2014 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · DS64 ABX

This Insignia's MOT history presents a mixed mechanical picture defined primarily by a serious suspension failure early in the recorded sequence and recurring brake-related advisories on the most recent test. The most recent examination on 31 December 2025 resulted in a pass, but it carried three advisories: an offside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge, plus both front brake discs showing pitting and scoring. Earlier in the record, a test on 16 January 2024 produced a failure due to fractured rear coil springs on both sides, alongside major defects for the offside front headlamp failing on both dipped and main beam. The vehicle subsequently passed on 20 January 2024 with no defects recorded, indicating the headlamp and suspension issues were addressed before re-test. The overall pattern shows a car that has remained largely roadworthy but with one significant suspension episode and a developing brake disc wear issue that warrants close attention. Annual mileage of roughly 7,638 miles across the 12-year vehicle life sits close to the typical usage bracket for its age, suggesting neither prolonged storage nor particularly heavy duty. The MOT tests are recorded consistently each year from 2020 through 2025 with no multi-year gaps, indicating continuous use and regular exposure to road conditions. The incremental mileage between annual tests averages around 7,000 to 8,000 miles, broadly consistent with the lifetime figure. This level of usage is sufficient to keep mechanical components, brake discs, tyres, and suspension elements working as intended rather than suffering the corrosion and seizing issues commonly associated with long stationary periods. However, the cumulative mileage of nearly 92,000 miles means wear items such as coil springs, brake components, exhaust mounts, and suspension linkages are well into their service life. For a prospective buyer, the fractured coil springs recorded in early 2024 are the single most significant mechanical flag. Coil spring fractures on the rear axle can recur if surrounding suspension components such as dampers, spring seats, or bump stops have been subjected to repeated stress, and the buyer should listen for any knocking or clonking noises from the rear over uneven road surfaces. The nearside rear spring in particular should be checked for any sagging or uneven ride height, which would indicate it has lost its rated load capacity. On the front suspension, it is worth inspecting the lower control arms, anti-roll bar links, and bushes for perished rubber or play, as these are common wear items on higher-mileage Insignias and would not necessarily appear on an MOT unless severely deteriorated. The brake disc advisories from December 2025 point to discs that are pitted and scored, typically caused by worn pad material embedding into the disc surface over time. On a test drive, the buyer should feel for any vibration or pulsation through the brake pedal under firm pressure, particularly at higher speeds, which would indicate the discs have worn beyond their skim limit and likely require replacement rather than just new pads. Brake pedal response should be firm without excessive travel, and there should be any grinding or scraping noises that suggest pad material has worn down to the backing plate. The offside rear tyre advisory also warrants checking the remaining tread depth across the full width, as edge wear can indicate incorrect wheel alignment or a worn rear beam bush. Finally, ensure both headlamps are fully functional on dipped and main beam settings, and verify the registration plate lamps illuminate correctly, as minor lamp defects have appeared repeatedly across multiple tests.