2014 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · DX64 RYC

The vehicle's most recent MOT test on 5 March 2026 resulted in a pass, though two advisories were recorded against it: notice of front brake disc wear on both sides and corrosion of both rear coil springs. Reviewing the broader DVSA history, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable rather than deteriorating, but it does show a recurring pattern of wear-related advisories relating to braking components, rear suspension coil springs, and rear suspension arm pins or bushes. The single previous failure on 24 May 2021 was a Major defect for a fractured offside rear coil spring, which was rectified and followed by several years of clean passes. The fact that advisories have continued to appear annually since 2022, particularly clustered around the rear axle and front braking system, suggests that components in these areas are progressively reaching the end of their effective service life and warrant close attention during any pre-purchase inspection. With 109,088 miles recorded on a 2014 vehicle, the annual average works out at approximately 9,091 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and indicates consistent, everyday usage rather than long periods of standing or unusually high motorway mileage. The MOT intervals show largely continuous annual testing since 2020, with no significant gaps that would suggest extended inactivity. This kind of steady usage pattern is generally favourable for mechanical health, as regular running helps prevent issues associated with dormant vehicles such as seized brake calipers, dried seals, and battery degradation. However, the mileage is now well into the bracket where major service items such as timing belts, water pumps, clutch assemblies, and automatic transmission fluid changes become relevant, and any missing service history in these areas would be a concern regardless of MOT outcome. The recurrence of rear coil spring advisories, appearing in 2024 and again in 2026, is a clear signal that corrosion is taking hold on the rear suspension and is likely to progress to a failure similar to the offside rear coil spring fracture recorded in 2021. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear over bumps and uneven road surfaces, and observe whether the vehicle sits level at the rear when unladen. The 2024 advisory regarding an offside rear upper suspension arm pin or bush showing wear is also notable, as these components can develop play over time and contribute to imprecise rear handling and uneven rear tyre wear. Inspect the rear tyres for inner-edge wear, which would suggest worn bushes allowing altered wheel geometry. Additionally, the nearside rear brake binding advisory from 2024 points to a caliper that may be sticking slightly, a common issue on higher-mileage vehicles; on test, check for any pulling to one side under braking or a rear wheel that feels hotter than the others after driving. The front brake disc wear advisories recorded in both 2025 and 2026 indicate that the discs are now measurably worn, although not yet at excess. For a prospective buyer, this means new discs and pads will likely be required within the next service interval, particularly if the current discs have been on the vehicle for some time. On test, listen for any brake shudder through the steering wheel under firm application, which would indicate disc run-out or pad uneven wear. Beyond the MOT record, the vehicle's age of twelve years means age-related deterioration should be expected regardless of mileage. Inspect all four tyres carefully for sidewall cracking and perishing caused by UV exposure, even if the tread depth appears adequate, as older tyres lose grip through hardening of the rubber compound. Check the 12V battery for its date stamp and signs of slow cranking, verify that the coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid have been changed in line with manufacturer schedules rather than purely by mileage, and examine the underbody, wheel arches, and exhaust system for surface corrosion, paying particular attention to brake and fuel lines where rust can compromise integrity. A thorough road test listening for suspension noises, checking for warning lights on the dashboard, and verifying the operation of the air conditioning system would round out a sensible appraisal of this Insignia.