2016 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · DN16 GNV

The Vauxhall Insignia presents a mixed mechanical picture. The most recent MOT on 29 July 2025 at 87,034 miles was a pass, but only after a failure on the same day revealed a fractured offside rear coil spring, excessively worn front suspension arm rear bushes on both sides, and a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system. These are not minor consumable items. A broken coil spring is a serious structural fault that compromises suspension geometry and handling stability, while worn arm bushes introduce play and imprecise steering. The fact that the car failed and passed on the same date suggests a quick repair was carried out, but the underlying maintenance trend is concerning. The vehicle went from a clean pass in July 2024 at 83,001 miles to multiple significant failures barely a year later, indicating a sharp decline in mechanical condition. The mileage pattern is broadly consistent with typical use. The car covered roughly 4,033 miles between the July 2024 and July 2025 tests, and the longer-term average from December 2022 at 76,100 miles to July 2025 at 87,034 miles works out to approximately 8,700 miles per year. There are no glaring gaps or sudden spikes in accumulation that would suggest the vehicle has been sitting unused or subjected to unusually harsh treatment. The annual test intervals themselves are regular, with the December 2022 entry slightly out of the usual summer cycle but not alarmingly so. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front and rear suspension components that were flagged. The front suspension arm rear bushes failed on both sides, and while these may have been replaced for the pass, a thorough check for uneven tyre wear, clunking over bumps, and steering vagueness remains essential. The fractured offside rear coil spring demands close scrutiny of the corresponding nearside spring for cracks or sag, along with the condition of the rear dampers. The rear brake pads were noted as wearing thin in the same test, and the rear tyres showed cracking, perishing, and inner edge wear, suggesting possible misalignment or prolonged underinflation. The TPMS fault also warrants investigation, as it may indicate sensor failure rather than a simple recalibration issue. Given the sudden emergence of these faults after years of clean passes, the car's recent service history and the quality of any repairs performed before the July 2025 retest should be verified in writing before purchase.