2016 Vauxhall Insignia 1.6L Diesel · SF16 DDH

The 1.6 CDTi diesel engine is among the more economical Insignia variants, typically returning 50-60 mpg on a combined cycle according to manufacturer figures, though real-world results often fall in the mid-40s. Road tax for a 2016 Euro 6 diesel saloon will be in the £30-£165 band depending on the specific CO2 rating — confirm the V5C for the exact figure. Insurance for the Insignia 1.6 CDTi generally sits in groups 14-19, placing it in a moderate bracket for a family saloon.

Diesel-specific maintenance costs include DPF attention (£200-£400 if forced regeneration is required), timing belt replacement at the 6-year/100,000-mile interval (around £400-£600 including water pump), and dual-mass flywheel replacement if symptoms arise (£600-£1,000). Routine servicing costs are reasonable at £150-£250 per visit at an independent garage. Budget carefully for the cambelt service if there is no evidence it has been carried out — the 78,980 mileage is approaching the change interval, and a 2016 car is well past the 6-year threshold.

Estimated annual running cost: £1,200-£1,500, covering fuel, road tax, insurance, and routine maintenance, with the proviso that a cambelt service is due imminently.

The MOT history points clearly to tyres and lighting as recurring problem areas. Inspect all four tyres for tread depth (legal minimum 1.6mm), even wear patterns, and any sidewall damage or bulges — the December 2023 failure specifically cited structural tyre damage. Uneven wear across an axle could indicate suspension or geometry issues, which are worth investigating. Check the spare or tyre repair kit is present and serviceable.

On the lighting front, the December 2023 failure noted an offside front headlamp not working on dipped beam. Test every lighting function including main beam, dipped beam, indicators, fog lights, and brake lights. Examine headlamp lenses for condensation or clouding, as replacement units are common on high-mileage Insignias. The December 2025 TPMS fault should also be investigated — modern TPMS sensors are battery-powered and typically last 5-7 years, so replacement may be due, costing around £50-£100 per sensor including fitting.

Beyond the MOT-recorded items, this 1.6 diesel warrants the usual diesel-specific inspections: check for DPF warning lights on ignition, listen for turbo whistle or flutter on overrun, examine the exhaust for soot deposits indicating incomplete regeneration, and feel for clutch slip or judder during a test drive. The aggregate model data flags coil spring and corrosion as the top failure reasons for Insignias generally, so inspect the springs for cracks and check the sills, wheel arches, and underbody for surface rust. A lift inspection at a garage is strongly recommended before purchase.