2014 Vauxhall Insignia 1.8L Petrol · DN64 FMM

The most recent DVSA examination on 24 May 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no defects recorded, and this positive outcome follows directly from an unblemished pass on 4 April 2025. The only blemish in the recent history is a single fail on the same April 2025 test date, attributed to an inoperative rear registration plate lamp on both the offside and nearside sides, which is a minor lighting defect typically caused by a blown bulb or a corroded connection rather than any underlying structural or mechanical concern. With that exception rectified at the same test, the broader MOT trajectory is stable and consistent, showing no advisories, no recurring wear patterns, and no progressive deterioration across consecutive tests. The earlier 2021 advisories relating to brake disc wear have not reappeared in any subsequent examination, indicating that the braking components have remained serviceable within MOT tolerances for the intervening years. With a recorded odometer reading of 86,356 miles across twelve years, this Insignia has covered roughly 7,200 miles per annum on average, which is broadly representative of typical private and mixed-use mileage for its class and age. There are no large unexplained gaps between test dates that would suggest extended periods of standing, nor is there any evidence of rapid mileage accumulation that might point to heavy commercial use. This consistent, moderate usage profile generally bodes well for wear items such as the clutch, turbocharger, drivetrain and interior components, as the vehicle has neither been left idle long enough for standing-related corrosion to dominate nor driven hard enough to accelerate mechanical fatigue beyond expected levels. Although the MOT history is reassuringly clean and free of advisories, a prospective buyer should not rely solely on test records for a twelve-year-old vehicle of this mileage. Tyres warrant particular scrutiny, as the sidewalls should be inspected for age-related perishing and cracking, especially given that older rubber compounds degrade regardless of tread wear; check for the DOT date code on each tyre and confirm none are beyond the recommended replacement age. The twelve-volt battery should also be tested for its state of health, as batteries of this age frequently suffer reduced cranking performance, particularly in colder months, and a failing battery can mask or mimic alternator faults. Cooling system integrity is another priority, with the radiator, expansion tank, and associated hoses to be examined for signs of seepage or brittle rubber, while the timing belt or chain service interval should be verified against the manufacturer's schedule using the service book or main dealer records. During a test drive, listen attentively for any suspension clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, as front lower wishbones, anti-roll bar bushes, and drop links are known wear items on this generation of Insignia and can deteriorate without triggering an MOT failure. The brakes should be assessed for smooth operation without any pulling to one side, shudder through the pedal under firm application, or any grinding noises that might suggest a binding caliper or worn pads catching on corroded discs, particularly relevant given the previously flagged disc condition in 2021. Finally, verify the full service history stamps, confirm the timing belt replacement interval has been observed, and ensure that brake fluid and coolant have been changed in accordance with their calendar-based service schedules, as these time-sensitive fluid changes are often overlooked and can lead to internal corrosion within the braking and cooling systems.