2014 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · FM14 ABK

The vehicle achieved a PASS at its most recent MOT on 29 January 2026, with no advisories or defects recorded, which represents a positive outcome following the failure two days earlier. That earlier failure was triggered by a fractured nearside rear coil spring and an inoperative registration plate lamp, both of which were rectified for the re-test. Looking back across the MOT history, the picture is mixed but currently stable. The 2025 test contained a Major failure for the same registration plate lamp issue alongside a Dangerous failure for a nearside front tyre below the legal tread depth, and a recurring advisory regarding corrosion on the rear sub-frame. The 2024 pass carried advisories relating to tyre wear, age cracking on the rear tyres, and damaged rear shock absorber casings. The recurrence of the sub-frame corrosion advisory across consecutive years suggests progressive structural surface oxidation, while the coil spring failure at this mileage is a typical wear-related suspension event rather than a systemic concern. Overall, the maintenance trend shows a vehicle that has been actively kept on the road with defects addressed promptly, though wear-related advisories are accumulating. With recorded mileage of 161,862 over twelve years, this Insignia is averaging around 13,500 miles per year, which sits at the upper end of the typical annual mileage band and indicates consistent, substantial use rather than long periods of standing. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage pattern suggesting prolonged inactivity, and such high cumulative mileage places additional wear burden on the engine, clutch or automatic transmission, turbocharger if fitted, suspension components, and braking system. High-mileage examples frequently develop oil leaks from gaskets and seals, worn engine mountings, and degraded timing chain tensioners, while diesel variants of the Insignia are particularly prone to dual-mass flywheel wear, EGR valve carbon build-up, and DPF issues. Brake discs and pads will have been subjected to considerable service life, and clutch hydraulic components may be approaching replacement. Prospective buyers should anticipate a vehicle that has experienced genuine working life and budget accordingly for accrued wear items. Given the rear sub-frame corrosion advisory recorded at both the 2024 and 2025 tests, the underside of the vehicle warrants close physical inspection, ideally on a ramp, to assess whether the corrosion has progressed beyond surface oxidation into the structural integrity of the mounting points, trailing arm bushes, and suspension pickup points. Heavy salt exposure, common in UK winter conditions, accelerates this type of corrosion, and any evidence of flaking, deep pitting, or distortion should be professionally evaluated before purchase. The fractured rear coil spring recorded in 2026 should be confirmed as having been replaced with a quality component, and the entire rear suspension should be inspected for collateral damage, as a broken spring can cause impact damage to the shock absorber, tyre sidewall, or wheel arch lining. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear over uneven surfaces, which may indicate worn bushes or perished top mountings, and pay attention to any vagueness in steering or uneven rear tyre wear that could suggest weakened trailing arms. The 2024 advisories regarding inner and outer edge wear on the front tyres suggest potential tracking misalignment or worn suspension geometry components, which is worth investigating through a geometry check and inspection of the lower wishbones and anti-roll bar drop links for play. The age cracking noted on the 2019-dated rear tyres is a particular concern for tyres of this profile, as 245/40 R19 low‑profile sidewalls are vulnerable to perishing and impact damage from kerbing; all four tyres should be examined for sidewall cracks, bulges, and tread depth regardless of their current condition. With twelve years of service, the 12-volt battery is almost certainly due for replacement, and brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid will have degraded beyond their calendar-based service intervals and warrant renewal on age rather than mileage alone. The shock absorber casing damage noted in 2024 should be re-examined to ensure no fluid leakage has developed, and a thorough inspection of the front brake discs for corrosion lipping, caliper slide pins for seizure, and the handbrake mechanism for adjustment is advisable given the standing periods between MOTs. A full service history verifying regular oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals would significantly strengthen buyer confidence in a high-mileage Insignia of this age.