2012 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · FD62 TOU

The most recent MOT on 10 February 2026 was passed, albeit with a series of advisories and minor defects covering the dip‑beam interaction, off‑side rear registration plate lamp, a small windscreen chip and a defective wiper blade. Over the last six years the vehicle has moved from a failure in February 2022 (primarily lighting faults) to a clean pass in 2021 and 2020, and then to a pattern of recurring minor items rather than any major safety failures. This indicates a generally stable maintenance trend, with the principal concerns now being routine wear items rather than a deteriorating core mechanical condition. At 151 692 miles the car has averaged roughly 10 800 miles per annum since its 2012 release, which sits comfortably within the normal UK usage envelope. There are no obvious periods of prolonged inactivity that would suggest severe corrosion from standing, nor any sudden mileage spikes that would point to intensive short‑term abuse. The mileage level implies that consumables such as tyres, brake pads, suspension bushes and engine oil will be well into their service life and should be inspected for wear consistent with a vehicle of this age and distance. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the lighting system – the off‑side rear registration plate lamp and the front indicators have been flagged repeatedly and may be symptomatic of corroded wiring or loose connectors. Verify that all lamps illuminate correctly and listen for any intermittent flicker during a short drive. The windscreen chip, while not currently impairing vision, should be assessed for propagation and the wiper blades must be replaced as they are already deemed defective. Tyre condition is a recurring theme: the off‑side front tyre is close to the legal limit, the off‑side rear tyre shows edge wear and cracking, and the near‑side rear tyre exhibits perishing and inner‑edge wear. Examine the tread depth, sidewall integrity and look for uneven wear that could indicate mis‑aligned suspension or worn camber/caster bushes. The rear shock absorbers have a light oil mist, which may herald seal deterioration; a bounce test should reveal any loss of damping, and any clunk or excessive dive under braking would suggest the need for replacement. The rear exhaust rubber mounts are reported as perished and the brackets corroded, so a visual inspection for rattles or exhaust leaks is advisable. Given the vehicle’s age, a comprehensive check of time‑related components is prudent. Inspect the 12 V battery for sulphation and verify its cranking voltage, as a 14‑year‑old battery may be nearing the end of its service life. Examine the brake discs and pads for surface rust, glazing or uneven wear, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding. Drain and replace engine oil, coolant and brake fluid if service records are absent, as fluid degradation can occur even with modest mileage. Finally, assess the under‑tray and underbody for rust, especially around the previously noted corroded brackets, and confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and any required timing‑chain inspections, as these will give confidence that the drivetrain has been maintained in line with manufacturer recommendations.