2018 Vauxhall Insignia 1.6L Diesel · FD67 ACZ

The Vauxhall Insignia’s most recent MOT test on 2025-09-24—just ten months ago—confirms it passed without defects, though the preceding day’s failure at 208,546 miles (a mere 13 miles before passing) suggests either a last-minute rectification or a minor oversight in the test itself. The broader trend remains stable, with no recurring advisories or defects spanning the last four tests, including the 2024 and 2023 renewals at significantly lower mileages (112,414 and 110,431 respectively). This implies the vehicle has avoided major mechanical failures, though the abrupt failure-to-pass swing warrants scrutiny of what may have been addressed between tests. The mileage progression reveals an unusually aggressive usage pattern, with 96,145 miles accumulated in just over a year between the 2024 and 2025 tests—a rate of around 30,000 miles annually. This is well above the average for a vehicle of this age, suggesting either heavy commercial use or prolonged periods of high-mileage driving. The gap between the 2022 and 2023 tests (4,187 miles in 11 months) contrasts sharply with the later spike, indicating a shift in usage rather than consistent neglect. Such rapid mileage accumulation places greater stress on suspension bushes, coil springs, brake calipers, and drivetrain components, which may now require closer inspection for wear beyond standard expectations. Given the lack of recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of high-wear areas exposed by the elevated mileage. Focus on the suspension for degraded bushes or cracked coil springs, particularly around the rear axle where binding calipers were implied in the 2025 failure. Brake discs and pads should be measured for uneven wear, as high mileage often accelerates pad glazing or disc warping. Examine the subframe and wheel arches for corrosion, especially if the vehicle has seen wet or salted roads, as structural integrity deteriorates more rapidly under such conditions. Finally, verify the exhaust system for leaks or rust-through, as emissions-related failures are common in older models with extended use. The absence of advisories does not guarantee these components are intact, but their condition will determine the vehicle’s long-term reliability.