2015 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · FN64 MMJ

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2015 Vauxhall Insignia was conducted on 20 December 2023, resulting in a pass, although three advisories were issued against the vehicle. These advisories noted slight damage, cracking, or perishing on the nearside rear tyre, an illuminated Tyre Pressure Monitoring System warning lamp, and poor projected beam images from both front headlamps on dipped beam. Looking at the broader history, a prior test just one week earlier on 13 December 2023 resulted in a failure with major defects concerning both front headlamp beam aims, a faulty registration plate lamp, and an ineffective offside front wiper. While the more recent test was successful, the accumulation of lighting and visibility-related advisories and failures indicates a pattern of deterioration in electrical and lamp components, suggesting that the vehicle may require continued attention to these systems, particularly given its age. With 164,322 recorded miles accumulated over approximately 11 years, the vehicle averages around 14,938 miles per year, which is considerably higher than typical usage for its age bracket. This elevated annual mileage implies proportionally greater wear on major mechanical assemblies, including the engine, transmission, clutch, braking system, suspension, and drivetrain components. Notably, there are no significant gaps in the MOT history, indicating that the car has been in continuous, regular use rather than standing for long periods. Mechanically, high-mileage vehicles such as this Insignia warrant closer scrutiny for oil consumption, turbocharger condition if applicable, dual mass flywheel wear, and general driveline refinement, as well as a thorough verification of timing belt or chain service intervals. The 2022 MOT history reveals significant suspension component failures, with the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint recorded as excessively worn and the offside rear coil spring found fractured, both of which represent major safety defects. These failures are consistent with a vehicle of this mileage, where rubber bushes, drop links, and coil springs are subject to substantial wear from road loading, pothole impacts, and general degradation. On a test drive, a prospective buyer should listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over uneven surfaces, body roll during cornering, and any uneven rear ride height which could indicate a collapsed or fractured spring that has not yet completely failed. The earlier advisories from 2020 noting play in the offside rear top suspension bush and thin rear brake pads, combined with the 2018 advisories regarding wearing front and rear inner brake pads, suggest a recurring pattern of wear in both the suspension and braking systems that warrants a physical inspection of remaining pad material, disc condition, and bush integrity. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, a prospective buyer should carry out a number of practical checks beyond the MOT record. The advisory regarding tyre cracking or perishing on the nearside rear tyre indicates that the remaining tyres should be carefully inspected for sidewall perishing, as tyres over five years old deteriorate regardless of tread depth. The illuminated TPMS warning light observed across the 2023 tests suggests a potential fault with a sensor, valve, or system malfunction, and this should be diagnosed before purchase. The headlamp beam image defects noted in late 2023 could indicate failed bulb elements, deteriorated lens refraction, or incorrect alignment, all of which should be rectified to ensure compliance and road safety. Additionally, as the Insignia will be approaching 11 years of service, the buyer should verify the timing belt or chain replacement history according to manufacturer schedules, examine coolant and brake fluid for age-related degradation, check the 12V battery condition and state of charge, and thoroughly inspect the underside for corrosion, oil leaks, and the condition of the exhaust system. A cold start should be observed for any unusual smoke or excessive vibration, and the transmission should be tested for smooth engagement in all gears to confirm the high-mileage drivetrain remains in acceptable condition.