2012 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · OV12 VOG

The most recent MOT test on 28 December 2024 resulted in a pass, but it came only five days after two consecutive failures and after significant rectification work. The latest pass is annotated with several advisories relating to front and rear brake disc wear on both sides, offside front headlamp condensation, a nearside front tyre with a shallow cut, and damage to the front bumper. Looking at the broader history, the pattern of advisories and defects points to a vehicle whose maintenance trend is worsening rather than stable. In particular, the rear coil spring has been flagged for corrosion in successive tests from 2022 and 2023, with a major failure recorded in December 2024 because the spring was mounted incorrectly and insecurely after replacement. The nearside rear shock absorber was already showing light misting in 2023 and subsequently failed with negligible damping effect and oil leakage at the December 2024 test. Front brake disc wear and front suspension arm bushes have also been recurring advisories since 2022. The accumulation of these chassis and braking concerns, coupled with headlamp aim and lens issues, suggests that the car has been subject to progressive wear and that previous repairs have not fully resolved underlying deterioration. The recorded mileage of 140,662 miles across approximately 14 years equates to an annual average of around 10,000 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record that would indicate extended standing periods, and the mileage accumulation appears steady, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular use rather than neglected. For a higher-mileage example such as this, it is reasonable to expect wear on the major mechanical consumables, particularly braking components, suspension bushes, springs, and shock absorbers, all of which have already manifested as advisories or failures in the recorded history. Continued use at this rate means that any components replaced now will need to be monitored closely as they approach the end of their typical service life again in the relatively near future. A prospective buyer should approach this Insignia with particular attention to the braking and suspension systems, given the recurring advisories and recent failures. The front brake discs were flagged as worn in 2022 and again in 2024, and the rear discs are showing pitting and scoring; on a test drive, listen for any brake shudder under firm application, which would indicate disc run-out, and check for pulling to one side that could suggest a binding caliper, a common issue on vehicles that have stood or that have worn guide pins. The rear coil spring corrosion issue is significant, as corroded springs can fracture and are a recurring advisory that has already escalated into a major failure once; inspect the springs visually for surface corrosion and listen for any clonking over uneven road surfaces. The rear shock absorber leak is another concern, and any bouncing, wallowing, or uneven damping behaviour over undulating roads would confirm that the replacement unit, if fitted, is itself degrading. The headlamp aim and condensation defects are easily rectified provided the lens is not cracked, but any water ingress can damage the reflector and bulbs over time, so confirm correct beam pattern and dry lamp internals during inspection. Beyond the recorded defects, an inspection should include a thorough check of age- and mileage-related items. Tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking and perishing, which is common on a 14-year-old vehicle regardless of tread remaining, and the nearside front cut should be carefully assessed to ensure it has not deepened since the advisory was issued. Confirm that the front suspension arm back bushes, flagged as worn in 2022, have been replaced, as deteriorated bushes produce clonking over speed humps and uneven tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges. Verify the service book stamps and request evidence that timing belt, coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission fluid have been changed in line with calendar intervals, as fluids degrade with age even on lower-mileage cars. Check the front bumper repair for any sharp edges or poor reattachment, inspect the exhaust system for corrosion around joints and the rear silencer, and test the 12 volt battery under cranking, as a 14-year-old vehicle is well beyond typical battery life. A roadworthy vehicle at this age and mileage is achievable, but the buyer should budget for the imminent replacement of brake discs, possible further suspension component renewal, and the rectification of remaining advisories to ensure continued roadworthiness.