2014 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · FG14 XEX

The most recent DVSA examination on 28 November 2024 resulted in a failure, which is a clear departure from the otherwise largely clean record the vehicle had maintained across its previous six tests. The failure carries three major defects relating to the tyre pressure monitoring system and both rear upper suspension arms, alongside an advisory for an offside rear inner tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge. Prior to this, the only flagged items across the entire history were minor advisories concerning nearside front tyre wear in 2022 and 2019, a slight bodywork scuff to the offside rear, and a deteriorated but legible front number plate in 2019. The cluster of rear suspension arm defects at this single test suggests either a genuine deterioration in component condition or an MOT station that was more thorough than those previously used, and any prospective buyer should treat the post-failure rectification work as a primary point of verification. With around 91,929 miles accumulated over twelve years, the vehicle is averaging roughly 7,661 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and indicates consistent rather than exceptional use. The MOT record shows tests in 2018, 2019 (twice), 2021, 2022, 2023 (twice), and 2024, with no obvious long gaps in annual mileage that would point to extended standing periods, although the precise mileages between tests would need to be checked against the service book to confirm whether the annual accumulation is even or lumpy. Consistent usage of this level is generally favourable for mechanical components, as it keeps seals lubricated, prevents brake disc corrosion from setting in, and avoids the flat-spotting and sidewall perishing common to low-use or stored vehicles. Given the specific defects recorded at the most recent test, any prospective purchaser should insist on seeing the official DVSA pass certificate issued after the November 2024 failure, confirming that both rear upper suspension arms and the bushes or pins in question were replaced rather than merely repaired, along with the tyre pressure monitoring system fault being rectified. The rear upper suspension arm bushes and pins being worn at both sides simultaneously is typical of a component reaching the end of its service life rather than an isolated impact damage issue, so expect to see invoices for a pair of arms or full bush kits rather than a single-sided repair. On a test drive, pay close attention to any clonking or knocking from the rear axle over uneven surfaces, speed bumps, or when cornering, as well as any vague wandering at the rear end or uneven rear tyre wear pattern which would indicate the geometry has not been correctly set after the work. Beyond the suspension items, the repeated advisories for inner or edge tyre wear on the nearside front and now the offside rear suggest that wheel alignment should be checked independently of the MOT, as Insignias of this generation are known to consume tyres on the edges if the rear or front geometry has drifted. Inspect all four tyres for age-related sidewall cracking or perishing, as rubber over six years old becomes brittle regardless of tread depth, and verify matching sizes and load ratings on each axle. With the vehicle now twelve years old, also confirm when the 12V battery was last replaced, check the brake discs for lipping and the calipers for any binding after standing, and ensure that brake fluid, coolant, and automatic or manual transmission oil have been changed on a calendar basis as these degrade with time rather than mileage. Finally, a thorough inspection underneath for fluid leaks from the power steering rack, rear differential area, and any signs of structural corrosion along the rear axle mounting points and inner arches would be prudent given the suspension components that have now failed.