2018 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · FP18 RBY

The most recent DVSA examination on 18 November 2025 resulted in a pass, with advisory items recorded against both rear brake discs for wear, pitting, and scoring, though neither was considered to be seriously weakened at the time of test. Looking back over the available MOT history, the vehicle has maintained a consistent pass record across all recorded tests from 2020 through 2025, with no failures or refusals recorded. The advisory for a nail in a rear tyre in November 2021 appears to have been a one-off incidental issue, while the clean passes in 2022, 2023, and 2024 suggest the vehicle has generally been well maintained between formal inspections. The emergence of rear brake disc advisories on the most recent test warrants attention, as this typically represents the first signs of a wear pattern that will progress if the vehicle continues to be used in its current configuration, but the overall maintenance trend remains stable rather than deteriorating. With a recorded mileage of 56,007 miles over approximately 8 years of service, this Vauxhall Insignia is averaging roughly 7,001 miles annually, which sits squarely within the typical usage bracket for a vehicle of its vintage and class. There are no glaring anomalies in the mileage progression, no extended gaps that would suggest long periods of standing, and no rapid accumulation that would indicate abnormally high wear on the drivetrain, suspension, or clutch components. The mileage profile suggests a car that has been used regularly but not excessively, which is generally favourable for mechanical longevity. That said, average annual mileage should not lull a prospective purchaser into complacency, particularly given the age of the vehicle and the cumulative effects of wear on age-sensitive components regardless of distance covered. Given the rear brake disc advisories flagged at the most recent test, particular attention should be paid to the condition of both rear discs and pads during a physical inspection and test drive. Pitted and scored rear discs on a front-wheel-drive vehicle like the Insignia are common, as the rear brakes typically handle a smaller proportion of the braking effort, but the scoring does indicate that the discs have either been subjected to infrequent heavy braking or have developed corrosion through light use. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder through the pedal or steering wheel under firm application, and watch for the rear wheels binding or dragging when releasing the brakes, which would indicate a sticking caliper slide mechanism. It would be prudent to measure the remaining disc thickness against the manufacturer's minimum specification and inspect the pad wear, as the advisories suggest replacement of both discs and pads is likely to be required within the next service interval. Beyond the documented brake concerns, this 8-year-old vehicle with average mileage warrants a thorough age-based inspection regardless of its MOT outcome. Check all four tyres, including any spare, for sidewall cracking and perishing consistent with age, as rubber deteriorates through time exposure even with adequate tread depth. Inspect the 12V battery for its date code and signs of weak cranking, as batteries typically require replacement every five to six years. Examine the coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission fluid for their service history, as these degrade through time rather than mileage alone, and verify whether the timing belt and water pump replacement schedule has been observed according to manufacturer intervals. Finally, inspect the undercarriage for any emerging corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points, subframes, and brake lines, and check that the exhaust system is free from corrosion-induced leaks or blowing joints, all of which are common age-related concerns on Insignias approaching the upper end of their typical service life.