2009 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · DS09 TMV

The defining mechanical concern across this Insignia's MOT record is a recurring theme of rear suspension deterioration, complemented by a pattern of brake and ABS system issues that have produced repeated failures. The offside rear coil spring was first flagged as corroded in 2021 and 2023 before fracturing completely by the January 2025 test, where the nearside rear spring then also required replacement alongside ABS and electronic stability control warning lamp faults. These three Major defects on a single test represent a significant cluster of safety-related failures rather than isolated incidents. The nearside rear shock absorber had previously failed in 2022 with a serious fluid leak, indicating that the rear suspension assembly has been under sustained stress. With three recorded failures across the four available test cycles, the trajectory cannot be described as a clean or improving roadworthiness picture; the components failing are critical to ride, handling, and active safety systems. Mileage accumulation on this 17-year-old Insignia stands at 143,926 miles, averaging approximately 8,466 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and suggests the vehicle has seen regular use rather than extended periods off the road. The consistent biennial testing pattern with no significant gaps indicates the car has remained in active service throughout its recorded history. At this mileage level, wear on consumables such as suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs and pads, and exhaust mounting points should be considered expected, particularly given the salt and moisture exposure typical of UK roads during winter months, which accelerates corrosion of underbody components. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the rear suspension on a test drive, listening for clonking or knocking noises over bumps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn or fatigued spring seats and shock absorber mountings given the documented history of fractured springs and a leaking damper. The rear brake binding advisories recorded in both 2021 and 2025 on the offside suggest the caliper or handbrake mechanism may be sticking; this can manifest as a pulling sensation under braking, uneven brake pad wear, or a hot-smelling rear wheel after driving. Both front suspension arm ball joint dust covers were noted as severely deteriorated in 2023, and although the joints themselves were not flagged, perished covers allow moisture ingress and rapid joint wear, so any knocking from the front end under load or over speed humps warrants close inspection of the wishbone and lower arm assemblies. The ABS and electronic stability control warning lamps illuminated on the January 2025 test, and while the vehicle subsequently passed after repair, these systems rely on wheel speed sensors, wiring looms, and the ABS pump modulator which can fail intermittently. On a test drive, verify that both warning lamps extinguish promptly after startup and remain off throughout driving, paying attention to whether they flicker over bumps which could indicate a loose connector or damaged sensor wire. The recurring front tyre perishing and cracking advisories from the most recent test suggest the tyres are ageing on the sidewalls regardless of tread depth, so inspect for visible cracking on the sidewalls before purchase. Finally, the nearside obligatory mirror damage noted consistently across multiple tests since 2022 indicates this has never been rectified and should be checked for adequate rearward visibility before committing to purchase.