2012 Vauxhall Insignia 1.8L Petrol · SH61 MYS

A broken rear coil spring recorded at the 2017 test is the headline mechanical event on this Insignia's record and points to a suspension component that had reached end-of-service life relatively early in the vehicle's life. The associated advisory at the same visit noted rear brake pads wearing thin, and a year later in 2018 both front shock absorbers were flagged for light oil misting with limited damping effect, alongside rear tire advisories for edge wear and perishing. From 2019 onwards the test record shows no further suspension-related advisories, but there is a consistent pattern of tire issues across multiple visits, including worn inner and outer edges, perishing walls, and cuts, with the 2022 test recording both front tires worn close to the legal limit on the edges. The most recent entry on 25 July 2023 was a pass with only a minor windscreen damage note that did not affect the driver's view, indicating that on the day of test no significant structural, braking, or suspension defects were identified. The defining mechanical story is therefore one of an early coil spring failure now resolved, followed by chronic tire wear and deterioration flagged at almost every test, with damping component concerns logged once and not repeated. With seven tests recorded between August 2017 and July 2023 against a current odometer reading of 117,824 miles, the vehicle averages roughly 8,416 miles per year over its fourteen-year life, which sits close to the typical annual mileage for a car of this age. The tests are evenly spaced at roughly annual intervals, with no extended gaps suggesting long periods off the road, and the mileage progression implied by the regular testing cadence indicates steady rather than sporadic use. For a front-wheel-drive Insignia of this age and mileage, this kind of usage pattern points to predictable wear on consumables such as tires, brake pads and discs, and on suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and the rear coil springs that have already required replacement. A prospective buyer should focus attention on the rear suspension, particularly given the recorded coil spring failure in 2017 and the front shock absorber oil misting advisories in 2018. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear over speed humps and undulating surfaces, which would indicate tired rear springs, dampers, or bushes, and pay particular attention to any uneven bouncing after compression of the rear end. With the engine running, push down firmly on each front corner and release, watching for more than one or two oscillations of continued movement, which could indicate the shock absorbers have further deteriorated since the 2018 advisory. Steering should feel precise without pulling to either side under braking, and any knocking through the steering rack over rough surfaces would warrant closer inspection of the front suspension arms and drop links. The tire history on this Insignia is the most consistent flag across the entire MOT record and warrants close physical inspection of all four fitted tires. Check the inner and outer edges of the front tires in particular for uneven wear, as the 2019 and 2022 advisories specifically noted edge wear, and inspect the sidewalls for cuts, cracking, and perishing, as these were reported on the nearside front in 2021 and on both rear tires in 2018 and 2019. Confirm the fitted size matches the original specification of 245/45 R18 recorded on the earlier advisories. Under braking at speed, any vibration through the steering wheel or pedal would indicate warped front brake discs, which is plausible given the higher mileage, and a visual check should confirm adequate brake pad and disc thickness. Finally, inspect the underside of the vehicle, particularly the rear subframe and brake pipes, for any surface corrosion, and examine the exhaust system for signs of blowing joints or corrosion at the mounting points, as these are common MOT failure areas on Insignias of this age and mileage.