2019 Vauxhall Insignia 1.6L Diesel · FD68 DFE

The most recent MOT, carried out on 24 July 2026, was passed but recorded an advisory concerning a rear child seat that obstructed full inspection of the adult restraint and a near‑side rear tyre showing slight damage and early perishing. Over the last five years the vehicle has moved from a dangerous failure for rear brake pads and a severely worn rear disc in mid‑2023, and a dangerous central rear seat‑belt webbing failure in early‑2022, to a clean pass in 2024 and a series of passes with only advisory items since. The pattern suggests that the major safety defects identified in 2022 and 2023 have been remedied, but tyre wear and minor ancillary issues have persisted, indicating a maintenance trend that is now stable but still requires close attention to tyre condition and any residual wear items. At 66 035 mi the car averages roughly 9 400 mi per annum, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope for a seven‑year‑old family hatchback. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would imply long periods of inactivity, nor any spikes suggesting unusually aggressive use. Consequently the wear on major drivetrain and suspension components should be in line with age‑related expectations rather than driven‑by‑high‑mileage excess, though the cumulative effect of the tyre wear advisories each year does point to a need for proactive tyre management. Prospective buyers should give the tyre set a thorough visual and tactile inspection. The front tyres have been flagged each year as being close to the legal tread limit and showing edge wear, while the near‑side rear tyre has shown sidewall cracking and perishing. Measure the tread depth on all four wheels; any reading below 3 mm, especially on the fronts, warrants immediate replacement. Look for uneven wear patterns that could indicate mis‑alignment, worn suspension bushes, or failing rear toe/caster settings, and listen for a thudding or squeaking sensation when cornering at low speed. Verify that the rear brake discs and pads were replaced after the 2023 failure by checking for uniform disc surface, absence of scoring, and a firm, non‑pulsating pedal feel under moderate braking; any shudder or squeal may signal that the new components are approaching the end of their service life. Examine the central rear seat‑belt webbing for fraying or delamination, and ensure the child‑seat advisory does not mask a compromised adult belt. Given the vehicle’s age, also inspect items that degrade with time rather than mileage. The 12 V battery is likely approaching the end of its typical six‑year service life, so a load test or voltage check is advisable. Confirm that engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed within the recommended intervals – a visual inspection of the brake fluid colour and a coolant level check can reveal neglect. Look for any signs of corrosion on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches and under‑body, which can develop when a car sits for extended periods. Finally, assess the windscreen for chips or cracks that could expand, and verify that the service book contains regular oil changes and any recorded suspension or steering component replacements, as these will give confidence that the car has been kept in a roadworthy state.