2016 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · SC16 ACC

A recurring pattern of front-tyre inner-edge wear dominates the MOT history of this 2016 Vauxhall Insignia and stands as the defining mechanical signature of the vehicle. Across four of the six recorded tests, both front tyres have been flagged as worn close to the legal limit specifically on the inner edge, a symptom typically associated with worn suspension components rather than simple tyre ageing. The most recent examination on 20 November 2025 returned a pass, but it carried the same advisory for both front tyres alongside new advisories for perishing and damage on the rear pair. The November 2024 test repeated the front-edge wear advisory, while the 2023 and 2022 tests were entirely clean. A single failure on 10 November 2021 was caused by an inoperative nearside headlamp dipped beam, a straightforward electrical repair that was resolved at the same presentation. The only structural concern in the record is a 2021 advisory noting offside rear inner brake pads wearing thin, which warrants confirmation that replacement discs and pads were fitted at the time. The recorded mileage of 72,583 miles over approximately ten years equates to an average annual accumulation of around 7,258 miles, which sits within the expected band for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant gaps between test dates that would suggest extended periods off the road, with annual tests conducted consistently from 2019 through 2025. This steady, moderate usage pattern means that mechanical wear on consumables such as brake components, tyres and suspension linkages should be proportionate to the miles covered, and the volume of recorded mileage is sufficient to reveal developing chassis and brake wear patterns rather than masking them through low use. For a prospective buyer, the persistent inner-edge front tyre wear across multiple tests is the priority area for investigation, as this pattern often points to worn or perished front suspension bushes, tracking misalignment, or tired top mounts and strut bearings. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps and potholes, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering response. A fluid-free check underneath the car at the front subframe and suspension arms will help identify any oil leakage from the strut assemblies or weeping from the power steering system, both common Insignia issues that would not necessarily appear in the MOT record. Additionally, have the tracking professionally checked and inspect the front tyres for feathering or stepped wear across the tread surface, which confirms whether the suspension geometry is the underlying cause rather than a simple wheel alignment issue. The brake system also warrants focused attention given the 2021 advisory on offside rear inner pad wear and the Insignia's known susceptibility for binding rear calipers. On the test drive, apply the brakes firmly from speed and feel for any pulling to one side, judder through the pedal, or a grinding sensation that would indicate worn discs or uneven pad deposition. Inspect the rear wheels for signs of excessive brake dust on one side compared to the other, which can suggest a partially seized caliper mechanism. Finally, verify that the headlamp failure from 2021 has been comprehensively resolved by checking both dipped and main beam operation, and inspect all tyres including the rear pair for the cracking and perishing noted in the latest advisory, replacing all four if sidewall degradation is visible regardless of remaining tread depth.