2014 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · SH64 CEF

A defining element of this Insignia's MOT history is the recurring rear-axle wear pattern, with both braking and suspension components coming up short in successive tests rather than isolated one-off failures. The 2022 test recorded a fractured offside rear coil spring classified as a Major defect, an outright rejection at the time, and the following year's inspection identified dangerously thin offside rear brake pads under 1.5 mm alongside pitted rear brake discs. Three advisory notices were also raised that year for both rear tyres wearing close to the legal limit on their edges. Since then, the 2024, 2025, and 2026 tests have all passed with no defects recorded, indicating that the rear-end issues identified in 2022 and 2023 appear to have been resolved, though the underlying causes of uneven rear-tyre wear could still be present and worth scrutinising. Mileage accumulation across twelve years sits at roughly 6,670 miles per year on average, which is broadly in line with expectations for a vehicle of this age that has been in regular but not intensive use. There are no extended gaps in the testing history, with annual tests recorded from 2021 through 2026, which rules out any long periods off the road and suggests the Insignia has been driven consistently throughout. The mileage progression between tests has been steady rather than erratic, indicating ordinary commuting or leisure use rather than high-mileage motorway work that would accelerate wear on engine, clutch, or drivetrain components. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas for a physical inspection are the rear suspension and braking components that triggered the earlier defects. The fractured offside rear coil spring should prompt a close look at the remaining springs for any signs of sagging, corrosion, or corrosion-induced weakness, particularly given that coil springs in this era of Insignia are known to fail progressively. The rear brake discs should be examined for lipping, run-out, and any recurrence of pitting, and the calipers checked for smooth operation, as binding rear calipers are a common cause of uneven pad wear on this model. Because both rear tyres were previously flagged as wearing on the edges, a careful inspection of the current tyres for uneven shoulder wear is warranted, and any tracking or geometry irregularity should be ruled out by checking for uneven feathered wear across the tread. On a test drive, attention should focus on how the vehicle behaves over uneven road surfaces, listening for any clonking or knocking from the rear suspension that could indicate worn bushes, top mounts, or anti-roll bar linkages, all of which are common wear items on this platform. The brakes should be tested for any pulling to one side under firm pedal pressure, any judder through the pedal that suggests warped discs, and any grinding noises that could point to worn pads. A straight-line stability check at speed is worthwhile to confirm there is no steering pull, and the rear should be observed for any squatting or leaning behaviour that could indicate weakened springs. With the recent MOT history clean for three consecutive years, the immediate test outcomes are favourable, but the rear-axle history means a thorough hands-on inspection remains prudent before purchase.