2013 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · DP13 NJK

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 6 March 2026 following a same-day failed re-test. The failure items consisted of a dangerous nearside front lower bumper likely to become detached, a non-functional front windscreen washer, and inoperative nearside rear stop and position lamps, all of which were addressed prior to the subsequent pass. Advisories on the pass included light oil misting from the front shock absorbers, an offside rear tyre wearing on the inner edge, a damaged rear bumper without sharp edges, an engine oil change indicator on the dash, and the presence of under trays. Reviewing the broader DVSA history, a clear pattern emerges of front and rear lighting faults, tyre wear at or below legal limits on both nearside and offside positions, and recurring issues with component security, notably the battery carrier. The 2025 test recorded a dangerous offside front tyre below the 1.6mm tread requirement, and the 2024 test produced a fail for a non-functioning dipped beam headlamp alongside an insecure battery. While the vehicle is presently roadworthy, the frequency of advisories relating to uneven tyre wear and suspension seepage indicates that consumable replacement and suspension inspection should be treated as imminent priorities by any prospective buyer. Against a thirteen-year vehicle age, the recorded 122,691 miles equates to an annualised average of approximately 9,438 miles, which sits broadly within expected parameters for a diesel or petrol Insignia of this generation. The MOT record shows annual tests from 2022 onwards, and there are no conspicuous gaps in the mileage progression, suggesting consistent rather than sporadic use. Steady annual mileage of this magnitude tends to keep internal seals, lubricants, and drivetrain components in regular working order, which is preferable to low-mileage examples that can suffer from standing-related corrosion, seized brake calipers, and degraded fluids. The mileage itself is high for the platform, and combined with the advisory items pointing to suspension and tyre wear, the vehicle should be regarded as one that has been working hard and will require ongoing attention to wear items. The recurring advisory for the nearside rear tyre wearing on the inner edge, recorded in both 2025 and 2026, is a notable concern. Inner-edge wear is typically indicative of misalignment of the rear axle, worn or perished suspension bushes, or possibly a weakened rear beam or trailing arm bush, all of which are known weaknesses on the Insignia platform. A prospective buyer should inspect the rear suspension thoroughly for perished bushes, knocking noises over speed humps, and uneven cambber, and should budget for a four-wheel alignment and replacement bushes if the wear pattern persists after new tyres are fitted. The advisory on the front shock absorbers noting light oil misting suggests the units are beginning to weep hydraulic fluid. Although not yet at failure level, this condition progresses steadily and is usually accompanied on test drives by reduced ride quality, prolonged body roll through corners, and visible staining on the damper bodies. Both front dampers would be advisable to replace as a paired set when one fails, and to budget for this within the next twelve months if not sooner. The lighting and electrical advisories across 2024 and 2026 warrant attention to the integrity of the rear lamp housings and connectors, which on the Insignia can suffer from water ingress, corroded multi-plugs, and failed bulb holders. During inspection, the buyer should verify all exterior lamps function correctly, examine the rear lamp units for condensation or green-tinged corrosion on the bulb holders, and ensure the battery is securely clamped in its carrier using a functioning hold-down. Given the under trays are fitted, a thorough jacking-up inspection will be required to assess the front shock absorbers, brake pipes, flexi hoses, and underbody corrosion. Other age-appropriate checks should include the condition of the timing belt or chain service interval depending on engine variant, the state of the coolant and brake fluid which degrade with calendar age, the condition of the dual mass flywheel or torque converter if automatic, and verification of a full service history with documented cambelt or timing chain replacement. On the test drive, listen for suspension clonks, moans from the power steering, any hesitation or misfire from the engine, and ensure the instrument cluster displays no warning lights beyond those already flagged on the dash.