2016 Vauxhall Insignia 1.6L Diesel · EU16 VHT

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 8 June 2026 resulted in a pass, though three issues were recorded: a minor defect for an inoperative rear registration plate lamp, a minor windscreen damage note that does not impede the driver's view, and an advisory regarding a minor exhaust gas leak from the front flexi joint. Looking at the sequence of results from 2022 through 2026, the vehicle has alternated between pass and fail outcomes, with defects recurring or escalating in the suspension, braking, and tyre categories. The 2024 failure specifically cited a fractured offside rear coil spring and an excessively worn upper suspension arm bush, both of which are serious structural and safety-related items that suggest the rear suspension has been subjected to considerable wear. While the vehicle has passed its last three tests, the accumulation of advisories for tyre wear, brake pad thinning, and shock absorber oil misting points to a maintenance trend that is stable but only marginal, with several consumables approaching or requiring replacement. The recorded mileage of 149,098 miles over a ten-year lifespan equates to an annual average of around 14,910 miles, which is considerably higher than typical private ownership patterns of 8,000 to 10,000 miles per year. This elevated usage rate implies greater mechanical stress on major drivetrain and chassis components including the engine, clutch or transmission, suspension bushes and springs, brake discs, and wheel bearings. There do not appear to be significant gaps in the mileage progression between tests, suggesting the vehicle has been in continuous use rather than left standing for extended periods, which is generally favourable for avoiding corrosion-related issues but means wear-sensitive parts have been worked consistently throughout the car's life. Given the recurring pattern of front tyre wear, including two dangerous failures for tread depth under 1.6mm and repeated advisories for edge wear, particular attention should be paid to wheel geometry settings such as tracking and camber, as well as the condition of the front suspension components including wishbone bushes, drop links, and strut top mounts. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over bumps, which may indicate worn bushes or anti-roll bar links, and feel for any pulling to one side under braking or acceleration that could point to geometry misalignment. The 2025 advisory for oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber suggests the unit is beginning to fail and will likely require replacement soon; a test drive should include checks for excessive rear body roll through corners and any bouncing or poor damping over uneven surfaces, which would confirm shock wear. The front exhaust flexi leak noted in 2026 is a common Vauxhall Insignia issue and should be monitored, as a worsening leak will increase cabin noise, reduce emissions performance, and could lead to an MOT failure if exhaust gas levels rise. Additionally, the previous advisory for rear brake pad wear should prompt a visual inspection of pad material remaining and a check of rear disc condition for lipping or corrosion, particularly given the high mileage. Beyond the documented defects, a prospective buyer of this ten-year-old, high-mileage Insignia should carry out a number of age and usage-related inspections. Verify that the service book contains consistent stamps at appropriate intervals, with particular attention to the timing belt or chain replacement schedule according to Vauxhall's specifications, as well as recent changes of brake fluid, coolant, and transmission oil. Inspect all four tyres not only for tread depth but also for sidewall cracking and perishing, as ten-year-old rubber can degrade even with adequate tread remaining. Check the 12V battery for its age stamp and ensure the engine starts promptly without hesitation, as heavy urban use shortens battery life. Examine the underside and wheel arches for signs of corrosion, paying close attention to the rear suspension subframe mounting points which can suffer from salt ingress on cars of this era. Finally, ensure all warning lights extinguish promptly after start-up, and check the operation of the dual-zone climate control and infotainment system, as electrical faults are common in this model and could prove costly to rectify.