2014 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · OE14 XPD

The Insignia's MOT history paints a picture of a vehicle that has managed to pass its annual assessments but has accumulated a recurring trail of advisories and component failures that warrant close attention. Most recently, on 3 February 2026, the car passed its test with no advisories, yet the record on the very same date shows a failure for an offside rear upper suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn, indicating that a repair was carried out immediately prior to the pass being issued. The rear tyre advisory carried over from January 2024, combined with front tyre edge wear flagged at the 2025 test, suggests an ongoing tracking or geometry issue that has not been definitively resolved. The January 2024 failure on the central exhaust major gas leak, alongside a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system, points to underfloor corrosion or deterioration of exhaust flex joints typical of higher-mileage Insignias of this era. With 121,127 miles accumulated over roughly twelve years, this Insignia averages around 10,094 miles annually, which is broadly in line with typical UK usage for a vehicle of its age and class. There are no extended gaps in the testing record that would suggest long periods off the road, meaning the car has seen regular use and its mechanical components have been subjected to continuous operational stress. At this mileage, the Insignia's known weak points, including rear suspension bushes, front lower wishbones, and exhaust mounting rubbers, will be approaching or past their service life, and the recorded defects align well with that mechanical reality. The absence of brake or brake pipe advisories is reassuring, but prospective buyers should bear in mind that higher-mileage examples often develop binding calipers, worn discs, or corroded brake lines that may only become apparent under load. Given the documented wear to the offside rear upper suspension arm pin or bush, this area should be a primary focus during any inspection. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear axle over speed bumps, uneven road surfaces, and during tight low-speed manoeuvres where suspension load transfers heavily. Check the rear wheel alignment by pushing laterally on the rear offside tyre while the car is on level ground, feeling for any play or knocking that would confirm deteriorated bushes. Also examine the rear subframe mounting points and surrounding underbody panels for surface corrosion, as this component sits close to the wheel arch and is exposed to road salt and debris. The recurring front and rear tyre edge wear advisories merit a specific geometry check, including both wheel alignment and a thorough inspection of the rear suspension geometry arms, as uneven wear patterns of this kind frequently trace back to worn trailing arm or upper link bushes rather than simple misalignment. On test drive, pay attention to any steering pull to one side, vagueness through the centre position, or uneven scrubbing noises from the tyres, particularly under hard cornering. The 2024 exhaust major leak and inoperative TPMS warrant a physical check of the exhaust centre section, flex joints, and mounting rubbers for further deterioration, as well as confirming the tyre pressure sensors are functional in all four wheels. Finally, request evidence of the rear suspension repair carried out at the February 2026 test and ensure the work was completed with quality components, as a rushed bush replacement on a 121,000-mile Insignia can mask deeper wear in adjacent links.