2014 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0L Diesel · SH64 CXT

The vehicle achieved a PASS at its most recent MOT on 23 August 2025, with advisories relating to front suspension arm pin or bush wear on both sides, corrosion of the front sub-frame, and a minor defect for an inoperative rear registration plate lamp. Reviewing the MOT trajectory, the 2025 test outcome is broadly consistent with prior results and shows no sudden introduction of new structural or safety-critical failures, but the pattern across 2022 to 2025 indicates a gradually accumulating list of advisories rather than an improving one. Sub-frame corrosion was flagged in both 2024 and 2025, suspension bush wear has appeared at the latest test, brake disc wear was noted in 2024, and coil spring corrosion surfaced in 2023. While none of these items have yet resulted in a test failure, the trend points towards age-related wear on chassis, suspension, and braking components that will require attention within the next service cycle, and a prospective buyer should treat the overall maintenance condition as stable but trending towards increased future remedial work. The recorded mileage of 90,242 miles over approximately twelve years equates to an annual average of around 7,500 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age but sits at the lower end of average usage. The mileage progression across MOT records appears steady, with no obvious annual gaps suggesting long periods of standing, although the lower-than-average annual figure does increase the likelihood of corrosion-related issues from infrequent use, cold starts without full warm-up cycles, and potential drying of seals and flexible components. At this mileage on a 2014 Insignia, the drivetrain, clutch, and major mechanical assemblies have accumulated moderate wear but should not yet be approaching end-of-life thresholds, with focus instead falling on chassis, suspension, brake, and fluid degradation items that correlate more closely with age than mileage. For a physical inspection, the recurring advisories should be examined closely. The front sub-frame corrosion noted in both 2024 and 2025 warrants a thorough under-vehicle check, ideally on a ramp, to confirm the corrosion remains cosmetic and has not progressed to seriously weakened structural integrity around mounting points, suspension pick-ups, or steering rack attachments. The front suspension arm pin or bush wear flagged on both sides at the latest test should be assessed by rocking the wheels at ride height to detect any excessive play, and on a test drive the buyer should listen for clonking or knocking noises over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during full-lock manoeuvres, as worn bushes typically produce audible impacts and can allow imprecise steering. The 2024 advisory on front brake disc wear, combined with twelve years of service, suggests the discs may now be approaching their minimum thickness or showing lipping, so a check for brake shudder under firm pedal application, visible scoring or pitting on the disc surface, and the free movement of caliper sliders is advisable to rule out binding calipers which are common on vehicles of this vintage that may sit for extended periods. Given the age and the advisory history relating to rear coil spring corrosion and uneven tyre wear, the buyer should also carry out a number of age-related checks beyond the MOT record. All four tyres, including any recent replacements, should be inspected for sidewall perishing and cracking from age even if the tread depth remains legal, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as batteries over six years old are prone to failure, and the date code on the existing unit will confirm its service life. Brake fluid, coolant, and gearbox or transmission fluid should be evaluated against service schedule dates, as these degrade on a time basis regardless of mileage, with brake fluid being particularly hygroscopic and typically requiring replacement every two years to prevent boiling under heavy braking. Finally, ensure that the registration plate lamps illuminate correctly as a simple pre-delivery rectification, and verify a complete service history with stamps at the correct intervals to confirm the maintenance trend aligns with the chassis and brake wear observed.