2009 Vauxhall Insignia 1.8L Petrol · RK09 VOB

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a trend of deferred repairs regarding minor wear items. The most recent test in February 2026 at 119,900 miles identified a persistent oil leak and severely deteriorated front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers, alongside thinning nearside brake pads. While the car passed, the recurrence of the anti-roll bar issues across multiple years suggests the owner is only addressing components once they reach a point of failure rather than performing preventative maintenance. At 17 years old, the recorded 119,900 miles represent an average usage of approximately 7,000 miles per year, which is consistent with low-intensity commuting patterns. The data shows consistent use, with roughly 10,000 miles driven between the 2024 and 2025 tests, and another 10,400 miles between February 2025 and 2026. This steady mileage suggests the vehicle is not sitting for long periods, though the age of the car naturally increases the degradation of rubber components and seals. A buyer must focus their physical inspection on the engine bay to assess the extent of the ongoing oil leak, which has been noted since at least 2021. The front suspension requires close scrutiny, as the repeated failures of the anti-roll bar linkages and the previously worn engine mounting in 2024 indicate the rubber bushings are aging rapidly. Additionally, the rear brake system needs a check for uneven wear or caliper binding, as the tester specifically flagged thin nearside rear pads in the latest 2026 test. The exhaust system should also be inspected to ensure the minor leak noted in 2022 has been properly rectified.