2015 Vauxhall Insignia 1.6L Diesel · SC65 AAE

The most recent DVSA examination on 22 August 2023 resulted in a PASS, with four advisories recorded but no failures or major defects at that time. However, the picture is somewhat mixed when the broader history is reviewed, as the vehicle was presented the day before and failed on a dangerous nearside rear inner brake pad defect, alongside the same advisories that subsequently appeared on the pass certificate. This indicates that the underlying mechanical condition had not changed materially between 21 and 22 August; rather, the brake pads were replaced in the intervening period to secure the pass. The advisories relating to oil leak, front tyre wear, and multiple suspension arm pins or bushes have now appeared across three consecutive tests, which suggests a slowly worsening rather than improving trend in the front suspension area, and a persistent but non-excessive oil leak from the engine. With 119,056 miles recorded over approximately eleven years, the vehicle is averaging just over 10,800 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and consistent with a mix of commuting and longer journeys. There are no obvious prolonged gaps in the MOT record that would suggest the car has been laid up for extended periods, so the usual standing-related concerns such as severe underbody corrosion, seized calipers, or perished fuel lines are less likely to be dominant issues. Nevertheless, the mileage is high enough that wear-related items including suspension consumables, brake components, clutches or automatics, and engine ancillaries should be expected to be approaching or past their second or third replacement cycle. The recurring engine oil leak, while classed as not excessive on each occasion, is worth treating as a slow progressive issue rather than a static one. Given the repeated advisories for worn front suspension arm pins or bushes, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front end on a test drive. Listen for clonks or knocks over speed humps, uneven bumps, or when turning at low speed, and check for vagueness in the steering or uneven tyre wear across the front axle, as perished or worn bushes commonly cause the tyres to feather on the inner or outer edges. The nearside front tyre itself was flagged as being close to the legal limit and worn on the edge, so budget for an immediate replacement pair of front tyres and request evidence of the brake pad replacement that followed the dangerous failure. The persistent engine oil leak, although not excessive, warrants a thorough under-bonnet inspection for the source, typically valve cover gaskets, sump gaskets, or cam cover breathers on the Insignia, and the oil level should be checked cold on a flat surface before purchase. On a road test, listen for any top-end tickle, look for blue smoke on startup, and check for fresh oil residue on the driveway or garage floor. Beyond the recorded advisories, age- and mileage-related items deserve close physical inspection. Brake discs at this mileage are likely to be on their second or third set and should be checked for lipping, corrosion, and binding calipers, particularly after the dangerous brake pad failure recorded. The 12V battery, coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable will all be due for replacement on a calendar basis rather than purely on mileage, so verify service history stamps and fluid condition. Inspect the exhaust system for corrosion, the underbody and wheel arches for surface rust, and the timing chain or belt service interval as the latter is due every five to ten years depending on specification. Finally, a diagnostic read for any stored fault codes, particularly relating to emissions, the turbo actuator, and the electronic handbrake, would be prudent given the Insignia is now over a decade old.