper mounting is advisable. Given the car’s age, even if the mileage is moderate, age‑related degradation must be addressed. Rubber components such as tyre sidewalls and hoses can become brittle, so a careful inspection for cracking is warranted. The protective coating on the nearside sill is deteriorating, indicating possible rust progression; the buyer should look for any flaking or perforation that could affect structural integrity. Battery health should be verified with a load test, as a 17‑year‑old unit is likely near the end of its service life. Finally, all time‑based fluids – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – should be examined for colour and level, and a full service, including timing‑belt replacement if the interval has not been observed, would be prudent before committing to purchase.