2018 Vauxhall Insignia 1.5L Petrol · LD68 FPC

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 21 October 2025 was recorded as a fail on the same date as a pass, indicating a straightforward rectification that was completed and re-presented for testing on the same day. The failure cause was a major defect for an offside front windscreen wiper that was not clearing the windscreen effectively, a routine serviceable item rather than a structural or mechanical concern, and the absence of any subsequent advisories on the pass suggests the wipers and overall condition were fully rectified. Looking back across the available history, the vehicle has recorded four consecutive passes from 2022 through 2025 with no persistent advisories, which points to a stable and well-maintained mechanical trend. The only flagged items of note were the perishing advisories on both rear tyres at the 2024 test, which appear to have been addressed at the subsequent retest in 2025 given no carry-forward advisories remain. The recorded mileage of 42,255 miles across approximately eight years equates to an annualised usage of around 5,282 miles, which is well below the national average and indicative of either predominantly short urban journeys or extended periods of standing. Such low usage carries its own mechanical considerations, as prolonged inactivity can lead to brake disc surface corrosion, caliper slide seizure due to corroded guide pins, and fluid degradation from calendar ageing rather than mileage accumulation. The MOT record does not show any extraordinary mileage gaps or sudden accumulations, suggesting a consistent pattern of light use rather than mixed driving behaviour, and this should be reflected in a thorough physical inspection focused on standing-related wear rather than high-mileage drivetrain fatigue. From a buyer inspection perspective, particular attention should be paid to the braking system given the low annual mileage. Brake discs on a lightly driven vehicle frequently develop a corroded lip around the outer edge and may exhibit judder or vibration under braking due to uneven disc surface corrosion; calipers that have been static for long periods can seize partially, causing the vehicle to pull to one side under moderate braking or producing an acrid burning smell after the first firm application. The handbrake mechanism, cables, and rear shoes should also be checked for function, as these are particularly prone to seizing on vehicles that have seen extended standing periods. On a test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding from the front wheels during initial low-speed manoeuvres, which would confirm pad-to-disc contact after corrosion, and ensure the vehicle pulls evenly under both light and firm brake applications. Further age and low-mileage related checks should include a close visual inspection of all four tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, since the 2024 advisories confirmed rear tyre degradation was already underway and rubber compounds continue to deteriorate with calendar age regardless of tread depth. The 12V battery should be load tested or at minimum voltage checked, as batteries on low-mileage vehicles frequently suffer deep discharge cycles that shorten service life. All fluid reservoirs and service records warrant verification, particularly brake fluid which has a calendar-based replacement interval typically of two years regardless of mileage, along with coolant, automatic transmission fluid if applicable, and confirmation of recent cambelt or timing chain service intervals given the vehicle is now approaching eight years of age. A compression test or diagnostic scan for stored fault codes would also be prudent to identify any latent issues that have not yet triggered an MOT defect but could indicate developing sensor or emissions concerns on this particular model.