2017 Vauxhall Insignia 1.6L Diesel · FN67 FNU

The latest MOT test on 1 September 2026 resulted in a failure, highlighting a worsening maintenance trend that centers heavily on tyre neglect and associated electronic safety systems. The vehicle failed due to an inoperative tyre pressure monitoring system, accompanied by advisories for all four tyres being worn close to the legal limit. Notably, the front tyres show edge wear, while the rear tyres are noted as being out of shape on their inner edges. This pattern of running tyres down to their absolute limits is a recurring theme for this vehicle, as evidenced by a dangerous failure for sub-1.6mm tread depth in 2020 and multiple tyre-related advisories in 2021 and 2023. This suggests a history of reactive rather than proactive maintenance by the previous keeper. With 101,373 miles recorded over approximately nine years, the vehicle has averaged around 11,264 miles annually. This mileage profile is typical for a Vauxhall Insignia, suggesting regular, consistent road use, likely including motorway driving which is generally gentler on the clutch and brakes than stop-start urban driving. However, surpassing the 100,000-mile mark is a significant mechanical milestone. At this stage, major suspension components, steering linkages, and drivetrain ancillaries will have accumulated substantial wear and tear, meaning the vehicle is entering a phase of its lifecycle where major component replacements are to be expected. A prospective buyer must carefully investigate the vehicle's suspension and steering alignment. The recurring advisories for tyres wearing on their edges, combined with the rear tyres being out of shape on their inner edges, are classic symptoms of worn suspension bushes, fatigued coil springs, or incorrect wheel alignment. During a test drive, the buyer should listen for a distinct droning or rumbling noise from the cabin, which is a common symptom of unevenly worn tyre tread blocks mimicking a failed wheel bearing. The steering wheel should be checked for vibrations at speed, and the vehicle should track straight without pulling to either side. Resolving the tyre pressure monitoring system failure will require diagnostic scanning and likely the replacement of the individual wheel sensor transmitters, which should be negotiated into the purchase price alongside a fresh set of tyres and a professional four-wheel laser alignment. In addition to the immediate tyre and suspension concerns, a thorough physical inspection of the braking system and engine bay is essential. Given that the brake pads were flagged as thin in past MOTs, the brake discs should be inspected for a pronounced outer lip or heavy corrosion, and the calipers checked for binding. Under the bonnet, the buyer must verify if the timing belt or timing chain, depending on the specific engine variant, has been replaced along with the water pump, as this is a critical calendar- and mileage-based service item. Finally, the underside should be inspected for oil dampness or active fluid leaks around the oil cooler, turbocharger oil feed pipes, and gearbox seals, ensuring the vehicle is mechanically sound before purchase.