2012 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · FH12 FBC

The vehicle achieved a PASS at its most recent MOT on 4 January 2022 with only a minor defect recorded in respect of an offside rear registration plate lamp being inoperative where multiple lamps are fitted, a trivial electrical item that would normally be remedied by a straightforward bulb replacement. Reviewing the broader DVSA history, the car has demonstrated a generally stable maintenance pattern, with passes recorded consecutively from 2015 onwards and a single RPL (refused/failed) outcome in June 2016 which was followed by a clean pass later the same month. The minor lamp defects noted in 2020 and 2022 suggest minor electrical attention is required, while the advisory concerning a minor exhaust gas leak from the 2020 test indicates a potential weakness in the exhaust system which, if left unaddressed, could progress into a more significant failure or, depending on the location of the leak, produce elevated emissions or audible droning under load. The earlier advisory regarding windscreen damage within the permissible 40mm zone is not a structural concern, though it would be prudent to monitor for any spreading of the impact point. The recorded mileage of 115,903 miles over a fourteen-year lifespan equates to an annual average of approximately 8,279 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and consistent with regular but unremarkable use. The gap between MOT tests from 2022 to the present date, combined with the gap between the 2022 test and the prior 2020 entry, suggests the vehicle may have covered relatively modest mileage in recent years or that testing was deferred during the pandemic period. While the average figure indicates steady usage, any prolonged periods of standing should be considered, as low-mileage or irregular use can accelerate certain forms of deterioration such as brake disc corrosion, brake caliper seizure, and degradation of fluids and rubber components, even if the odometer reading remains low. Given the recorded defects and advisories, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the rear braking system, as the 2016 failure specifically identified a nearside rear brake disc seriously weakened through wear or corrosion and nearside rear brake pads worn below the legal 1.5mm minimum. Although the subsequent passes suggest these components were replaced at that time, rear discs and calipers on a vehicle of this mileage are now approaching the point where further refurbishment or replacement may be necessary. On a test drive, listen for any metallic grinding or squealing from the rear wheels, feel for any pulling to one side under braking, and observe whether the rear calipers release cleanly without the car pulling to one side when the handbrake is released. The exhaust advisory should be physically inspected from beneath the vehicle for any hissing noises, soot deposits around joints, or visible cracks in the silencer or downpipe sections, as exhaust leaks tend to worsen with thermal cycling and corrosion. Beyond the documented items, the buyer should conduct age-appropriate checks consistent with a fourteen-year-old vehicle at this mileage. Inspect all four tyres for both tread depth and, critically, sidewall perishing or cracking from age, as tyres older than seven years can suffer structural degradation even with adequate tread remaining. Examine the underbody, subframes, brake lines, fuel lines, and suspension arms for any surface corrosion or scaling, paying particular attention to the rear axle and exhaust mounting points. Verify the service history stamps and ensure that the timing belt, where applicable to this diesel or petrol variant, has been replaced within the manufacturer recommended interval. Check the 12V battery for its date code and holding voltage, as batteries over five years old are prone to failure, and inspect all fluid levels including brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil for condition and age. Finally, confirm that the cam belt or chain service interval, along with the dual-mass flywheel and clutch wear if manual, has been addressed, as these items represent the most significant forthcoming expenditure on a high-mileage Insignia of this age.